Apparel exports struggle due to high manufacturing costs.

High manufacturing costs are affecting the competitiveness of apparel exports, especially in low value-added products, according to a survey conducted by the Indian Texpreneurs Federation. The Federation conducted a survey to find out reasons for apparel and made-up exports remaining stagnant though the Union Government had implemented special packages for these products. As many as 320 manufacturers and exporters took part in the survey that was open for three to four days and gave their top three reasons from 13 factors identified as impediments to apparel and made-up exports. Indian exporters compete with countries that are seen as low-cost destinations and are struggling to match the prices quoted by these countries.