India’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector continues to demonstrate robust export growth despite global economic headwinds, signaling a rising demand for Indian-made products. Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), highlighted the sector's resilience, stating, “While overall exports declined, apparel exports have withstood challenges, showcasing their ability to adapt. With changing geopolitical dynamics, India is poised for significant growth as businesses shift towards us.”
RMG exports for November 2024 grew by 9.8 per cent compared to November 2023 but saw a 6.6 per cent decline from November 2022. Cumulatively, exports from April to November 2024-25 reached $9,853.9 million, marking an 11.4 per cent increase over the same period in 2023-24, though a 4.9 per cent drop from 2022-23.
Sekhri attributed this growth to India’s comprehensive value chain, strong raw material base, and sustainable manufacturing practices. He noted rising demand from key markets like the USA and UK and green shoots from Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners such as Australia, Korea, Japan, Netherlands, and UAE.
Encouraging international buyers to visit the Bharat Tex Expo 2025, Sekhri emphasized the platform’s role in showcasing India’s entire textile value chain and fostering collaboration. The Bharat Tex Roadshow has already garnered significant interest globally.
To further boost the sector, AEPC has urged the government to enhance the interest equalization rate to 5 per cent and implement the PLI 2.0 scheme for all garment types. Sekhri remains optimistic that these measures will drive exponential growth and reinforce India’s position as a leading sourcing destination for global brands.
