Cotton textile exporters have advocated zero-duty access in the EU in the ongoing India–EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations which are expected to get concluded on January 27.
“Such a deal would help restore competitiveness, strengthen farmer-linked value chains, support MSME exporters, and promote sustainable, value-added exports and significantly enhance India’s footprint in the European Union market,” the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council said.
The cotton textiles sector provides livelihoods to lakhs of rural artisans, currently exports over $1.3 billion annually to the 27-country bloc.
However, tariff barriers in the EU market place Indian cotton-based products at a competitive disadvantage compared to some countries, it said, adding that it has consistently advocated zero-duty access in the ongoing India–EU negotiations.
“As the India–EU Free Trade Agreement moves closer to conclusion, we once again look towards to secure comprehensive zero-duty market access for all cotton textiles products,” the council said.
The EU remains India’s largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $136 billion in 2024-25.>
