India-EU Free Trade Deal: Exporters Upbeat, Predict Accelerated Growth

• India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), set to come into force early next year.
• Exporters anticipate significant growth in various sectors, including footwear, leather, and apparel, due to import duty concessions.
• The EU is India's largest goods trading partner, with bilateral trade at USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25; the FTA aims to boost India's 17% share of total exports to the bloc.
• The deal is expected to double apparel exports over the next three years, with zero-duty access to the EU market enhancing India's competitiveness.
• Experts hail the FTA as comprehensive, opening new avenues for exports, investment, services, student mobility, and digital trade.

Why It Matters: The India-EU FTA is poised to significantly boost India's exports, manufacturing, and global trade position.