Apparel and Garment Industry and Exports

Introduction

Textiles and apparel industry in India 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 across fashion centres around the world. 

India is the world's second-largest exporter of textiles and apparel with a massive raw material and manufacturing base. The textiles and garment industry in India is a significant contributor to the economy, both in terms of its domestic share and exports. It contributes about 7% to industry output, 2% to the GDP and 15% to the country's total export earnings. The sector is one of the largest job creators in the country, employing about 45 million people directly and 60 million people in allied industries.

Export Highlights

• The export of articles of apparel and clothing accessories knitted or crocheted during April–July 2020 was US$ 1.32 billion and for the month of July 2020 it was US$ 586.49 million.
• The export articles of apparel and clothing accessories not knitted or crocheted during April– July 2020 was US$ 1.27 billion and for the month of July 2020 it was US$ 504.98 million.
• Readymade garments (RMG of all textiles) export from India stood at US$ 6.03 billion from April 2021 to August 2021 and for the month of August 2021 it was US$ 14.15 million.
• India is the largest cotton producer in the world. India’s overall cotton production accounted for ~360 lakh bales in FY21.
• Fibre export from the country stood at US$ 2.72 billion in 2018-19. During April–November 2019, fibre export stood at US$ 721.55 million.
• Total value of cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups export from the country stood at US$ 1.29 billion in August 2021. During April 2021-August 2021 the export stood at US$ 5.97 billion.
• Main markets for Indian textiles and apparel export are:
  • USA
  • European Union 
  • Parts of Asia
  • Middle East
• In the future, India’s apparel export is expected to increase considerably. Total export of textiles and apparel are expected to touch US$ 82 billion by 2021 at a CAGR of 12.06% from FY18.

Recent Development

To promote export of readymade garments and made ups, Government of India increased Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) rates from 4% to 6% under the mid-term review of Foreign Policy 2015-21.

Apparel Export Promotion Council

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