India’s Apparel Exports Surge 11.6% To USD 13 Bn With Demand From West

New Delhi, Feb 22 (KNN) The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has announced robust growth in India's apparel exports, with plans to expand its global market presence in 2025-26. 

According to AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri, the sector demonstrated remarkable resilience by achieving an 11.6 percent growth to approximately USD 13 billion during April-January 2024-25, despite facing global headwinds, geopolitical challenges, and supply chain disruptions.

The council's strategic vision includes diversifying into new and non-traditional markets through targeted export promotion activities in the coming fiscal year. 

This expansion initiative aims to complement the sector's already strong performance in established markets, where Indian ready-made garments have shown significant growth rates - 13.8 percent in the United States, 8.9 percent in the United Kingdom, 10.6 percent in Germany, and an impressive 19.7 percent in Spain, as reported by AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur.

Supporting this growth trajectory are several government initiatives that have strengthened the sector's competitive position. 

These include the production-linked incentive scheme, the extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), and the implementation of free trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Australia. 

Chairman Sekhri expressed confidence that these policy measures will further accelerate the sector's growth and enhance its global market presence.

The combination of strong performance in traditional markets and the strategic push into new territories positions India's apparel export sector for sustained growth in the coming years, reinforcing its role as a significant contributor to the country's export economy.

(KNN Bureau)