The recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a turning point for the global apparel trade-especially for fashion businesses in the United Kingdom looking to source high-quality garments at competitive rates. Under the new agreement, the UK has eliminated import tariffs on Indian textile and apparel products, including cotton T-shirts, loungewear, babywear, and sleepwear.
For UK buyers, this change translates directly into better margins, improved sourcing flexibility, and faster turnaround. For Indian exporters, particularly those in Tiruppur, the deal is expected to significantly boost outbound shipments.
At Mirthuni Apparel Sourcing Service, we are already helping UK brands transition into this new era of sourcing. Based in Tiruppur, we’ve built a network of compliant, export-ready factories delivering knitted garments across categories. With duties now removed, it’s the ideal time to explore sourcing from India’s knitwear capital.
What Has Changed with the India-UK FTA?
Before this agreement, the UK levied import duties between 8% and 16% on most garments originating from India. These tariffs made it harder for Indian exporters to compete with countries that had preferential trade access to the UK, such as Bangladesh or Turkey.
Now, those duties are gone-effective immediately for qualifying Indian garments. That means:
➜ UK importers no longer need to absorb or pass on duty costs
➜ Indian products can enter the UK at zero customs duty, provided they meet the rules of origin under the agreement
➜ The cost savings are instant and significant, especially in large or frequent shipments
For example, if a UK brand was importing cotton T-shirts at £2.00 FOB value per piece from Tiruppur, the old 12% duty would have added £0.24 per unit. Eliminating that not only reduces landed cost but also frees up margin for marketing, retail discounts, or reinvestment.
What This Means for UK Buyers
The removal of import tariffs is a direct financial benefit for UK-based:
➟ Fashion retailers (online and brick-and-mortar)
➟ Private label brands
➟ Buying agencies and sourcing consultants
➟ Promotional and merchandise companies
By shifting or expanding sourcing to India, these businesses can:
➟ Lower unit cost without compromising on quality
➟ Diversify vendor base and reduce reliance on China or other markets
➟ Improve delivery timelines through FOB, CIF, or DAP shipping from South India
➟ Tap into the ethically certified, vertically integrated ecosystem of Tiruppur
Even for smaller buyers or emerging brands, the cost differential is large enough to make India more attractive than ever.
UK Brands Already Sourcing from Tiruppur
Tiruppur has been a trusted export hub for UK brands for over two decades. Some of the leading names currently sourcing from the region include:
➜ Tesco F&F: sourcing everyday cotton garments and kidswear
➜ Marks & Spencer: importing babywear and certified nightwear
➜ Primark: sourcing loungewear, T-shirts, and basics in bulk
➜ George at ASDA: importing schoolwear and casual fashion
➜ Next: sourcing printed tees and seasonal knitwear styles
These brands choose Tiruppur for a reason-quality, speed, compliance, and reliability. With the FTA in place, we expect many more UK labels to follow.
Why Tiruppur Is Ideal for Post-FTA Sourcing
Tiruppur, located in Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest center for knitted garment manufacturing, producing over half of the country’s knitwear exports.
The city is uniquely equipped to handle UK buyer requirements:
● Massive production capacity for cotton T-shirts, polos, joggers, hoodies, and loungewear
● In-house processing facilities for dyeing, compacting, printing, embroidery, and washing
● Factories certified by WRAP, BSCI, ISO, GOTS, SEDEX and more
● Flexible MOQ options suitable for both large retailers and emerging brands
● Fast sampling turnaround and experienced merchandisers
For categories like flame-resistant sleepwear for kids, organic infantwear, or brandwear with puff or HD prints, Tiruppur has proven capabilities that UK buyers can count on.
India UK FTA Textile Benefits: Helping UK Brands Get Started
As a Tiruppur-based sourcing and production management partner, Mirthuni Apparel Sourcing Service offers UK clients a simple, transparent way to tap into this opportunity.
Our services include:
➺ Tech pack review and product development
➺ Factory matchmaking based on quality, MOQ, and compliance needs
➺ Sampling coordination and pricing breakdown
➺ Production tracking with real-time updates
➺ Shipping via FOB, CIF, or DAP to UK ports and warehouses
We also assist in meeting UK safety and labeling standards, especially important in sensitive categories like babywear and children’s sleepwear.
Whether you’re ordering 500 pieces or 50,000, our model is built to help you scale with confidence.
Product Categories That Benefit Most
Some of the high-potential product lines for UK buyers under the new FTA include:
→ Combed cotton and bio-washed T-shirts (plain, printed, pigment-dyed)
→ Men’s and women’s loungewear sets
→ Children’s pajamas and sleepwear (CFR 1615/1616 compliant)
→ Organic cotton onesies, bodysuits, and infantwear
→ Teamwear, brandwear, and printed uniforms
By eliminating the tariff burden, UK brands can now price these products more competitively—or enjoy larger margins on the same MRP.
Take Action Before Demand Surges
Factory lines in Tiruppur are already seeing a pickup in inquiries from UK buyers. By acting early, your brand can:
✦ Secure better production slots
✦ Test new product lines with small MOQ runs
✦ Avoid rush premiums in upcoming peak seasons
If you’ve considered India before, this is your best chance to start. And if you’re already sourcing from us-let’s expand.
Start Your Post-FTA Sourcing Plan Today
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement isn’t just a diplomatic headline-it’s a practical win for sourcing teams and buyers who want to work smarter, save costs, and grow responsibly.
At Mirthuni Apparel Sourcing Service, we’re here to help you take full advantage of it.
👉 Contact us today for a tailored proposal, factory options, and sample plan.
