Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 (UNI) Kerala’s marine products and spices sectors are poised for a significant export boost following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to drive higher demand from the United Kingdom (UK).
Key products such as shrimp, tuna, and black pepper are likely to see increased market access, benefiting exporters based in Kochi and Alappuzha—two of the state’s major trade hubs.
“The FTA is expected to significantly benefit Kerala exporters with a projected surge in UK demand. Exporters in Kochi and Alappuzha, key centres for the seafood and spice trade, are likely to be major beneficiaries of the improved market access and reduced trade barriers under the agreement,” sources said.
Advocate Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson of the Spices Board, said, “The new trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom marks a significant milestone for Indian spice exports.”
“The elimination of tariffs on 99% of Indian tariff lines in the UK market will greatly benefit not only India’s manufacturing sector but also our vast farming and trading communities.”
“This development will provide a major boost to Indian exports—including our world-renowned spices—and open up new opportunities in one of our key international markets.”
“We see this as a strategic step forward in reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in spice exports,” she added.
