India-EU FTA: A perspective
Dr. Mukesh Kansal, Chairman, CTA Apparels: View
“The proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement represents a historic opportunity for India’s garment and textile sector. With the EU being one of India’s largest apparel export destinations, duty-free or reduced-duty access will significantly improve cost competitiveness for Indian exporters, especially against countries that currently enjoy preferential trade terms. 
This can directly translate into higher export volumes, better capacity utilisation, and stronger order visibility for manufacturers across the value chain.

India–EU FTA: Game changer for T&A India’s Exports
A Strategic Inflection Point 
India’s textile and apparel (T&C) sector is poised for a meaningful export revival as negotiations for the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) inches towards conclusion. Given world is witnessing challenging macroeconomic environment & global trade is navigating multiple headwinds; inflationary pressures, demand volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties, contracting global trade the proposed FTA is widely viewed by industry stakeholders as a big plus, timely and strategic enabler for India’s textile exports and force multiplier.

Union Budget 2026: Monetising FTAs to Accelerate Textile & Apparel Export Growth
CTA Apparels Analysis: From Market Access to Market Share
India’s textile and apparel exports (approx. USD 34–35 billion annually) have gained preferential market access through multiple FTAs with key regions—UAE, Australia, EFTA (Europe), and ASEAN-linked markets. The next frontier is clear: move from signing FTAs to monetising them—turning tariff advantages into orders, realisations, and long-term buyer commitments.
Now, with the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in force and investment intent aligned with manufacturing expansion, Union Budget 2026 is well-timed to create the “execution rails” that convert FTA access into measurable export growth.

Comment of Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC on RMG export data for the month of December 2025.

Reacting on the export data for the month of December 2025, Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC said, “The December 2025 export performance showing a modest growth of 2.89% for the RMG sector reflects both the resilience and adaptability of our industry in a challenging global environment. 
While demand in key international markets such as the USA has been uneven due to inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, Indian apparel exporters have managed to hold ground through product diversification, improved compliance, and a stronger focus on value-added segments.”

UK & EU FTAs Trigger Strategic Shift in India’s Textile Export Landscape

India’s textile and apparel export dynamics are entering a decisive transition as UK and European apparel brands accelerate sourcing discussions with Indian manufacturers, driven by impending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and supply-chain recalibration.

Leading retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Next, C&A and others have intensified factory audits and technical evaluations in key hubs like Tiruppur, signalling intent to expand or initiate sourcing from India. This momentum is shaped by a convergence of factors—uncertainty in Bangladesh, rising concentration risks, and expectations of tariff relief once the India–UK and India–EU FTAs are operational.

US new Ambassador designate to India: MAGA Deal in the Making

Raises hopes

The US envoy has termed India–US ties as the century’s most consequential, underscoring the depth and strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. The relationship, he said, is anchored at the highest political level, reflecting sustained engagement between the leadership of both countries.

The envoy conveyed greetings from the US President to the Prime Minister of India, highlighting the continued political goodwill and direct communication between the two nations.

The Global Gap That Led to the Sports Panty Innovation
₹12,000 Crore Activewear Industry Missed This: The World's First Sports Panty Launches After Decades-Long Gap
While global brands invested billions perfecting sports bras (69,555 monthly Amazon searches) and leggings, they completely overlooked sports panties (just 135 searches)—because the category didn't exist.

The Data: Amazon marketplace analysis reveals the gap: - US: 69,555 searches for "sports bra" vs 135 for "sports panties" (515:1 ratio) - India: 17,137 vs 23 searches - Australia: 488 vs no search volume The category wasn't just underdeveloped,it was nonexistent globally.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is pleased to announce National Startup Day 2026, to be observed on 16 January 2026, commemorating a decade of the Startup India Initiative.
National Startup Day 2026 holds special significance as it will feature the announcement of the results of the States’ Startup Ranking Framework 5.0, a flagship initiative led by Startup India, DPIIT. The occasion will also witness the declaration of results and recognition of outstanding startups under the National Startup Awards 5.0.
This landmark occasion will bring together startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, corporates, academic institutions, ecosystem partners, and policymakers to reflect on the journey of the past decade and to collectively shape the next phase of India’s startup growth story.

Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, one of India’s most respected industry leaders and a pioneer of the apparel export movement, has assumed charge as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for the fifth term in January 2026, marking a historic moment in his journey. He has been a board member of AEPC for the last 43 years.  

Through hard work, dedication and innovative trade practices he has sown the seed and nurtured Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd. to be one of the leading knitwear exporters of India.

Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, wished the incoming Chairman Dr A Sakthivel and said Dr Sakthivel brings a lot of joy to every exporter through his warmth and affection.

4th Global Textile Trade Fair USA

A unique and growing platform, organised for the Indians – by the Indians.
Connecting Indian textile excellence with the US market—bigger, stronger, and more impactful than ever.

Louisville
Event Dates: 5–6–7 June 2026
Venue: Triple Crown Convention Center, Jeffersontown, KY.

Global apparel trade & retail update report for December 2025.

Apparel Imports in October 2025:
US: US$ 7.4 bn, down 9% YoY (Sept 2025)
EU: US$ 8.4 bn, down 7% YoY
UK: US$ 2.4 bn, up 1% YoY
Japan: US$ 2.4 bn, up 10% YoY. 

India’s Textile Policy Push in 2025: Relief, Reforms and Readiness for Growth

As we wind down 2025: India’s Textile and Apparel Industry.
India’s Ministry of Textiles has highlighted a series of key policy actions in 2025 aimed at easing operational pressures across the textile and apparel value chain while strengthening global competitiveness.

Among the major developments, the ministry has withdrawn several Quality Control Orders (QCOs), rationalised GST rates, recalibrated export incentive.