Latest news with #TiruppurExporters'Association
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu–Taiwan technical textile summit to be held in Coimbatore on July 21
The Tamil Nadu–Taiwan Technical Textile Partnership Summit, jointly hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Tiruppur Exporters' Association, will be held at Le Meridien, Coimbatore, on July 21, 2025. The two-day event aims to foster collaboration in man-made fibres (MMF) and technical textiles between Tamil Nadu and Taiwan. According to the organisers, the summit will include B2B meetings, technical sessions, and a product showcase. On July 22, an exhibition of ready-made garments made from MMF will be held in Tiruppur, along with discussions between Taiwanese delegates and local manufacturers and exporters. The organisers said Taiwan's interest in Tamil Nadu's textile sector follows recent investments in footwear and electronics. They highlighted the need for India to move beyond cotton-based textiles and expand into winterwear and sportswear, where Taiwan has global expertise. They added that partnerships with Taiwan's textile research ecosystem, particularly the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), could help upgrade MMF processing infrastructure in the State. Local textile exporters, manufacturers, and allied industries have been invited to attend.
Fibre2Fashion
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Textile parks hold promise for Indian apparel industry
One of the pressing issues facing the Indian textile industry today is that of fragmented supply chain. According to industry insiders, this disjointed framework severely hampers the sector's operational efficiency. The lack of integration among various players across the supply chain creates bottlenecks that are difficult to resolve and, in the long run, diminishes India's competitive edge in the global market. Lack of integration among various players across the supply chain currently creates bottlenecks that are difficult to resolve, say industry insiders. Textile parks can address the issue of supply chain integration and boost India's apparel exports, they feel. PM MITRA Parks hold promise for resolving supply chain fragmentation and boosting exports. However, as opportunities knock on the country's door, thanks to fresh geopolitical and trade developments, textile parks can offer an ideal solution to address the issue of supply chain integration and boost India's apparel exports. 'Textile parks play an important role in helping integrate the supply chain,' noted an industry insider discussing how issues related to supply chain is impacting the industry's potentials, in a discussion with Fibre2Fashion . According to him, textile parks serve not only as integration hubs but can also act as catalysts for modernisation. They encourage investment in high-tech machinery and advanced processes in spinning, weaving, and finishing, while supporting sustainability initiatives like waterless dyeing and practices grounded in the circular economy simultaneously. Despite the advantages, some hurdles still seem to prevent the textile parks from reaching their full potential. N Thirukkumaran, Chairman of Tiruppur-based Ess Tee Exports India Pvt Ltd , pointed out that many textile parks struggle to meet the basic infrastructure requirements. 'This increases production costs and hampers the efficiency of manufacturing processes,' Thirukkumaran claimed, highlighting issues such as unreliable electricity and inadequate water supply as some of the key concerns. Poor transportation networks—including inadequate road, rail, and port connectivity—exacerbate logistical challenges and lead to delays in both procuring raw materials and delivering finished products, he further added. To add to the woes, the industry is also burdened by scarcity of skilled manpower, especially in certain hubs. Thirukkumaran believes this might prove to be an obstacle towards the success of the textile parks in some places. In an earlier interaction with Fibre2Fashion , Dr. A Sakthivel, Honorary Chairman of Tiruppur Exporters' Association underlined the issue of acute shortage of trained hands in the 'Knitwear Capital of India' when he maintained: 'Even if 60,000 workers were to arrive in Tiruppur tomorrow, we could absorb them immediately.' Given the unique mix of complexities, several industry leaders are calling for a more collaborative approach to develop the textile parks—one that involves both the public and private entities. Advocates of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model argue such collaborations could help alleviate some of the more entrenched issues. Rahul Mehta, Chief Patron of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) , outlined a number of key challenges faced by privately developed parks. 'If a park is developed solely by a private player, several issues arise including land acquisition challenges with high costs and procedural delays, financial constraints that limit access to affordable capital for SMEs, and skill shortages, which create a gap between industry needs and workforce capabilities,' Mehta explained. Thirukkumaran too vouched in favour of the PPP model even as he proposed setting up specialised training institutes within or near the textile parks as a step towards developing skilled workforce, aligned with the requirements of modern technology and manufacturing practices. 