What is the impact of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement on Indian footwear exports?

The India-EU FTA eliminates tariffs up to 17% on leather and footwear products, significantly enhancing India's export competitiveness and providing zero-duty access to the EU market.

How much did India's leather and footwear exports grow in FY25?

India's leather, non-leather footwear, and related product exports increased by 25% year-on-year in FY25, reaching ₹48,667 crore ($5.7 billion).

Which regions are expected to benefit from the new EU FTA for Indian footwear?

The FTA is anticipated to boost sourcing from key Indian clusters such as Agra-Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Vellore-Ambur in Tamil Nadu.

Home / Business and Economy / India's Footwear Exports Soar 25% on EU Trade Deal

India's Footwear Exports Soar 25% on EU Trade Deal

28 Jan

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Summary

Footwear exports surged 25% to $5.7 billion in FY25.
New EU FTA eliminates up to 17% tariffs, boosting competitiveness.
Deal boosts exports to EU, a key market valued at $2.4 billion.

India's Footwear Exports Soar 25% on EU Trade Deal

India's leather, non-leather footwear, and related product exports saw a substantial 25% year-on-year rise, accumulating ₹48,667 crore ($5.7 billion) in FY25. This surge is significantly bolstered by the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect recently. The agreement eliminates tariffs ranging from 4.5% to 17% on various products, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods in the global market.

The EU, a bloc of 27 nations, alongside the UK, represents the largest combined export market for India's footwear industry, accounting for approximately 60% of the total exports. The FTA is anticipated to provide a significant boost to Indian exporters targeting the EU's substantial import market, estimated at nearly $100 billion. This agreement is also expected to stimulate sourcing from key manufacturing hubs like Agra-Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Vellore-Ambur in Tamil Nadu, fostering job creation and enterprise growth.