British fruit on its way to India for the first time in 50 years

Apples from the UK can now be exported to India, following trade agreements between the 2 countries. British production had been excluded from the Indian market during the 1970s.

 

Last May, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson signed an ETP (Enhanced Trade Partnership), the precursor of a free trade agreement between the two countries.

 

This FTE includes the lifting of restrictions allowing UK fruit growers to export apples, pears and quinces to India for the first time. India was seen as an outlet with good potential, but British producers were excluded from the Indian market due to a ban dating back to the 1970s.

 

In the UK, Liz Truss, Secretary of International Trade recently tweeted: "Our apples are now on their way to India for the first time in 50 years thanks to ETP."

 

Hundreds of apple varieties are grown in the country, and the Braeburn, Bramley, Cox and Royal Gala varieties can now be exported to India.

 

This FTE is expected to help UK growers boost their exports, so far only 3% of the apple harvest is exported. According to Liz Truss, the UK has trade agreements with 68 countries.