'Identify specific regions for integrated infrastructure development across the country. Prioritise the creation of textile clusters with end-to-end facilities that support the entire production process,' Thirukkumaran recommended, highlighting the importance of regional development. In this context, the PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks are emerging as a potentially transformative initiative. These parks are envisioned to serve as comprehensive hubs that consolidate the entire textile value chain—from spinning to garment manufacturing—under one roof. By doing so, they aim to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline operations, and attract large-scale investments. The overarching goal of the PM MITRA scheme is to strengthen India's textile industry by enabling scale, enhancing competitiveness, and generating employment, while reducing logistics costs significantly. 'Realistic expectations from PM MITRA include potential benefits like consolidation of the supply chain to reduce logistics costs and inefficiencies, attracting FDI to boost scale of economies, and encouraging better compliance with global sustainability norms,' commented Rahul Mehta. Based on the unique 5F vision—Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, seven PM MITRA Parks have been approved, one each in Bhainsola, Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Amravati (Maharashtra), Navsari (Gujarat), Lucknow-Hardoi region (Uttar Pradesh), Warangal (Telangana), and Kalaburagi (Karnataka). Recently, the Indian Textiles Ministry announced the approval of ₹18.94 billion (~$221.25-million) for setting up the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar. The 1,052-acre site will house an advanced textile manufacturing complex focused on technical textiles and integrated processing units. Mehta's optimism is echoed by Thirukkumaran, who believes this initiative could help resolve many of the longstanding issues. 'Apart from addressing the issue of fragmentation effectively, this will help foster collaboration between the stakeholders,' Thirukkumaran opined but cautioned the road ahead may not be completely free of obstacles. A major challenge lies in integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local players into this centralised model. He stressed a 'plug and play' approach, backed by robust infrastructure, as essentials for enabling greater SME participation. This model would offer ready-to-use facilities and services, making it easier for smaller companies to operate within these parks. For making textile parks more appealing to the potential stakeholders, a prominent industry player offered some more suggestions like offering targeted incentives, especially for units in non-traditional or remote areas, setting up Common Facility Centres (CFCs), shared research and development, warehousing, and testing facilities. The garment maker also advocated a cluster-based approach that aligns with existing industry hubs rather than creating isolated, product-specific parks. Echoing the sentiments, another industry player highlighted the need for policy support, simplifying operational procedures and making textile parks more accessible. Recommendations include implementing a single-window clearance mechanism for faster approvals alongside offering subsidised financing options such as low-interest loans and tax incentives. Such measures, it is argued, would substantially boost the popularity and viability of textile parks, helping them fulfil the intended role in revitalising the country's textile and apparel sector. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Awareness programme held for garment exporters in Tiruppur
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations organised an awareness programme on Tuesday for garment exporters in Tiruppur on export benefit schemes of the Central government. The half-day programme, 'Seminar on Exim Trade – Schemes and Incentive Under Customs and DGFT / Foreign Policy', was to explain to the exporters the schemes and how they should apply to get the benefits. K.M. Subramanian, president of the Tiruppur Exporters' Association, said at the meeting that the AEPC and the Association had submitted data-supported representations to the government and sought revision of drawback rates and RoSCTL rates. Tiruppur contributed nearly 68% of the country's knitwear exports. In 2024–2025, Tiruppur registered export turnover of ₹45,000 crore, which is 25% more than the previous financial year. The Tiruppur exporters have an ambitious target to grow at 15% annually and touch ₹1 lakh crore exports by 2030. With favourable trade agreements and global demand for sustainable and ethical sourcing, the industry is confident of meeting the goal, he said.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Annual garment exports from Tiruppur, Coimbatore touches ₹45,000 crore
