India–UK Free Trade Agreement opens new doors for Greater Noida’s ready-made apparel sector
The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has created fresh opportunities for the ready-made garments industry in Greater Noida district. Local exporters have welcomed the move and expressed optimism about its impact.
District exports about ₹46,000 crore worth of ready-made garments each year. Under the FTA, the existing 13 % export duty on these products will drop to nearly zero, which is expected to multiply demand for garments manufactured here.
The agreement has already stirred business activity across the industry. Analysts believe it can push India’s total ready-made apparel exports to the UK—currently about US $1.2 billion—much higher.
Around 1,143 product lines will attract zero tariffs. Officials at the Indian Industries Association (IIA) note that until now countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Cambodia enjoyed duty-free access to the UK market; India has now joined this group.
This will sharpen the competitiveness of Indian garments and is likely to trigger an immediate rise in orders for home textiles, carpets and handicrafts as well. Over the next two years, Indian exporters may secure a 6–8 % share of the UK ready-made garments market.
“This deal will be a game-changer for Noida’s apparel-export cluster, generating fresh employment and inviting fresh investment. It will also strengthen India’s textile industry globally,” says Rajeev Bansal, national vice-president, IIA.
Samant Saad, director of the export house Nehklank Textiles, adds, “Demand for ready-made garments and other goods will climb as we compete head-to-head with Bangladesh in the UK market. With US tariffs still uncertain, exporters are increasingly looking toward Britain.”
Visarad Gautam, member of the national executive committee of IIA, remarks, “Britain is a trade-intensive economy that imports the bulk of its everyday goods. As a result, we can expect a multi-fold rise in exports of food and other daily-use items from India.”