On 24 July 2025, India and the United Kingdom concluded nearly two years of negotiation by ratifying a major Free Trade Agreement, widely regarded as one of the most impactful commercial treaties in recent memory.
The deal, which is expected to facilitate £25.5 billion in bilateral trade, introduces tariff-free access for Indian-made goods into the UK. In doing so, it establishes a streamlined, barrier-free trade route between two of the world’s leading economies—granting direct entry to over 1,000 Indian export lines, from garments to high-end manufacturing components (Economic Times).
These items will now enter the UK without incurring any tariffs. Previously, Indian textile products attracted import duties of 10–12%, while leather items were charged up to 20% (Indian Express). All such tariffs will now be scrapped. Meanwhile, British exporters are also poised to benefit. From electric vehicles to premium spirits like Scotch whisky, UK products will enjoy improved access to India’s dynamic and fast-growing marketplace.
The FTA Advantage
Apart from slashing tariffs, the agreement brings in practical policies to strengthen bilateral trade. Key features include digital documentation, 48-hour custom clearance targets, and deferred duty payment arrangements. Such features minimize operational barriers and streamline procurement processes, especially benefitting smaller enterprises that can now compete more effectively.
A government press note indicates that India’s portion of UK clothing imports may grow by more than 5% over the coming two years (PIB), as buyers redirect sourcing from nation like Bangladesh, China, towards more dependable, economically viable Indian supply chains.
How rivexa Helps UK Buyers Explore the New Trade Landscape
To support UK businesses in turning policy into practice, rivexa provides a seamless gateway into India’s verified supply chain ecosystem. Built by mjunction Services Limited, a Tata Steel and Steel Authority of India Limited joint venture, rivexa is a digital-first sourcing platform designed for global buyers.
The platform goes beyond supplier matchmaking. Every supplier listed on rivexa is verified for export readiness, compliance standards, and manufacturing capabilities. This helps reduce sourcing risk and improve overall turnaround time. For global buyers newly considering India as a sourcing destination, rivexa simplifies the onboarding process with custom documentation support and transparent quotations.
What Procurement Teams Can Source on rivexa
The India-UK FTA creates practical pathways for distributors sourcing OEM parts or buyers exploring alternatives to China and other risk-prone markets. rivexa provides export ready Indian manufacturers across apparel, home textiles, and industrial components with verified capabilities and documentation.
Fashion and Home Textiles:
UK buyers can use the rivexa marketplace to access multiple categories, such as menswear, women’s wear, uniforms, footwear, home textiles suited to both retail and hospitality. Many suppliers work with custom tech packs and accommodate flexible MOQs – features relevant for mid-sized UK brands navigating cost and lead time pressures.
Industrial Components and MRO Supplies:
On the industrial side, the platform also supports the sourcing of components such as drawing-based CNC machined parts, OEM aftermarket and replacement parts, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) supplies such as belts, bearings, valves, connectors, switches, etc. Buyers can enable you to review technical fit, turnaround timelines, and compliance readiness – particularly valuable is you’re diversifying suppliers or managing complex CAPEX or OPEX sourcing cycles.
With the India-UK FTA dramatically improving cost structures, and rivexa’s digital infrastructure reducing complexity, procurement leaders in the UK can now source with greater transparency, speed, and confidence from India’s manufacturing sector.
For sourcing and procurement needs, visit: www.rivexa.com
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Disclaimer
This press release incorporates industry analytical intelligence and quantitative metrics as documented by PwC, Deloitte, EY, BCG, CNBC, CNN, BBC, MSN, JP Morgan, Reuters, KPMG, and others, alongside citations on applicable trade agreements. It is intended to provide a thorough view of global sourcing trends and India’s strengthening role in manufacturing. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on this information.
