RMG Exports Show 11.9% Growth Amid Global Challenges: AEPC Chairman
Ready Made Garment (RMG) exports have increased by 11.9% in August 2024 compared to the same month last year, with cumulative exports reaching US$ 6.395 billion for April-August 2024-25, according to Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
Sekhri noted that this growth continues despite global challenges, including the ongoing Red Sea crisis, rising logistics costs and inflation. “RMG exports have defied the downward trend seen in overall merchandise exports, which hit a 13-month low in August. The industry’s resilience is promising,” he stated, emphasizing a focus on product quality and environmental compliance.
Sekhri expressed optimism about sustaining this growth, highlighting India’s readiness to adapt to shifts in global garment sourcing. He called for long-term policy support to stabilize and enhance garment exports.
AEPC has presented a 7-point charter to the government, advocating for flexibility in fabric imports, PLI 2.0 for capacity building, an extension of the interest equalization scheme and incentives for ESG compliance, among other demands.
Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, noted the positive trend in RMG exports, citing increased trust from global brands in Indian-made products. He highlighted growth in exports to countries like Japan (7.7%), Korea (16.8%), Australia (12.5%), Mauritius (6.6%) and Norway (17.3%) in the first quarter of this fiscal year.
Thakur emphasized the RMG sector’s potential for generating employment, particularly for youth and women, and underscored the need for government support as the global market seeks alternative sourcing options due to geopolitical changes.
