Archive · 31 Jul 2026
India-UK FTA Boosts Textile Export Outlook Amid Bangladesh Competition
India’s textile industry is getting a boost because the U.S. lowered its tariffs on Indian goods, making them cheaper for American buyers.
India also signed a trade deal with the U.K. that removes some taxes, so more U.K. customers can buy Indian clothes.
A similar deal with the European Union is expected next year, which will help Indian exporters compete with countries like Bangladesh that have lower labor costs.
Indian companies have a big advantage because they grow cotton, spin it into yarn, and make clothes all in one place, while Bangladesh mainly focuses on making finished garments.
Even with these advantages, Bangladesh still has cheaper workers, so competition will stay tough.
Overall, Indian exporters are expected to grow their sales in the next few years, but they will need more investment to match Bangladesh’s scale.
US tariffs on Indian apparel dropped from 50% to 10% for four months, easing export costs.
India-UK FTA, effective July 15, 2023, removes 8‑12% import duties, boosting UK market share.
India-EU FTA, expected 2027, will eliminate 10‑12% duties, opening European markets.
India’s integrated cotton‑to‑garment supply chain gives it a competitive edge over Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s lower labor costs (35‑40% cheaper) and larger export scale keep it a strong competitor.
- Who
- Indian textile exporters and Motilal Oswal brokerage
- What
- Potential growth in exports due to FTAs and tariff changes
- When
- H1FY27, India-UK FTA effective July 15, 2023, India-EU FTA expected 2027
- Where
- India, United Kingdom, European Union, United States
- Why
- To increase market share and competitiveness against Bangladesh
- India-UK FTA effective date
- July 15, 2023
- US tariff reduction
- from 50% to 10% for four months
- India-UK FTA duty removal
- 8-12% import duties
- India-EU FTA duty removal
- 10-12% import duties
- India's cotton production rank
- second largest in world
- Bangladesh labor cost advantage
- 35-40% lower than India