India-UK FTA: Indian Farm Exports to Gain Major Duty-Free Access

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in London, eliminates duties on over 95% of India’s agricultural and processed food exports, as per the news reports. This includes categories like fruits, vegetables, cereals, pickles, spice mixes, fruit pulp, and ready-to-eat meals.

Low Current Share, High Scope

While India exports $36.63 billion in agricultural products globally, only $811 million reaches the UK. In comparison, the UK imports $37.52 billion in agri-products overall. The deal creates potential to increase India’s share in that market.

The removal of import duties will reduce landing costs for Indian goods, improving access to both mainstream and ethnic UK retail networks. This is expected to help Indian farmers secure better margins and expand their reach in export categories.

Marine Products from Coastal States

The agreement also benefits India’s fisheries sector by eliminating tariffs of 4.2% to 8.5% on 99% of seafood exports to the UK. Items like shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feeds will now enter duty-free, especially helping states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Farmers will now be able to explore export opportunities for newer products like jackfruit, millets, vegetables, and organic herbs. This is expected to support crop diversification and help manage domestic market fluctuations.

No Tariff Cuts for Sensitive Sectors

Dairy, apples, oats, and edible oils have been excluded from the deal. These items will continue to face existing import duties in the UK, keeping protective measures in place for Indian producers in these categories.

Read More: India-EFTA Trade Deal Kicks Off October 1, 2025: Piyush Goyal!

Current Exports 

The UK currently accounts for 1.7% of India’s coffee exports, 5.6% of tea, and 2.9% of spices. With the duty removal, these shares are expected to rise. As per news reports, the government projects over 20% growth in agri-exports to the UK within 3 years.

Conclusion

The FTA is expected to play a major role in India’s broader agricultural export target of $100 billion by 2030, offering wider access without compromising key domestic sectors.

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