In comparison to a 15% decrease in the same period last year, apparel exports from India increased by 8.5% in the first half of the current fiscal year. Brands of India is operating at a time when foreign buyers are thinking about shifting 10% to 15% of their orders from Bangladesh to India, which could bring in an additional $300–400 million for India each month.
November 6, 2024, Mumbai: From November 12 to 14, 2024, the second edition of “Brands of India” will take place at Za’abeel Hall 4, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE, organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) with assistance from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Embassy of India in the UAE, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC), TEXMAS (Dubai), and Readymade Garments Merchants Group (Dubai).
The Indian apparel manufacturers’ mega show is taking place at a time when India’s apparel exports have increased significantly, helped by Bangladesh’s political unrest. As a result, many buyers have turned to Indian manufacturers to meet demand, particularly for orders that must be completed quickly. Notably, foreign buyers are thinking about shifting 10–15% of their orders from Bangladesh to India, which may increase India’s monthly revenue by $300–400 million. Compared to a 15% decrease in the same period last year, India’s apparel exports increased by 8.5% in the first half of the current fiscal year. In September alone, exports increased 17.3% year over year.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which abolishes a 5% import tax on ready-made garments (RMG), ushers in a new era of trade between India and the United Arab Emirates and gives India a stronger competitive advantage, particularly when compared to China and other key rivals. According to the Government of India’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, apparel exports from India to the United Arab Emirates totaled US$462.3 million between April and August of 2024. Given the upcoming Ramadan Eid at the end of March of the following year, demand is anticipated to increase.
Speaking about the future, CMAI President Santosh Katariya said, “The UAE has been a significant apparel market for many years due to its competitive position.” In addition to making up 12% of India’s total apparel exports, it facilitates trade with other nearby nations. The purpose of Brands of India is to promote our members to a variety of export markets, including the GCC states, the larger Middle East, North Africa, the European Union, and the CIS region.
The exhibition will be opened by H. E. Sunjay Sudhir, India’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, who emphasized that the UAE is India’s third-largest commercial partner. Additionally, the Emirates is India’s second-biggest export market. India is without a doubt one of the world’s largest exporters of clothing, and a large portion of our exports are manufactured under foreign labels. Indian brands, their inventiveness, and their abilities are greatly exposed to global markets through Brands of India. “The show offers Indian brands an effective platform in international markets and will help to enhance the image of Indian apparel industry across GCC and neighboring countries,” stated Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & sector, New Delhi.
More than 150 Indian apparel companies and white label manufacturers will be included in the eagerly awaited show, offering a wide variety of fashion in men’s, women’s, and children’s wear, including casual, ethnic, formals, denim, athleisure, winter, sleepwear, innerwear, tops, bottoms, and much more. Retailers, chain and department stores, boutiques, wholesalers, agents, distributors, importers, traders, e-commerce, and buying houses from all over the world are thus presented with a unique sourcing opportunity.
According to Lulu Group International’s Director of Buying, Mujeeb Rehiman, “Brands of India is a great sourcing platform for the newest styles and collections.” The variety of exhibitors was excellent, and we were able to learn about India’s offerings at affordable costs. We were able to find some possible suppliers thanks to the event, and we could begin working with a couple of them. “We went to the show last year and had a great time meeting new vendors for our business,” stated a prominent Saudi Arabian retailer with multiple chain outlets. We received good outcomes and were able to source at reasonable pricing. We intend to return in order to investigate potential new connections.
1400+ Retailers, Wholesalers and Importers from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey, Angola, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Algeria, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Singapore, South Africa and other countries have pre-registered to visit the fair.
Mohammed Shahid, Head of International Sales & Marketing at Essa Garments, a well-known cotton knitwear exporter from Tiruppur, stated: “CMAI has given us a special chance because there are clients from all over the world who we wouldn’t have otherwise connected with. Establishing presence, showcasing capabilities, and participating in sourcing discussions are our main objectives. The show is perfect for showcasing our assortment of fashion ensembles to a broad spectrum of consumers.”This is our first time, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to network and have face-to-face contact, which is very important,” stated Abhishek Jain, Director of Urban Trail, a well-known casual clothing maker from Ludhiana. We are eager to meet with major shops in order to build enduring ties.
Eighti, All Seasons, Amul Florio, Amul Kandyfloss, Anchor Socks, Ankhua, Arun Varun The Fashion Studio, Banswara, Berri Kids, Bodycare, Bodydecor, Boom Jns, Carbon, Cocosherry, Color Hunt, Cool Colors, Cotton Opera, Dazzle, Dedart, Denim Dusk, Eleventy One, Espanio, Essa Garments, Evolve, Fck Plus, Feel It, Figli, Floramour, Floret, Fort Collins, Frd13, Hi-Flyer, Inferno, Jeeboy, Johnston, Juniper, Lara One Ethnic, Only Boyz, Pep-Up, Real N Rare, Red Rose, Royal Raccon, Sara, Millschi, Nari, Neo, Nitro, Noor By Aditee, Okane, Fashion Scarves, Little Times, Lux Premium, Lyra, Max First Cry, Sonari, Spread, Stocai, Terri Kidz, Tiny Times, Topman, TT, Urbasy Apparels, Vanesis, Venfield, Victor & Jane, Vitamins, Wink & Blink, Yoke, Shahitaka, Satya Fusion, Shinaaya, Simone Federico, Sonari, and more.
In November 2023, the inaugural Brands of India event took place in Dubai with great success, drawing in 2800 international buyers from 63 countries. Over the course of three years, an estimated US$350 million in revenue is anticipated.
