CETA – India-UK Trade Deal Opens New Export Opportunities Across Key Industries
CETA – India marked the first day of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom by dispatching 50 export consignments valued at more than $140 million. The agreement officially came into effect on Wednesday, allowing Indian businesses across several sectors to benefit from reduced trade barriers and improved access to one of the country’s important overseas markets.
Prime Minister Highlights Long-Term Economic Benefits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the implementation of the India-UK trade agreement as a significant milestone for the country’s economic growth. In a message shared on social media, he said the pact is expected to create new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He also noted that the agreement would strengthen collaboration in technology, innovation and professional services while creating better prospects for skilled Indian professionals seeking international opportunities.
Zero-Duty Access Expected to Support Export Growth
With the free trade agreement now in force, exporters from several labour-intensive industries are set to benefit from zero-duty access to the UK market. Sectors including textiles, apparel, handicrafts, engineering products, gems and jewellery, and marine products are among those expected to witness improved competitiveness as import duties on eligible goods are removed.
Exporters wasted little time in taking advantage of the agreement. Shipments from multiple industries were dispatched on the very first day under the new tariff structure, reflecting strong industry readiness and confidence in the trade framework.
Jewellery Industry Begins Shipments Under New Agreement
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) confirmed that around 30 exporters sent consignments of gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery to the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The total value of these exports was estimated at nearly $10 million.
Industry representatives believe the agreement could significantly expand business opportunities in the UK. According to the council, jewellery exports to the British market are projected to reach approximately $2.5 billion over the next three years as demand grows and tariff advantages improve market access.
Commerce Ministry Announces Wider Trade Coverage
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that both the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Social Security have officially taken effect. He stated that the trade pact provides zero-duty market access for almost 99% of India’s exports, covering nearly the entire value of bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries.
The government expects the agreement to improve export competitiveness, encourage higher trade volumes and strengthen economic ties with the United Kingdom over the coming years.
Trade Facilitation Measures Ready From Day One
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the necessary systems were established before the agreement became operational to ensure exporters could immediately benefit from its provisions. He explained that trade facilitation measures, including rules of origin, certification procedures and customs readiness, had been fully prepared ahead of implementation.
Officials have enabled the issuance of rules of origin certificates through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal. At the same time, customs authorities at ports and airports have introduced facilitation measures to ensure eligible consignments are processed smoothly under the new agreement.
The government believes these arrangements will help exporters complete documentation efficiently, minimise delays and fully utilise the benefits offered under the India-UK trade pact from its first day of operation.