India-UK FTA live July 15: whisky tariffs crash 150%→40%, autos 100%→10%, cosmetics duties phased out

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement takes effect July 15, unlocking £25.5B in annual trade. British whisky tariffs collapse from 150% to 40%, autos from 100% to 10%, and cosmetics duties (up to 22%) phase out. Indian apparel, footwear and food exporters gain reciprocal UK duty relief, resetting retail import economics on both sides.

— Source publishedWed, 17 Jun, 2026, 20:31 IST·First seen Wed, 17 Jun, 2026, 20:50 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

India-UK FTA takes effect July 15, slashing tariffs on British whisky (150% to 40%), autos (100% to 10%) and cosmetics (up to 22% phased out), while lowering UK

Key facts

  • £25.5 billion annual trade boost
  • £4.8 billion UK GDP
  • whisky tariff 150% to 40%
  • auto tariff 100% to 10%
  • cosmetics tariff up to 22% eliminated/phased
  • £400m tariff cuts year one
  • 60 months social security

Why this matters

Accelerate India JV and distribution M&A for UK-origin brands now that landed-cost math works, and scout Indian apparel/footwear targets gaining reciprocal UK duty relief for inbound European platform plays.

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