India inundated by surging garment imports

The period during April 2018-February 2019 saw an increase in garment imports by 47% to US$ 1 billion and a 5% decrease in exports as per the data collated by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). This increase in imports has been attributed to big retailers opting for low-cost foreign garments from countries like Bangladesh (96%), Sri Lanka (120%) and Hong Kong (171%). Vietnam & Cambodia are our other competitors.

These countries are also attracting massive investments from the Chinese apparel makers due to the availability of low-cost manpower. The low customs duty rates for exports in the European Union and the United States have further bolstered the competition.