Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani on Friday said that India’s exports of textile and apparel sector (including handicrafts) have increased from USD 39.3 billion in 2017-18 to USD 40.4 billion in 2018-19.

In a written in the Lok Sabha, Irani added India faces competition from countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka which enjoy duty free access to key markets.

Apparel exports from competing countries enjoy zero/preferential access to European Union whereas India faces a duty disadvantage. Besides Bangladesh and Vietnam have a large and productive labour force, she said.

Published On : 30-11-2019

Source : SME Times