Textiles Minister Meets MSME Exporters To Strengthen Global Competitiveness & Market Growth

The Ministry of Textiles convened a consultative meeting on Monday with micro, small, and medium (MSME) textile exporters across the apparel and textile value chain, chaired by Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh. This marked the second such engagement, following a national-level consultation with leading exporters on 13th August 2025.  The Minister underlined the importance of strategic market diversification into 40 identified global markets and simultaneous domestic demand expansion.  He also highlighted the impact of the 56th GST Council meeting, which rationalised the textile value chain under second-generation GST reforms. These changes are expected to reduce cost distortions, stimulate demand, and enhance export competitiveness. MSME exporters emphasised the need for continued fiscal support, simplified compliance, and stronger branding of handlooms, handicrafts, and GI-tagged products.  Valued at USD 179 billion, with exports totaling USD 37.75 billion, the sector contributes nearly 2 percent to India’s GDP and ranks as the sixth-largest global exporter, holding a 4.1 percent share in world trade. Its exports reach over 220 countries, with participation from more than 520 districts. Despite global volatility and steep tariffs from certain partners, the sector has shown resilience. July 2025 exports rose 5.37 percent to USD 3.10 billion, while April–July 2025 exports reached USD 12.18 billion, a 3.87 percent year-on-year increase.  Segment-wise growth was notable in readymade garments (+7.87 percent), carpets (+3.57 percent), and jute products (+15.78 percent), with handicrafts and man-made fibre textiles maintaining steady performance.  Exports to key partner countries, including Japan (+17.9 percent), the UK (+7.39 percent), UAE (+9.62 percent), and Australia (+1.74 percent), reinforced India’s capacity to capture a larger share of the USD 590 billion global textile market. The Minister encouraged establishing warehouses in key international markets to improve delivery timelines and promote direct-to-consumer sales through e-commerce channels. The government has also implemented targeted measures, including import duty exemptions on cotton until 31st December 2025, extension of export obligations under Advance Authorisation from six to 18 months, and expansion of the PLI scheme application window.  Four industry-led committees have been set up to advise on diversification, fiscal support, structural reforms, and innovation. The Minister emphasised that market diversification, structural reforms, innovation, and a strengthened Swadeshi movement would empower artisans, weavers, MSMEs, and women entrepreneurs, positioning India as a global leader across the textile value chain—from farm to fibre, factory to fashion, and fashion to foreign markets.