India-EU FTA to Boost Exports, Manufacturing: Exporters Hail Landmark Deal

• Exporters anticipate the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will significantly boost India's exports to the 27-nation bloc and promote domestic manufacturing.
• The EU is India's largest goods trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25; the FTA is expected to come into force early next year.
• The footwear and leather industry projects exports to the EU to reach USD 6 billion by 2030, while apparel exports are expected to double over the next three years due to zero-duty access.
• Tariff concessions in sectors like wines, spirits, automobiles, textiles, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, and leather products are expected to catalyze exports.
• The FTA eliminates tariffs on 100 percent of apparel tariff lines, providing a level playing field for Indian exporters against competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Why It Matters: The India-EU FTA is set to significantly boost Indian exports and manufacturing across key sectors.