Key facts
- AEPC says India-UK CETA improves market access for Indian garment exporters
- Deal expected to reduce tariff barriers on Indian apparel in the UK
- Garments sector is a major employer across Indian manufacturing states
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has welcomed the India-UK trade agreement, stating that it will deliver better market access for Indian garment exporters — a development that could reshape one of the country's most significant export industries.
India's garment and textile sector is among the largest employers in the country, supporting millions of workers, particularly women, across manufacturing clusters in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the National Capital Region. Improved access to the UK market, one of the world's premium fashion and retail destinations, has long been a priority for the industry.
Previously, Indian apparel faced tariff disadvantages in the UK market compared to competitors from countries that had preferential trade arrangements. The new agreement is expected to level or tilt that playing field in India's favour, potentially boosting order volumes and encouraging fresh investment in apparel manufacturing capacity.
AEPC's positive response reflects broader industry optimism. Trade bodies and exporters will now study the fine print of the deal to assess which product categories benefit most and what rules of origin or compliance requirements apply. The India-UK CETA, if implemented smoothly, could set a template for how India structures future trade agreements with other major markets.