India has significant scope to expand processed food exports to the UK after the implementation of the India-UK trade pact, with the country currently accounting for only 0.6% of Britain’s annual processed food imports worth $50.68 billion.
New Delhi, October 22 — India has substantial room to increase its processed food exports to the United Kingdom, as the country currently accounts for only a small share of Britain’s large import market, according to the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).
The UK imports around $50.68 billion worth of processed food annually, while India’s share stands at just 0.6%, or about $309.5 million.
TPCI said the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) could significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian food exporters in the British market.
India and the UK implemented the trade agreement on July 15, 2026, with the aim of expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Under the pact, UK tariffs of up to 70% on processed foods have been eliminated.
Duties of 4.2% to 8.5% on shrimp and tariffs on instant coffee have also been removed, giving Indian exporters improved market access and greater price competitiveness.
TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla said the food and beverage sector represents a major growth opportunity under the new trade framework.
He said the tariff changes could help Indian companies increase shipments and build a stronger presence in the UK market.
To support the expansion, TPCI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC).
The partnership will focus on connecting businesses, facilitating trade missions, sharing market intelligence and creating growth opportunities for small and medium enterprises in both countries.
Singla said TPCI and UKIBC will work closely to ensure that the momentum created by the trade agreement translates into tangible business opportunities.
As part of the initiative, the two organisations held an India-UK Trade Promotion Event on Food and Beverages in London on October 15.
The event brought together 48 Indian exporting companies and 150 UK-based importers, providing businesses with opportunities for direct buyer-seller interaction.
The UK market offers significant potential for Indian exporters in categories such as processed foods, marine products, coffee and other value-added food products.
TPCI believes that the removal of tariffs, combined with stronger business engagement and market-development initiatives, could help Indian food companies increase their share of the UK market over the coming years.
The trade pact is also expected to support broader efforts to diversify India’s export destinations and increase the share of value-added food products in the country’s overall export basket.
