Coimbatore
Industry stakeholders have urged the Indian government to address deep-rooted structural challenges in the textile and apparel sector to achieve the ambitious target of $100 billion in exports by 2030. The call was made during a meeting held in Coimbatore on Friday, where exporters, industry experts, and representatives gathered to discuss persistent issues stalling the sector’s growth. Participants noted that India’s textile and apparel exports have remained stagnant at approximately $40 billion for nearly a decade, with little to no growth in either value or volume. This flat performance has raised concerns, especially as global competition intensifies and market dynamics evolve rapidly.
Exporters highlighted that despite strong domestic capabilities, policy gaps, lack of innovation, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent international trade strategies have hampered progress. They emphasised the need for faster implementation of production-linked incentives, better access to global markets, and targeted government support to scale up manufacturing and value-added products.
The industry representatives also warned that without immediate reforms, India could fall further behind major exporting nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. “To reach the $100 billion target, exports must grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%. This will require collaborative effort from the government and industry,” said one participant. The meeting concluded with an appeal to both State and Central governments to prioritise policy interventions, promote ease of doing business, and ensure India leverages its full potential in the global textile and apparel market. Stakeholders believe timely reforms are key to reviving export momentum and sustaining long-term growth.
