A key textile hub in India, Surat is witnessing a rise in inquiries from major brands seeking alternatives to Bangladesh. Conversion of these inquiries into confirmed orders is likely to spur growth in the city’s garment sector to 25 per cent.
While Bangladesh is a major importer of fabrics from Surat, the ongoing turmoil, brands are seeking more stable sourcing destinations given the current law-and-order challenges in the country along with worker unrest in key regions like Dhaka and Chittagong.
Indian manufacturers see this as an opportunity to supply more value-added products to the global market. Ashish Gujarati, Former President, South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, says, the recent spike from major brands due to Bangladesh’s challenges could significantly boost the sector.
Surat’s garment sector currently generates a monthly turnover of around Rs 600 crore, primarily through man-made fiber products. Meanwhile, cotton garment hubs in Tiruppur and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Ludhiana (Punjab), and Noida (Uttar Pradesh) are also expected to gain from the situation.
Gujarati emphasised that while the current developments present short-term gains, sustained growth in the garment manufacturing sector would require strategic capitalisation and government support.
The garment industry in Bangladesh has faced mounting pressures, including financial stress and worker unrest in clusters around Dhaka, Chittagong, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and other regions.
Recent reports, such as one from Swedwatch, a Swedish non-profit, have highlighted dire working conditions for garment workers in Bangladesh. The report urged European Union countries to enforce stricter due diligence to protect workers' rights and called on brands to engage more meaningfully with stakeholders, including trade unions, to improve wages and working conditions.
This shifting dynamic represents an opportunity for Indian textile hubs as it allows them to strengthen their position in the global supply chain while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and ethical garment production.
