Mumbai, July 24, 2025 –
The Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) has extended a warm welcome to the newly signed India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a landmark moment for India’s powerloom and broader textile sector.
Signed on July 23, 2025, the India–UK FTA grants duty-free access to over 99% of Indian exports to the United Kingdom. This includes a wide range of products from India’s core textile offerings—cotton fabrics, synthetic and blended textiles, made-ups, and home furnishings—predominantly produced by the Indian powerloom industry.
“New Era for Indian Powerloom Sector”
Shri K. Sakthivel, Chairman of PDEXCIL, described the agreement as a new era for Indian powerloom manufacturers and exporters: “This agreement marks a new era for Indian powerloom manufacturers and exporters. The elimination of tariffs on key textile products will significantly enhance our sector’s global competitiveness, allowing MSMEs to scale up exports and tap into premium markets across the United Kingdom.”
With the United Kingdom already ranking among India’s top export destinations for textiles, the elimination of customs duties under this FTA is expected to level the playing field for Indian exporters against global competitors who currently benefit from similar trade privileges.
Key Benefits to the Powerloom Sector
The agreement promises several tangible advantages for the Indian textile industry, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises:
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Zero-duty market access for a vast range of cotton, synthetic, and blended fabrics.
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Improved entry into the UK market for value-added products such as bedsheets, curtains, garments, and home textiles.
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New avenues for technology transfer, skill development, and joint ventures with UK-based companies.
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Strategic alignment with national initiatives like “Make in India” and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
These benefits are expected to accelerate India’s global positioning in textile exports, particularly for MSME-led production clusters.
Appreciation for Government Leadership
Chairman K. Sakthivel praised the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose emphasis on robust trade relations and industrial empowerment has steered India into this pivotal agreement.
He also acknowledged the instrumental role played by Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal ji, commending his persistent and strategic negotiations that led to the successful conclusion of this vital FTA:
“Chairman, PDEXCIL applauds the futuristic vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji. He also lauds the efforts of Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal ji, whose leadership and persistent negotiations played a vital role in the inclusion of critical provisions in the India–UK Free Trade Agreement.”
With this development, PDEXCIL reaffirms its commitment to supporting India’s textile exporters and maximizing the benefits from this transformative trade agreement.