Annual garment exports from Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts in 2024-25 financial year touched ₹45,000 crore, according to data available with the Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA). TEA president K.M. Subramanian told The Hindu on Thursday that direct garment exports from Tiruppur were almost ₹40,000 crore and that from Coimbatore district were worth ₹5,000 crore. This was 20% higher than the previous year. 'This year, we expect 15 % growth and the exports will be close to ₹46,000 crores,' he said. Apart from this, there are garments exported indirectly (merchant exports). Though there is no definite data available, it is estimated to be almost ₹5,000 crore. The garment exporting units are currently operating at 90% capacity and there is an urgent need for capacity addition. The government should come out with a scheme to support investments, especially towards modernisation. 'In the last five years, there is a lot of technology advancements. The industry should modernise. There is a shortage of labour in Tiruppur and hence the units need to automate. They need support to boost investments,' Mr. Subramanian added. Industry sources added that while the supply chain for the garment exporters was doing well, the Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) supply for the domestic garment units had taken a hit. Knitted fabric, especially of man-made fibres, that was imported was available at ₹180 to ₹200 a kg, which was almost half the price of fabric produced in Tiruppur. Hence, the unorganised sector was consuming huge quantities of imported fabric, affecting the local knitting units. The sources added that currently Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts accounted for 68% of the country's knitted garment exports. With the free trade agreement with the UK and agreements on the anvil with the US and the European Union, garment exports from these two districts were expected to get a boost.
Fibre2Fashion
19-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Local industry eyes gains as India restricts Bangladesh RMG imports
Although the latest restriction on imports of readymade garments (RMG) and textiles from Bangladesh is a result of reciprocity and geopolitical tension, the Indian government has fulfilled the domestic industry's longstanding demand. Industry leaders have not only hailed the decision but also expressed hope of benefitting from the restriction. It is to be noted that the Indian government had given duty-free access to its neighbouring country during the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The country's liberal trade policy boosted the Bangladeshi garment industry. Indian trade organisations have been demanding an end to duty-free access so they can compete on a level playing field. However, the regime change in Bangladesh has strained bilateral relations. The Indian government's latest move is a reciprocal measure following Bangladesh's restrictions on Indian yarn imports through land routes. India has imposed restrictions on imports of garments and textiles from Bangladesh, addressing long-standing demands from its domestic industry. The move follows Bangladesh's earlier restrictions on Indian yarn imports. Industry leaders expect trade benefits worth ₹1,000-2,000 crore and a reduction in backdoor Chinese fabric entries. The decision aims to support India's garment manufacturing sector. India's prominent groups and retailers have been importing cheaper garments from the neighbouring country, according to industry sources. Sanjay K Jain, chairman of the ICC National Textiles Committee, told Fibre2Fashion , 'Currently, India continues to give duty-free access to Bangladesh. It is supplying garments and other textiles worth more than ₹6,000 crore (~$702 million) annually.' Media reports suggested that more than a dozen trucks are stuck on the Bangladesh side awaiting entry into India, as the government imposed the import restrictions with immediate effect on the intervening night of May 17 and 18. The last truck carrying garments entered India on May 17 and belonged to a large Indian group. Jain commented on the development, 'India hit back against the restrictions by Bangladesh on yarn imports via land routes by restricting apparel imports through the same route. This will increase import costs and shipment times, making it difficult for smaller importers to continue importing garments.' He added, 'We can expect trade benefits worth ₹1,000-2,000 crore by replacing Bangladeshi garments with Indian products. Buyers will be impacted temporarily and will have to bear higher import costs. They will need to realign their supply chains and shift their sourcing to Indian suppliers.' Jain also noted that the move would help reduce the backdoor entry of Chinese fabrics into India through Bangladesh. Chinese fabrics were being converted into garments in Bangladesh to obtain duty-free access to India. Direct imports of Chinese fabrics attract a 20 per cent import duty. K M Subramanian, president of the Tiruppur Exporters' Association , said, 'Indian government has taken a step in the right direction as the domestic garment manufacturers have been affected due to duty free import from Bangladesh. Cheaper imports from Bangladesh were leading to flooding in domestic market. It also paved the way for Chinese fabric after being converted to garments in Bangladesh. The move will restrict such imports and will support domestic garment manufacturing industry.' Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
