Apparel Industry in India

Introduction

Indian textiles and apparels have a history of fine craftsmanship and global appeal. Cotton, silk and denim from India are highly popular abroad, and with the upsurge in Indian design talent, Indian apparel too has found success in the fashion centres of the world.

India is the world's second-largest manufacturer and exporter of textiles and apparels, with a massive raw material and manufacturing base. The industry is a significant contributor to the economy, both in terms of its domestic share and exports. It contributes about 10 per cent to manufacturing production, 2 per cent to the GDP and 15 per cent to the country's total exports earnings. The sector is the second largest employment provider in the country, employing about 51 million people directly and 68 million people indirectly in FY 2015-16. The apparel and garment sector provides employment to 12.3 million people as of 2016-17 and produces 3.6 million tonnes (MT) of apparel and garments.

Export highlights

• Total textile and clothing exports stood at US$ 36.66 billion in the year 2016-17
• Ready-made garments (RMG) exports from India stood at US$ 17.357 billion in FY2016-17.
• India’s share in global trade of textiles and apparels is 5 per cent.
• India is the largest cotton producer in the world (35.1 million bales of 170 kg each)
• Fibre exports of the country in April-August 2017-18 was 4.63 Lakhs tonnes, valued at US$ 770.42 million as compared to 3.55 lakhs tonnes, valued at US$ 510.72 million, during the same period in 2016-17.
• Total value of Yarn, Fabrics and Made-ups exports of the country stood at US$ 5.56 billion during April-August 2017-18 as compared to US$ 5.50 billion during the same period in 2016-17.
• Main markets for Indian textile and apparel exports are:
  • The US
  • European Union
  • Parts of Asia
  • Middle East
• In the future, India’s apparel exports are expected to increase considerably. Total exports of textiles and apparel are expected to touch US$ 82 billion by 2021.

APPAREL EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is the official body of apparel exporters that provides assistance to Indian exporters as well as to importers/international buyers choosing India as their preferred destination for sourcing garments.