India’s newly concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) is expected to significantly widen the range of food and beverage products available to Indian consumers by lowering or eliminating import duties that previously made many European imports expensive and less competitive in the Indian market. Under the pact, tariffs on a variety …
India’s newly concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) is expected to significantly widen the range of food and beverage products available to Indian consumers by lowering or eliminating import duties that previously made many European imports expensive and less competitive in the Indian market.
Under the pact, tariffs on a variety of European food and drink items — including wine, beer, spirits, olive oil, pet food and processed foods — will be substantially reduced or phased out, making these products more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of Indian buyers.
For example, wine imports — which once faced duties as high as 150 % — could see levies cut to around 20 % for premium wines and 30 % for mid-range varieties, potentially increasing consumption beyond niche urban markets. Similarly, duties on spirits and beer are slated to drop significantly, with spirits falling to about 40 % and beer tariffs being roughly halved.
The agreement is part of a broader trade liberalisation effort that many analysts believe will not only enhance consumer choice and variety in Indian retail and hospitality sectors, but also spur competitive pricing across imported goods, thereby enriching the overall shopping experience for Indian customers.
