New Delhi, July 24, 2025 : Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are expected to gain significantly from the upcoming India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will remove duties on a wide range of agricultural exports.
Key Indian products including basmati rice, cotton, groundnuts, fruits, vegetables, onions, pickles, spices, tea, and coffee will enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market, boosting exports and rural incomes.
The FTA also protects domestic producers—with no tariff concessions on imports of dairy, apples, oats, and edible oils, safeguarding apple growers in Himachal and J&K, who had raised strong concerns.
Key Gains from the FTA:
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Agri & food-processing sectors will account for 14.8% and 10.6% of all agreed products, respectively.
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Over 95% of tariff lines on Indian agricultural goods will attract zero duty.
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Agri exports expected to rise over 20% in the next three years, aiding India’s $100 billion export target by 2030.
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India’s current food-processing exports to the UK stand at just $309.5 million, while the UK’s total import market is $50.68 billion—highlighting massive growth potential.
Regional Impact:
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Northern states: Basmati rice, cotton, fruits, and vegetables will see enhanced access.
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Himachal & J&K: Apple farmers remain protected, with no tariff cuts on UK apple imports.
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Southern states: Marine exporters in AP, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Odisha will benefit from zero-duty on shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, etc., targeting the UK’s $5.4 billion seafood market.
Strategic Sectors:
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Coffee, tea, and spices: Branded and value-added Indian exports will compete directly with European players.
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GI-tagged products: Items like feni (Goa), toddy (Kerala), and Nashik wines to gain premium shelf space in the UK.
India’s exporters will now enjoy trade terms matching or better than those of Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, and China, in several high-demand categories like bakery items, preserved fruits and vegetables, seafood, and oilseeds.
This FTA is scheduled to be signed in London on Thursday, marking a major milestone in India’s global agri-trade ambitions.
