FTAs, High-Value Products and New Exporting Districts part of US $ 100 Billion Indian textile export roadmap

India is working towards increasing its textile and apparel exports to US $ 100 billion by 2030, up from about US $ 40 billion at present, by expanding shipments to free trade agreement (FTA) partners, strengthening traditional and high-value segments, and bringing new districts into the export ecosystem, according to government officials.

The Ministry of Textiles is preparing a comprehensive roadmap to raise India’s share of textile exports to its FTA partners to around 12% from the current 5.8%. The strategy includes targeted branding and promotion of high-value products such as Geographical Indication (GI) goods, carpets, handlooms and silk items, which are seen as offering strong export potential and employment intensity.

In parallel, the ministry is pursuing a diversification-led approach aimed at increasing India’s share of textile imports in the world’s top 40 importing countries to about 10%, translating into export value of US $ 55–60 billion, from the current 4.8%, or US $ 28.3 billion.

At present, traditional markets including the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom account for roughly 55% of India’s textile and apparel exports. Emerging markets such as Australia, Canada, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka together contribute about 20%.

An official has stated that there is a need to strengthen market linkages for products with strong export potential, cultural significance and high employment generation. According to the proposed roadmap, states have been asked to focus on developing new exporters, providing handholding support to first-time exporters, diversifying into new product categories, and enabling non-exporting districts to participate in international trade.

The government expects these measures to help broaden India’s export base, reduce dependence on a limited set of markets, and improve the country’s global competitiveness in textiles and apparel.