A third of India’s apparel exports are now destined for the United States
India’s growing prominence as a global apparel sourcing hub has been underscored by a recent report from the US International Trade Commission (USITC), highlighting the country’s political stability as a crucial factor in attracting American buyers. As the international garment supply chain faces increasing complexity, India’s reliable political environment has positioned it as a preferred choice for US apparel brands, especially for high-value fashion items. With timely production and predictable logistics, India is emerging as a robust competitor in the global apparel market.

India’s share of the US apparel market has seen steady growth over the past decade, reflecting the country’s expanding competitiveness and reliability. In 2013, India accounted for 4% of US apparel imports; by 2023, this share had risen to 5.8%. The consistent increase underscores the confidence that US buyers have in India’s production capabilities, especially in the premium apparel segment. With the United States diversifying its supply chains and moving away from dependence on China, India’s stable political landscape makes it an attractive and reliable sourcing destination.

In 2023, India exported $4.6 billion worth of apparel to the United States, establishing itself as the fourth-largest supplier to the US market. With political stability cited as a central factor, India’s appeal is expected to grow further as it strengthens its position in the global apparel industry.

According to the USITC report, the political stability in India offers a significant advantage in the apparel industry, where adherence to production timelines is crucial. In contrast, countries like Bangladesh, though highly competitive in terms of cost, have experienced disruptions due to political unrest, leading to strikes and delays. This instability can compromise the reliability needed for time-sensitive, high-value orders, making India a more dependable alternative.

As the demand for high-quality, fashion-focused apparel continues to rise, U.S. buyers are turning to India for its capacity to ensure smooth production and on-time deliveries. 

India’s Key Strengths in Apparel Production
India’s success in the apparel sector can be attributed to several competitive strengths:
Vertical Integration: India’s textile industry is known for its vertical integration, encompassing the entire production chain from cotton farming to spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment manufacturing. This self-contained supply chain reduces dependency on external suppliers and allows for a more streamlined production process, enhancing reliability.

Skilled Workforce: India’s large and skilled labor force, especially adept at intricate garment finishing and customization, is a valuable asset for producing high-quality fashion items. The attention to detail in stitching and garment personalization makes Indian apparel highly desirable in global markets.

Government Support: The Indian government has introduced supportive policies such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and exports. This initiative has encouraged apparel manufacturers to expand production capacity, invest in advanced technologies, and innovate.

Cotton Production: As one of the world’s largest cotton producers, India has a natural advantage in manufacturing cotton-based apparel. The availability of raw materials domestically strengthens the country’s cotton garment sector and supports a diverse range of exports to the U.S. market.

While India’s strengths have contributed to its growing market share, the USITC report highlights certain challenges that need to be addressed to sustain and expand this momentum. These challenges include:

Labour Costs: Rising labour costs in India pose a challenge to scaling production at competitive prices. However, India’s skilled labor base and the high quality of its finished products help to mitigate this disadvantage to some extent.

Man-Made Fiber (MMF) Production: India’s limited capacity in man-made fiber production restricts its growth in the synthetic garment segment, a crucial area in the global apparel market. Expanding MMF manufacturing could help India diversify its offerings and compete more effectively with other suppliers.

Infrastructure and Logistics: The report notes that high logistics costs and limited infrastructure capacity are impediments to growth. Addressing these issues through infrastructure development and supply chain optimization will be key to enhancing India’s competitiveness.

Comparative Analysis: India vs. Other Leading Apparel Suppliers
The USITC report provides a comparative analysis of India and other major US apparel suppliers, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Following are their market shares, key strengths and challenges:

Vietnam - Market Share in US Apparel Imports (2023) 17.8%; Expertise in both cotton and MMF garments; Increasing labor costs and limited domestic cotton.
Bangladesh - Market share 6.2%; Low labor costs and duty-free US access; Political instability and limited high-value products.
India - Market share 5.8%; Vertical integration, skilled labor, and government support; Rising labor costs, infrastructure limitations, and limited MMF production.
Indonesia - Market share 8.5%; High-quality complex garments; High production costs and logistics inefficiencies.
Pakistan - Market Share 4.5%; Strong cotton sector and quality denim; Geopolitical risks and limited diversification.

A Promising Outlook for India’s Apparel Industry
As India continues to attract US buyers, particularly for high-value and fashion-focused apparel, its role in the global apparel market is expected to expand. US brands increasingly value India’s political stability, vertical integration, and skilled workforce, which collectively support a dependable and high-quality supply chain.

A third of India’s apparel exports are now destined for the United States, with the country’s reliable production model driving growth in the competitive US market. With a strategic focus on addressing current challenges, such as increasing MMF capacity and reducing logistics costs, India is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing shifts in global apparel sourcing trends.