After nearly two decades of negotiations, the European Union and India have announced a Free Trade Agreement. The agreement has been described as the “Mother of All Deals” by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Announced on 27 January, the agreement significantly reduces tariffs on European exports to the Indian market.
The FTA offers a major advantage for European petfood manufacturers. Under the agreement, tariffs on European food products, including petfood, will be reduced from levels of up to 50 percent to zero. European brands such as Farmina, Nugape and United Petfood are well-positioned to benefit from this deal.
India’s pet economy was valued at US$3.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed US$7 billion by 2030. At present, Thailand dominates India’s petfood import market, accounting for nearly 60 percent of imports in FY25. European brands have seen their market share in India decline significantly, from around 50 percent in FY18 to nearly 20 percent in FY25.