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India–UK Pact Opens UK Market to Indian Seafood
India and the United Kingdom have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark free trade deal that will allow 99% of Indian exports to enter the UK market without customs duties. This includes a significant win for Indian seafood exporters, as a range of marine products will now be tariff-free.
Key Products Gain Unrestricted Access
Under the agreement, popular Indian exports such as Vannamei shrimp, black tiger prawns, lobsters, frozen pomfret, squid, and tuna will now be shipped to the UK without facing duties that previously ranged from 4% to over 8%. Industry officials are optimistic that this change could lead to as much as a 70% growth in seafood exports to the UK in the coming years.
Economic Opportunities for Coastal States
Major seafood-producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are expected to benefit directly from this trade boost. With India’s seafood exports currently valued at over ₹60,000 crore annually, the new trade environment is expected to uplift both large processors and small-scale businesses in the coastal regions.
Government Plans Outreach
The Indian government is planning more than 1,000 outreach programs across the country to help industries understand and take advantage of the new trade framework. The agreement is part of India’s broader push to diversify its trade partnerships and expand access to advanced economies.
Wider Economic Impact
Besides seafood, the FTA covers several other sectors, including textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, and leather goods. The UK government projects that the agreement will lead to £4.8 billion in annual economic gains for its own economy and significantly boost bilateral trade volumes by 2040.
Seafood Industry Eyes Big Opportunity
With Indian seafood currently accounting for just 2–3% of the UK’s $5.4 billion seafood import market, exporters believe this is an opportunity to greatly expand their presence. The duty-free access is expected to help India compete more effectively with global rivals such as Vietnam.
