Tirupur will be organizing an international textile fair this year. This is aimed at encouraging the development of the textile industry in Tamil Nadu, including exports. Tirupur hopes for Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the European Union, the US, UK and Russia.

Exporters in the textile hub feel lack of access to key markets is hampering the growth of the sector and making India lose market share to its main competitor China. China, by using the advantages available to countries with predominant EU and US markets, has increased its exports and circumvented the Indian industry’s growth prospects in the global market.

Till such time as FTAs are signed, Tirupur wants incentives to be available to the readymade garment sector, which will help create a level playing field for the industry compared to competing nations.

Exports in the last financial year went down 5.6 per cent compared to previous year. Among the reasons are the changes in duty and tax structure such as GST. There is no customs duty levied in other countries, especially Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, on import of yarn to produce fabric and garments meant for exports, except in India.

About six lakh employees work for 6,500 knitwear and apparel units in Tirupur.