The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) highlight
ed the performance of India’s Ready-Made Garment
(RMG) exports, reflecting both the resilience of the sector
and the challenges arising from global market volatility.
Commenting on the latest export figures, A. Sakthivel,
Chairman, AEPC, said in a statement, RMG exports for
the month of January 2026 recorded a decline of 3.8%
compared to January 2025. However, exports showed a
positive growth of 7.2% when compared with January
2024, indicating underlying strength and recovery
momentum in the industry despite persistent global
headwinds.
On a cumulative basis, RMG exports during April–January
2025-26 stood at USD 13,129.1 million, registering a growth
of 1.6% over the corresponding period of April–January
2024-25 and a significant growth of 13.3% compared to
April–January 2023-24. Dr. Sakthivel noted that these
numbers demonstrate the resilience of Indian apparel
exporters, who continue to navigate challenging
international conditions.
He observed that the temporary decline in January
exports can largely be attributed to high US tariff
pressures and ongoing global volatility, which have
disrupted order flows and created uncertainty across key
markets. Just to retain customers, many of RMG exporters
attempted to absorb part of the cost pressures by
offering discounts up to even 20%. However, with tariff
levels rising to nearly 50%, the price disadvantage
became too significant, resulting in a loss of orders to
competing sourcing destinations.
Sakthivel noted that India has now signed Free Trade
Agreements (FTAs) with 37 countries, creating
unprecedented market access for the textile and
apparel sector. He emphasised that the coming decade
presents a strategic window for India to leverage its
inherent strengths — including a strong manufacturing
base, skilled workforce, and integrated value chain — to
accelerate export growth and expand its global market
share.
Highlighting key concerns faced by apparel exporters,
particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs), Sakthivel emphasised that many exporters
continue to face operational and regulatory challenges,
especially in their interactions with banks, export finance
systems, and compliance frameworks. He underscored
that MSMEs form the backbone of the apparel sector
and require targeted policy support to enhance
competitiveness and sustain growth.