The UK and India have signed a historic Fair-Trade Agreement that aims to reduce trade barriers and stimulate economic growth between the two nations. This agreement strategically maintains high tariffs on chicken, egg products, sugar, and pork imported from India, thereby protecting UK farmers from competing with cost-effective imports that may not meet the UK’s stringent animal welfare standards.
India’s current animal welfare practices differ significantly from the UK’s, permitting methods like barren battery cages for laying hens—practices that have long been banned in the UK.
The Trade Deal Highlights
One key component of the agreement is an adjustment in tariffs on whisky and gin, with reductions from 150% to 75%, before a further decline to 40% by the end of ten years. Additionally, the deal addresses tariffs on various products, including salmon, chocolate, biscuits, and lamb.
The UK Maintains Regulatory Independence
The United Kingdom will retain its authority to set regulatory standards, ensuring that its high benchmarks for animal, human, and plant health remain intact. This independence was a crucial point for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), which has been advocating for protections that safeguard UK production standards and prevent the influx of lower-welfare imports.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw expressed approval for the agreement, noting that the government has taken the union’s concerns into account. “It’s reassuring that ministers have upheld the current tariff levels for sensitive products like sugar, chicken, eggs, and pork,” he stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted the successful negotiation for unfettered access to the Indian market for high-quality British lamb, while expressing disappointment regarding limited opportunities for exporting products like apples and oats. “Our dairy sector faces challenges, as access for British cheeses and dairy products into India remains restricted despite increasing foreign access,” Bradshaw added, emphasizing the cumulative concerns around the impact of ongoing liberalization on domestic food markets.
Focus on Animal Welfare
Animal welfare advocates, including Compassion in World Farming, have positively noted that the agreement does not include tariff reductions on imported pork, chicken, or egg products, which may deter potentially harmful imports that could undermine UK farming on both welfare and pricing grounds.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, applauded the deal but cautioned that the language regarding animal welfare standards could be stronger. Nonetheless, he appreciated the allowance for the UK to set its own welfare benchmarks and the potential for clear labeling indicating how products are produced.
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