Indian exporters are reporting a sharp uptick in orders from the UK ahead of the July 15 rollout of the bilateral trade pact, according to the Economic Times. Textile and garment exporters have seen orders rise 12% year-on-year, while orders for leather handbags and shoes have jumped 20%. Gems and jewellery exporters have consignments worth $6.5 million ready for shipment, and chemical exporters expect a 30–40% increase in shipments to the UK.
Export Orders Surge Across Sectors
Sharad Kumar Saraf, chairman of Technocraft Ind, a manufacturer and exporter of cotton yarn, fabrics and garments, told the Economic Times: "The order booking is happening for textiles and garments. Around 12% orders have been added as CETA will give a push to apparel and madeups business. We expect good business."
Ramesh Juneja, promoter of Kolkata-based JC Group, a leather goods manufacturer, said: "Orders have increased 20% year-on-year in segments such as ladies handbags and shoes."
In the gems and jewellery sector, Shaunak Parikh, vice chairman at the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said improved market access and a level playing field are expected to push exports to the UK to around $2.5 billion, with bilateral trade potentially reaching $7 billion.
Tariff Elimination Boosts Competitiveness
The trade agreement eliminates existing tariffs on key Indian export categories:
| Sector | Previous Tariff | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Leather and footwear | Up to 16% | Eliminated |
| Textiles and clothing | Up to 12% | Eliminated |
| Chemicals and pharmaceuticals | Up to 8% | Eliminated |
These reductions are expected to improve the price competitiveness of Indian products in the UK market, according to the report.
Industry Leaders React
"The order booking is happening for textiles and garments. Around 12% orders have been added as CETA will give a push to apparel and madeups business." — Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman, Technocraft Ind
The response from exporters indicates strong confidence in the pact's potential to deepen bilateral trade ties. Chemical exporters, for instance, anticipate a significant 30–40% rise in shipments, while the leather sector has already seen tangible order growth.
Broader Implications
The rush of orders underscores the strategic importance of the India-UK trade pact for Indian exporters. With key sectors poised for double-digit growth, the agreement appears to be delivering early momentum. For trade policy professionals and customs brokers, the July 15 effective date marks a critical milestone requiring updated compliance and tariff classification preparations.
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