India’s Textile Sector Eyes $100B Export Target by 2030
30 July 2025: India is aiming to achieve USD 100 billion in textile and apparel exports by the year 2030. To reach this goal, CTA Apparels – one of the country’s major vertically integrated apparel producers – is calling on the industry to proactively leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
India has successfully entered into FTAs with countries such as the UAE, Australia, and more recently, the United Kingdom. These agreements provide duty-free access to international markets that import over USD 150 billion in apparel every year. An FTA with the United States, currently under advanced negotiation, holds the potential to open up the largest apparel market in the world – valued at more than USD 110 billion – further boosting India’s export potential.
“FTAs are not limited to tariff reductions – they are an opportunity to re-establish India’s position as a global leader in apparel exports,” stated Dr. Mukesh Kansal, Chairman of CTA Apparels.
Dr. Kansal emphasized that CTA is making significant investments in smart manufacturing technologies, digitized compliance systems, and traceability platforms to align with sustainability requirements and maximize benefits from FTA-related opportunities.
He suggested a strategic four-step plan to implement FTA advantages:
– FTA Helpdesks: Establish specialized support units to assist exporters – especially MSMEs – with compliance and documentation.
– Targeted Trade Missions: Launch focused buyer-seller meets and roadshows in the UK, EU, and US markets.
– ‘Brand India Textiles’ Portal: Develop a digital platform to showcase certified and compliant Indian manufacturers.
– Export Incentives: Provide performance-linked benefits to reward exporters growing in FTA-covered markets.
With the UK agreement already in place and the US deal possibly on the horizon, India’s textile sector must act swiftly and strategically to enhance global market share, push forward value-added exports and elevate its presence in global supply chains.
