Ministry Of Textiles Aims To Propel Technical Textiles Market to US$50 Billion By 2025-26
The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has set ambitious goals for the growth of the technical textiles sector, both within the country and on the international stage. Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, addressed industry stakeholders at the 6th edition of the National Conclave on Standards & Regulations for Technical Textiles, jointly organized by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry), BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), and the Ministry of Textiles. Her address shed light on the exciting prospects of the technical textiles industry and the government’s strategic vision for its expansion.
Rapidly Growing Market
“The global technical textiles market is around US$ 260 billion and is expected to increase to US$ 325 billion by 2025-26. Within India, the market size is around US$ 22 billion, and the goal of the government is to take it to US$ 40-50 billion over the next 5 years,” said Rachna Shah.
Export Targets and Multi-Pronged Approach
“The export of technical textiles presently is US$ 2.5 billion, and the government’s objective is to enhance it to US$ 10 billion during this period.” stated Shah and further added, “The government is working in the technical textiles sector with a multi-pronged approach with focus on R&D activities in the technical textile sector, including research in fibre and development of its various applications. The focus is also on developing a skilling eco-system and skilled manpower for the sector.”
Collaborative Efforts for Success
“The ministry is working closely with various other ministries and departments within the government and state governments to increase the demand and penetration of technical textiles. One of the critical elements of the approach is focusing on standards and regulations for technical textiles as these are highly specialized products with high performance requirements,” added Shah.
Mapping Technical Textiles with HSN Codes
“In addition to developing standards, it is also important to map the technical textiles with HSN codes as it will help in tracking the trade of these products. The HSN codes are in turn being mapped to various regulations and standards. A collaborative approach between the certification agencies, industry and various government ministries will be critical in ensuring the success of our initiatives and growth of the sector,” Shah further informed.
QCOs for Technical Textiles
“Ministry of Textiles has notified two QCOs for 31 technical textiles- 19 items of geo textiles and 12 items of protective textiles which will come into effect from 7th October 2023. Another two draft QCOs for 28 items under issuance are 22 items of agro textiles and 6 items of medical textiles have been notified on WTO’s website for inputs,” shared Shah.
Tapping into Unexplored Potential
“Technical textiles account for an average of 13% of India’s total textile and apparel market and contributes 0.7% to GDP. It has a huge potential to fulfill the large demand gap as the consumption of technical textiles in India is just at 5-10% as compared to some advanced countries,” said H.J.S. Pasricha, Scientist-F & Deputy Director General – Certification & CSMD, BIS.
Fostering Growth Through Standardization
“Standardization plays a key role in technical textiles. To fast-track the process of standardization, BIS has constituted a specialized committee in 12 segments of technical textiles. Implementation of standards is crucial in increasing the production and imports of substandard products along with promoting safety at large,” added Pasricha.
Government’s Commitment and Vision
“There is a need to optimally develop HSN codes in the field of technical textiles and we have set up a committee to look at this whole aspect of HSN codes. Since 2014, the government has introduced 1545 overall standards in the textile sector, out of which 512 are in technical textiles. Along with this, a technical committee for rationalization of HSN Codes for technical textiles has been formed,” said Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India.
Potential for Technological Innovations
“Today, technical textiles have emerged as a driving force behind countless cutting-edge innovations, enhancing performance, safety and sustainability across multiple sectors,” said Manmohan Singh, Co-Chair, FICCI Textiles and Technical Textiles Committee & Chief Marketing Officer, Grasim Industries.
As the Indian government takes concerted efforts to strengthen the technical textiles industry through standardization, research and skilled workforce development, the nation is poised to carve out a dominant position in the global technical textiles market. With a vision to boost the industry’s market size and exports significantly, India is gearing up for a promising future in the technical textiles sector.
