As 50% tariffs kick in for India’s exports to the United States, the country is planning dedicated outreach programmes to top global importers of textiles and apparel. The labour-intensive industry is the country’s second largest employer after agriculture, and supports 4.5 crore direct and indirect jobs.In fiscal year 2024-25 (FY24-25), the overall size of India’s textile and apparel (T&A) sector was pegged at $179 billion, comprising a domestic market of $142 billion and exports worth $37 billion. At the global level, the T&A import market was valued at $800.77 billion in 2024. India, with a 4.1% share in world trade, ranks as the sixth largest exporter and has established its export footprint across 220+ countries.Commerce Ministry officials have indicated that India already exports to over 220 countries, but the key 40 importing countries hold the real key to diversification. Together, these 40 countries represent more than $590 billion in textile and apparel imports, hence offering vast opportunities for India to enhance its market share, which currently stands at only around 5-6%.
Recognising this opportunity, the government is planning dedicated outreach programmes in each of these 40 countries, with a focus on both traditional markets like the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, as well as emerging markets like Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, the CIS, and the ASEAN bloc.Officials explained that in each of these markets, the plan is to pursue a targeted approach to position India as a reliable supplier of quality, sustainable, and innovative textile products with the lead rode of Indian industry including EPCs (Export Promotion Councils) & Indian Missions in these countries.Describing EPCs as the backbone of India’s diversification strategy, officials added that they’ll conduct market mapping, identify high-demand products, and link specialised production clusters like Surat, Panipat, Tiruppur, and Bhadohi to opportunities in the top 40 countries. EPCs intend to lead India’s participation in global exhibitions, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets, while guiding exporters on using FTAs, meeting sustainability standards, and securing necessary certifications.Also Read: US tariff hike on India: Industries facing the heat and those exempt(Edited by : Poonam Behura)
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