UK-India Trade Boost: Duties on Garments, Sports Goods, and Textiles Scrapped, Punjab Exporters Set to Gain
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi/Chandigarh, July 24, 2025 —
Former Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has highlighted a major trade breakthrough under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, with the UK set to eliminate import duties of 8–12% on Indian garments, sports goods, and home textiles. This move is expected to significantly enhance exports from Punjab, a key hub for these industries.
In addition, basmati rice—where Punjab leads production—and spices will become more affordable in the UK market, providing direct benefits to Punjab's farmers and exporters by improving competitiveness and market access.
"Import duties of 8–12% on Indian garments, sports goods & home textiles will be removed—boosting exports from Punjab. Basmati (Punjab a leading producer) & spices will also become cheaper in the UK, benefiting Punjab’s farmers and exporters!" Sandhu stated in his tweet, underscoring the potential for economic growth in the region.
The policy change aims to strengthen bilateral trade ties, opening new opportunities for Punjab's manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Industry experts anticipate increased demand, higher revenues for farmers, and job creation in export-oriented units across the state.
Stakeholders, including farmer unions and export associations, have welcomed the development, noting its role in making "Made in Punjab" products more viable on the global stage.
