The EU and India are edging closer to a landmark free trade agreement that could reshape global supply chains. For the fast‑growing digital signage market, reduced trade barriers promise new momentum on both sides. A breakthrough now appears within reach as negotiations enter their most productive phase in years.
EU-India: Free Trade Agreement Nearing Breakthrough
India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most important electronics manufacturing hubs. Alongside China, the subcontinent is becoming a central pillar for global supply chains – and increasingly a high‑growth market for professional digital signage and ProAV solutions. Yet despite economic momentum on both sides, trade in goods and cross‑border services between India and the European Union remains complex and burdened by tariffs, regulatory hurdles and lengthy certification processes.
Now, a breakthrough may be on the horizon.
Negotiations Enter a Productive Phase
According to trade officials involved in the talks, negotiations between Brussels and New Delhi have accelerated in recent months. Both sides describe the current round as “highly productive,” with optimism growing that a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) could be finalized sooner rather than later.
The strategic importance of the deal has been clear for some time. Earlier this year, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chose India as one of her first overseas destinations of her second term – a symbolic move that underscored the EU’s intention to deepen economic ties with the world’s largest democracy. For India, closer alignment with Europe supports its broader ambition to position itself as an alternative global manufacturing base beyond China.
Why the FTA Matters for the Digital Signage Industry
A successful EU‑India agreement would create significant opportunities for companies across the digital signage value chain. India’s electronics sector (invidis article) is expanding at double‑digit rates, supported by government incentives, a growing pool of skilled labor and investments from major display, components and semiconductor manufacturers. At the same time, India’s domestic demand for professional displays, DooH networks and smart city solutions is accelerating as retail modernization and infrastructure projects scale nationwide.
Easier market access, reduced import duties and harmonized standards could make it substantially simpler for EU-based hardware vendors, CMS providers and integrators to participate in this growth. For Indian firms, tariff‑free access to the EU single market would improve competitiveness, attract foreign investment and strengthen technology transfer.
1.8 Billion People, One Trade Corridor
If completed, the EU‑India trade pact would connect two economic regions with a combined population of 1.8 billion people and a fast‑expanding middle class. The potential impact extends well beyond tariff reductions: streamlined certifications, clearer IP protections and improved digital trade rules would support long‑term cooperation in technology‑driven industries – including digital signage, IoT and AI‑enhanced retail media.
invidis in India 2026
invidis is building up presence in India with the Infocomm India Digital Signage Conference (16-18 September 2026) in Mumbai and and exclusive pre-show Digital Signage C-Level India Tour. The three day trip (Dehli and Bengaluru) complements the Mumbai show. In addition invidis is regularly on site to meet the subcontinent’s digital signage elite and meet with end-customers.
