What do I need to know?
The UK government is seeking a deal that removes or reduces tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment between the UK and India.
In 2017, agricultural products covered only 0.4% of £8.5bn worth of UK goods and services exports to India, but there is potential to grow the market. India has a growing middle class that could be the second largest in the world by 2030, which has the potential to favour our high-quality lamb and dairy products, alongside organic foods and other niche products. Furthermore, India has many non-tariff barriers which currently apply to UK exports. For example, it has 236 sanitary and phytosanitary measures, compared to four that the UK applies, and 193 technical barriers to trade, compared to 54 applied by the UK.
However, India is among the top 10 agricultural exporters in the world and produces a range of products. As is the case with any trade deal, any agreement must ensure British farmers and growers are not undercut by agri-food imports that would be illegal to produce domestically.
How can I have my say?
The NFU will be responding to the consultation and would like to hear opinions from members. Any views submitted by members will feed into our response.
Please email your thoughts to Isabelle Rayner by 16 August 2021.
You may wish to give us your views on:
- Concerns about specific imports
- Information about specific farming practices
- Opportunities to send agri-food products
- Anything else surrounding trade
You can also respond to the consultation directly at the Gov.uk website.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 31 August 2021.