The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement came into force on July 15 and a Global Trade Research Institute report identified garments, automobiles, textiles, processed foods and seafood as sectors best placed to unlock new export opportunities. The report noted that India remains a relatively small supplier to the United Kingdom, with the UK importing $928.9 billion (bn) of goods globally in 2025 but only $15.2 bn from India, representing one point six per cent of UK imports.

Garments were singled out for the highest potential: India supplied $1.3 bn, or six point one per cent, of UK garment imports in 2025 and the UK already accounts for eight per cent of India's global garment shipments. Textiles, leather and footwear also present prospects, while processed foods such as ready-to-eat meals, bakery items and sauces offer growth if sanitary and traceability standards are met.

The report highlighted cereals, vegetables, fruits, spices and seafood as areas with import demand but noted exporters will need to satisfy stringent food-safety norms. Processed foods were measured against the United Kingdom's $33.4 bn import market, where India held a one point one per cent share.

Automobiles, motorcycles and auto components were identified as sizeable long-term opportunities given the United Kingdom's large vehicle market, in which India currently has only zero point four per cent penetration. Machinery, electronics and fabricated metal products could expand through deeper supply-chain integration but progress will hinge on technology, certification and quality standards rather than tariffs alone.

GTRI advised that the largest gains would come where India's export strengths align with robust UK demand and meaningful tariff reductions under CETA, and recommended a sector-specific export strategy with parallel work on standards, certification, logistics and buyer networks. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals were described as medium potential while iron and steel, ores and petroleum were seen as having limited upside because of structural barriers and carbon-related costs.