India-UK FTA Live July 15: Whisky Tariffs Crash 150% to 40%, Autos to 10%, Cosmetics Duty-Free
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement enters into force July 15, rewriting import math for Indian retailers across liquor, automotive and beauty. UK whisky tariffs drop from 150% to 40%, autos fall from 100% to 10% under quota, and cosmetics duties of up to 22% are eliminated. Bilateral trade stood at $56 billion in FY24-25.
What happened
India-UK FTA enters into force July 15, slashing tariffs on UK whisky (150% to 40%), automotives (100% to 10% under quota) and cosmetics (up to 22% eliminated),
Key facts
- whisky tariffs 150% to 40%
- automotive 100% to 10%
- cosmetics up to 22% eliminated
- $56 billion trade FY24-25
- July 15 entry-into-force
Why this matters
Window opens for UK brand JVs, exclusive distribution deals, and bolt-on acquisitions of Indian importers whose moats just eroded as tariff arbitrage collapses.