Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics

India trade deal: do the groundwork now, urges LTS

[ May 21, 2025   //   Chris Lewis ]

Freight forwarder LTS Global Solutions co-owner Mirza Baig is urging companies to ensure that they have the right infrastructure is in place to deliver them reliably to customers, following the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement on 6 May.

Under the deal the UK will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, including footwear, which currently face tariffs of 4% to 16%.

India will cut tariffs on UK whisky and gin from 150% to 75% initially on implementation, reducing to 40% by the tenth year of the deal. India is the world’s largest whisky market by volume.

Baig said: “Reduced tariffs also create strategic opportunities for UK firms to reduce their dependence on any one region or country-specific supply chain and keep trade flowing in the event of more US tariff shocks, for instance, or any other socio-economic or geopolitical issues. The new trade deal essentially offers a route for firms to redesign supply chains by tapping into India’s manufacturing strength and growing consumer base, while also diversifying risk.”

LTS Global Solutions earlier this year opened a regional hub in New Delhi.

Tags: LTS