Knitwear exports from Tirupur have increased by 15.52 per cent in rupee terms and 15.94 per cent in terms of foreign currency. Backed by favorable cotton yarn prices, a strong infrastructure, pro-active players and buyer confidence, the Tirupur hub has set a target of reaching a Rs one lakh crore turnover by 2020.

China, Bangladesh and Vietnam are the major competitors for Tirupur exporters. Tirupur is the first textile cluster in the country to have the zero liquid discharge technology. Known as the knitwear capital of India, it accounts for about 50 per cent of the total knit garment production of the country and contributes 44.29 per cent to the total knits export basket.

The focus of the industry is now on non cotton based fabrics such as viscose, polyester, polymate etc, as the hub is now predominantly catering only to the summer/spring market. Once blended fabrics are added to the profile, the industry is expected to see a significant jump in business as buyers can explore options for the autumn/ winter market segment too. This will mean a steady inflow of business throughout the year.

Tirupur has about 800 garment manufacturing and exporting firms and 1,200 merchant exporters.