Sun May 11 14:52:41 UTC 2025: ## India-UK FTA to Boost Textile Exports, Industry Leaders Say

**COIMBATORE, INDIA (May 11, 2025)** – The recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom is poised to significantly boost Indian textile and garment exports, according to industry leaders. The agreement eliminates tariffs, giving Indian businesses a competitive edge against rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam in the UK market.

The FTA is expected to particularly benefit textile clusters in Tiruppur and Karur. Indian garment exports, currently holding a 6.1% share of the UK market, are projected to grow substantially. Top export items include cotton t-shirts, vests, dresses, and baby clothes. Industry experts predict a market share increase to 10-12% within the next three years.

Shaleen Toshniwal, chairman of the Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council, highlighted India’s vertically integrated supply chain as a key advantage, enabling faster turnaround times and greater flexibility. Sudhir Sekhri, chairman of AEPC, noted that Indian exporters will no longer face the previously applied 9.6% duty. The growth in ready-made garment (RMG) exports to the UK already saw a 7.8% increase between April 2024 and March 2025.

The FTA’s positive impact extends to home textiles, with the Karur cluster, specializing in kitchen linen, expecting a doubling of exports. S.K. Sundararaman, chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), emphasized that ready-made garments account for approximately 70% of total UK textile imports, making this agreement crucial for significant growth. The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, anticipates enhanced competitiveness and new business opportunities as a result of the FTA.

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