India-UK CETA takes effect July 15, zeroing tariffs on apparel, leather and footwear exports

The India-UK trade pact grants duty-free access for Indian apparel, leather and footwear exporters from July 15, with footwear duty falling from 4.5% to 0%. AEPC and FIEO report surging buyer enquiries; apparel exports to the UK could double in two years, sharpening India's edge over Bangladesh, Vietnam and China.

— Filed Tue, 14 Jul, 2026, 21:23 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

India-UK CETA takes effect July 15, giving duty-free access to Indian apparel, leather, footwear and textile exporters. Buyer enquiries rising sharply; apparel exports to UK could double in two years, boosting competitiveness versus Bangladesh, Vietnam and China.

Why this matters

AEPC's projection of doubling UK apparel exports signals a structural shift in India's export competitiveness, positioning it ahead of Bangladesh, Vietnam and China as duty-free access reshapes buyer sourcing decisions.

Retail-company signals accelerating at +783900% QoQ.

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