On behalf of the entire textile and apparel industry, AEPC welcomes the India- US joint statement on the trade deal and the revocation of 25 % additional duty imposed earlier pursuant to the Executive Order 14239 with effect from 12:01 EST Feb 7, 2026. 
We warmly extend our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, and to the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal for his relentless efforts in successfully concluding the landmark trade agreement with the USA. 

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Event Details:
Date -  12 and 13 February 2026
Time - 10 AM to 4 PM.

Yes, India’s textile and apparel industry is projected to reach ~$350 billion by 2030, powered by domestic consumption, export diversification, PM MITRA Parks, and the PLI scheme.
But growth headlines don’t tell the full story.

The real story lies in the pressure points beneath the numbers.

Back to back relief to India’s Textile Exports: US cutting tariff to 18%

Textile Exports Get a Timely Lift as US Tariff Reset Take a Downturn 

India’s textile and apparel exporters (T&A) suddenly breathing easy on the back of US tariffs having taken a nosedive drastically falling from 50-80% making it over the night more competitive vs its key competitors reason to breathe easier as the newly announced India–US trade understanding begins to rebalance global competitiveness in their favour. 

Measures announced in Union Budget to enhance the competitiveness of India’s apparel industry, especially MSMEs: Chairman AEPC.

Commenting on the Union Budget 2026–27, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said that, “The Budget is forward-looking, growth-oriented and balanced, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to building a competitive, resilient and globally integrated textile and apparel sector.” This budget provides a roadmap for strengthening India’s textile and apparel ecosystem, with a strong focus on self-reliance, sustainability, employment generation and global competitiveness. AEPC welcomes the government’s clear commitment to positioning India as a resilient and future-ready textile powerhouse, he added.

Global Apparel Consumption and Trade Update | Jan'26
The global apparel industry is navigating a phase of recalibration marked by uneven demand recovery, shifting sourcing strategies, and cautious retail sentiment. As highlighted in “GLOBAL APPAREL CONSUMPTION AND TRADE”, recent data shows that while Europe and select Asian markets are recording import growth, the US remains volatile, influenced by inflationary pressures, inventory corrections, and changing consumer priorities. 

Commenting on the Economic Survey 2025–26 presented by the Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said that, “the Survey clearly reflects the government’s progressive and growth-oriented vision for a Viksit Bharat. Economic Survey projecting FY27 GDP growth at 6.8-7.2% indicates the resilience of the economy despite global headwinds.”

He noted that the Survey is forward-looking in its assessment of the economy, candidly acknowledging emerging challenges while laying out a credible roadmap for reforms, resilience, and sustained growth. Chairman AEPC further said, “the emphasis on policy stability, competitiveness, and structural reforms sends a strong message of confidence to industry and global stakeholders alike.”

EU–India Trade Momentum: India to have heydays
Textile exports overview; Interestingly European retailers are increasingly positioning India as a key sourcing hub as the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) moves a step closer to reality.

Given that tariff disadvantages likely to be go away, India is anticipated to compete on an even keel/ more level playing field with established supplying hubs like such Bangladesh and Vietnams of the world, anchored in a renewed wave of sourcing interest from Europe supporting struggling India's textile exports.

Apparel industry hail India- EU FTA - Bilateral trade to double in next three years: Chairman AEPC.

Apparel industry hail India- EU FTA - Bilateral trade to double in next three years: Chairman AEPC.
The apparel exports industry hailed the India- EU FTA. Speaking on this historic deal Chairman AEPC, Dr. A Sakthivel said, “The industry sentiments are upbeat after the successful conclusion of the India–EU deal. It is a landmark moment for the Indian apparel industry. This deal will provide a significant boost to apparel exports which is expected to double in next three years. This marks a giant leap in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. The zero-duty access of Indian garments and clothing to the EU market will decisively turn the tables in India’s favour enhancing our competitiveness in the European market.” 

Apparel Export sectors to come out from the most affected situation arising out of US Trade Tariff issues.
Sir, your kind support not only help the industry but also help the working force from the job loss
Urgent Need for India-US Tariff Resolution to Protect Textile Exports
1. Issue for Consideration:
Recent US actions imposing 25% tariffs & an additional 25% oil-related penalty on imports are causing severe disruption to textile exports, particularly to the US-India's largest export market
Without quick resolution, the sector faces order stoppages, job losses/loss of
market share

Export showing resilience 
Despite renewed tariff pressures from the United States, India’s garment exporters are refusing to hit the panic button. Instead, the industry is recalibrating—diversifying markets, sharpening value propositions, and positioning itself to benefit from a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.

There is no demand shock 
While higher US duties have tightened margins and altered buying behaviour, exporters report that demand has not disappeared—it has shifted.

India developing its own design and forecasting indigenous standards like VisionNxt and IndiaSize to reduce reliance on foreign benchmarking: Textiles Minister.
Industry confident of achieving the ambitious target of USD 40 billion in apparel exports by 2030: Chairman AEPC.
Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Textiles, inaugurated the 74th Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) today, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi in presence of exhibitors and international buyers. The inauguration was followed by the lamp lighting, unveiling of fair guide and Minister's address.  IIGF is one of Asia's largest garment fairs bringing MSMEs and buyers together. The Minister also took rounds of stalls after the inauguration.