India-EU FTA: Duty-Free Access for Textiles to Boost Exports, Create Jobs

• India's textiles exports to the European Union will gain duty-free access, eliminating import duties ranging from 0-12%.
• This move opens up the EU's Rs 22.9 lakh crore (USD 263.5 billion) import market for Indian textiles and clothing.
• The sector, India's second-largest employer after agriculture, will now compete with Bangladesh, which already enjoys zero duty access.
• The duty-free access is expected to significantly expand opportunities in yarn, cotton yarn, man-made fibre apparel, ready-made garments, and home textiles.
• Industry projections by AEPC estimate Indian apparel exports could grow by 20-25% year-on-year after the FTA's operationalization.

Why It Matters: India's textiles sector gains duty-free EU access, promising export growth and job creation.