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Processing sector bracing for major shift as India-UK pact set to take effect
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Wednesday, 24 June, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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India’s agrifood and processing sectors are bracing for a major shift as the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially takes effect on July 15, 2026. The trade pact eliminates steep British import tariffs, granting Indian exporters a major competitive edge in one of Europe’s largest consumer markets.
Under the framework, the UK will scrap import duties across several key categories. Most notably, current tariffs of up to 70% on processed food products and up to 21.5% on marine goods will drop to zero. This immediate duty-free access is expected to directly benefit Indian farmers, coastal fishermen, and food processing units by reducing export costs and expanding market reach.
To safeguard domestic rural economies, negotiators built strict exclusion lists into the agreement. India has completely insulated its sensitive agricultural sectors from foreign competition, maintaining full protections for domestic dairy, cereals, millets, apples, oilseeds, and vegetable products.
Beyond commodities, the deal features a unique mobility clause aimed at exporting Indian culinary and cultural heritage. Under this provision, 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians will receive dedicated annual access to work in the UK.
As per the Ministry of Commerce, the bilateral agreement establishes a more secure supply chain while positioning the India's agricultural sector as a competitive force in global trade.
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