The Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) has urged the Government of India to secure zero-duty market access for wool and woollen products under the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), citing the sector’s importance to traditional manufacturing clusters and MSMEs.
According to WWEPC Chairman R C Khanna, India currently exports wool and woollen products worth over USD 45 million annually to the European Union. Despite being a niche and value-added segment with high employment potential, Indian exporters continue to face tariff barriers in the EU, impacting their competitiveness in the global market.
The Council has been consistently advocating for the complete removal of tariffs on wool and woollen products as part of the ongoing FTA negotiations. WWEPC said zero-duty access would provide a significant boost to traditional clusters, artisans and micro, small and medium enterprises, while enabling Indian exporters to compete on equal terms in the EU market.
“As the India–EU FTA negotiations move closer to conclusion, we are confident that the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister will ensure zero-duty access for all wool and woollen products,” Khanna said.
WWEPC added that such an outcome would strengthen India’s footprint in the European market, promote sustainable exports and help safeguard livelihoods across the wool and woollen value chain. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of India to ensure the sector’s interests are adequately reflected in the final agreement.