India, United Kingdom discuss key sticking points delaying rollout of CETA
India and the UK held discussions on the key issues delaying implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the two countries. The pact was signed in July last year. The issues were discussed during a meeting between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal and UK Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks.
Britain's steel safeguard measure and carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are delaying the implementation of the pact. India is reportedly likely to rebalance some duty concessions on certain British products, such as Scotch whisky, under the agreement with the UK if these issues are not addressed. The UK will limit tariff-free steel imports, reducing overall quota volumes by 60 per cent compared to the steel safeguard measure from July 1, 2026. Any imports above these levels will then face a 50 per cent tariff.
Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle, focusing on ways to expand economic collaboration. Goyal stated ‘Had great conversations on charting the next phase of India-UK economic engagement, advancing shared business priorities, and further strengthening our robust and forward-looking partnership.’
