As the UK-India Free Trade Agreement comes into force, global air and sea freight specialist Europa Air & Sea says the deal could mark a turning point for British businesses looking to build stronger, more resilient supply chains between the two markets.
Marking a pivotal moment in bilateral trade, the agreement is the most comprehensive deal ever agreed by India and could boost UK GDP by £4.8bn and real wages by £2.2bn in the long run.
Industries across the UK will benefit from tariffs being cut, including automotives which will be cut from 100 per cent to 10 per cent under a quota, and cosmetics will see tariffs of up to 22 per cent eliminated either from day one or after 10 years.
For UK companies reviewing their supply chains, the agreement puts India in a stronger commercial position. It becomes a more competitive sourcing market, a stronger export destination and a practical option for businesses looking to reduce dependence on a single manufacturing region.
India Moves from Opportunity To Action
While India has long been recognised for its scale, manufacturing strength and growth potential, many UK businesses have been cautious about taking the first step.
Concerns around supplier communication, shipment visibility, local knowledge and managing freight from a distance can make the market feel complex.
Europa says the new trade deal changes the commercial case, but businesses still need the right support to turn tariff savings into a reliable supply chain.
Europa Air & Sea is part of one of the UK’s largest independent logistics operators, Europa Worldwide Group and established its Delhi office in 2023, following a period of investment to grow its global footprint.
Angus Hind, Air & Sea Director at Europa Worldwide Group, commented: “The UK-India trade agreement is a major moment for British businesses. Tariff reductions will make India more attractive, but companies also need to know how to use that opportunity with confidence.”
“Europa has a clear advantage here. We have our own teams in both the UK and India, working through shared systems and speaking directly to customers and suppliers at both ends of the journey.”
One Company, Both Ends of The Route
Europa Air & Sea’s UK-India service is built around direct control. Customers are supported by Europa’s specialists on both sides of the operation in India and the UK, rather than working with a UK forwarder and an unknown overseas agent.
This gives customers a single point of accountability, clearer communication and better visibility from shipment planning through to delivery.
With Europa’s scheduled weekly Air & Sea consols and robust IT infrastructure, customers can benefit from a consistent product that offers full shipment visibility through its online platform with advanced tracking capabilities, helping to reduce uncertainty and support better planning.
Turning The Deal into Real Trade
Europa Air & Sea supports UK-India trade through:
- Air and sea freight between the UK and India
- Supplier liaison and shipment readiness checks in India
- Customs clearance and documentation support
- Warehousing and UK distribution
- Export support for UK businesses selling into India
- Shipment visibility through connected systems
- Customer support from Europa teams in both markets
The company believes the agreement will encourage more UK businesses to look seriously at India as part of a wider sourcing strategy, particularly in sectors where tariff reductions improve competitiveness.
“Lower tariffs can open the door, but they do not move the goods. Businesses still need a partner that can manage the detail, communicate clearly and give them confidence from origin to destination.” Hind added.
“For customers looking at India for the first time, our message is simple. You do not have to navigate it alone. Europa has people on the ground, the infrastructure in the UK and the experience to help businesses build trade that lasts.”
Between 2022 and 2024, Europa Air & Sea opened sites in the UAE, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Delhi, bringing its confidence, visibility and innovative services closer to local markets.
