10 months ago
Indian Apparel Exporters See Recovery Amid Global Demand and Trade Deal Focus
Indian companies that make clothes for people all over the world are starting to feel better about their business.
Stores in places like America and Europe, which buy a lot of clothes, are ordering more again.
This means the Indian factories are getting more stable orders.
Some big Indian companies are also looking for new places to sell their clothes, like in Japan, Australia, and even Africa.
They are also thinking about building factories in other countries.
They are excited about new trade deals, like one with the UK, which could make it cheaper for them to sell clothes compared to competitors.
This is good news because it means more work and growth for the Indian clothing industry.
Global retail demand is showing signs of recovery, leading to stabilized order inflows for Indian apparel exporters from the US and Europe.
Companies like Gokaldas Exports and Pearl Global Industries are diversifying markets, expanding production bases outside India, and seeking advantages from proposed FTAs.
New business opportunities are emerging from regions such as Japan, Australia, and Africa, with some companies reducing their dependence on the US market.
The proposed India-UK FTA offers a significant 12% duty advantage over China, and a potential EU trade deal could open further opportunities.
Key players like Gokaldas Exports and Pearl Global Industries are adapting to global sourcing shifts, with Gokaldas having an India order book exceeding ₹900 crore.
- Who
- Indian apparel exporters, including Gokaldas Exports and Pearl Global Industries, and global retailers.
- What
- Experiencing stabilization in order inflows from key markets like the US and Europe, and developing new business opportunities in regions such as Japan and Australia.
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on the US, Europe, UK, Africa, Japan, and Australia.
- When
- November 13, 2025 (Publication Date); Order inflows stabilizing; H1 FY26 results reported; India-UK FTA proposed.
- Why
- Driven by a global retail demand recovery, ongoing sourcing diversification by global retailers, and potential trade advantages from proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like the India-UK FTA.
Global Retail Rebound & Diversification
Strategic Market Focus & Trade Advantages
Market Opportunities
Global Retail Rebound & Diversification
Stabilizing order inflows from the US and Europe, combined with emerging business from new regions like Japan and Australia, indicate a broader recovery in global retail demand.
Strategic Market Focus & Trade Advantages
The proposed India-UK FTA offers a significant 12% duty advantage over China, positioning India competitively. A potential EU trade deal could unlock further major opportunities, driving focused growth.
Sourcing Strategies
Global Retail Rebound & Diversification
Global retailers are actively diversifying their sourcing strategies, which benefits Indian exporters as they are seen as top contenders among Asian peers, especially with potential tariff rationalization.
Strategic Market Focus & Trade Advantages
Indian companies like Gokaldas Exports are strategically expanding production bases outside India and leveraging specific market advantages, such as the low-tariff regime in Africa and potential renewal of AGOA.
Key facts
- Gokaldas Exports India Order Book
- Over ₹900 crore
- Gokaldas Exports Africa Contribution
- 20-22% of business
- Gokaldas Exports UK/Europe Contribution
- 13-14% of business, projected to grow 4-5%
- Pearl Global Industries Revenue Growth (H1 FY26)
- 12.7% year-on-year
- Pearl Global Industries US Dependence
- Below 50%
- Key Growth Markets Mentioned
- Japan, Australia, UK, EU, Africa
- India-UK FTA Duty Advantage
- 12% over China
Quotes
Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi
Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Gokaldas Exports
“The recently announced India-UK FTA offers a 12 per cent duty advantage over China and puts India on par with Bangladesh, creating strong export potential. A trade deal with the EU could open significant opportunities as well.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“In the longer term, sourcing diversification is a key theme for all customers. With likely tariff rationalisation, India will remain one of the top contenders among Asian peers.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
Related news
Gujarat Has Potential to Lead India’s Renewable Hydrogen Production
Mafalda Finally Breaks Through In English After 62 Years
Suzlon Targets India’s 30 GW Wind Repowering Opportunity
Lord's Mark Advances AI Breast Screening Toward Final Trials
Hyderabad, Brussels Airports Sign MoU to Expand Cargo Links
