– Apparel exports records high growth despite global headwinds: Chairman AEPC
– FTA countries are paving the way for market expansion and growth
In his remarks, Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the AEPC, said of the remarkable rise in RMG exports from India: “India’s RMG exports have recorded high growth despite global headwinds and continued inflationary pressure.” The rise of RMG exports has slowed down recently, even in the top garment exporting nations.
When comparing September 2024 to September 2023, there was a 17.3% increase in RMG exports. Between April and September of 2024–2025, RMG exports were USD 7505.1 million. demonstrating an 8.5% rise from April to September of 2023–2024.
“India is uniquely placed with the advantage of low import dependence, existence of the entire ecosystem from fiber to fashion, abundant & young labor force and therefore scope for growth is unlimited,” Chairman AEPC added.
“To expand our global footprint, we will be taking part in a number of significant international fairs this year and hosting Bharat Tex once more in 2025. In preparation for Bharat Tex 2025, we convened roundtables with purchasing consultants and multinational brands. A significant number of buying agents and consultants attended the roundtables, demonstrating their desire to strengthen their ties with the Indian exporting community. As we interact more, we hope that this bond will only get stronger.
According to AEPC Secretary General Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, “Indian apparel exports are currently on a high growth trajectory.” Despite supply chain delays and geopolitical concerns, we have begun to realize the unrealized potential and have recorded exceptional double-digit growth in RMG exports over the past few months. To argue that India has become the global standard for sourcing destinations would be an understatement.
RMG exports to the USA increased by 9.7%, the UK by 6.1%, Germany by 7.2%, Spain by 16%, and the Netherlands by 27.8% between April and August of 2024. Growth has also been seen in FTA partner nations; from April to August 2024, exports to South Korea increased by 17.3%, Japan by 8.5%, Australia by 9.3%, Mauritius by 13%, and so on.