India is fast cementing its position as a dependable global hub for apparel exports, with major buyers from the West increasingly shifting their sourcing strategies away from China and Bangladesh. According to data from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), apparel exports from India witnessed an impressive 11.3% year-on-year growth in May, reflecting the growing confidence of international markets in India's textile prowess.

This surge follows months of steady growth, especially after political shifts in Bangladesh caused uncertainties that led global buyers to seek more stable alternatives. The ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year triggered a supply chain rethink, accelerating India’s rise as a strategic alternative. Exports soared by 17.3% in September and jumped 24.35% in October, indicating a consistent upward trend.

Western buyers are now encouraging Indian manufacturers to scale up capacity and align with international certification standards. A key advantage lies in the duty differential benefit India enjoys over China, stemming from reciprocal tariffs set during Donald Trump’s term. This edge, coupled with political stability and manufacturing reliability, positions India as a top choice for long-term sourcing.

Despite the encouraging export scenario, rising cotton imports remain a concern. With domestic prices exceeding global rates, the Cotton Association of India expects imports to reach 3.3 million bales this year more than double the previous cycle. Still, with a $10 billion share in the US apparel market, India is well-poised to expand further, challenging China’s dominant $30 billion hold and reaffirming its growing role in the global textile economy.