Garment exporters are pleading for a trade treaty with Britain after it voted to leave the European Union (EU).

“A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is paramount to boost our exports, including garment to the UK” Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) president, A Sakthivel said.

Knitwear exporters in Tirupur who are pitching for FTA with the EU, also want a separate pact with Britain. The EU is a major destination for ready-made garments, with the UK a leading market. Europe makes up 46 per cent of apparel exports, of which Britain share is 40 per cent.

AEPC chairman, Ashok G Rajani said “Britain’s exit would significantly dilute the relevance of the EU, FTA for us”.  He said that only way to expand business in the UK after the Brexit would be through bilateral talks, which would mean a fresh round of regulations. India currently enjoys a 12.5 per cent tariff preference in the EU under its Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). The export sop would now be impacted for textile shipment to the UK.