A country-specific export strategy could turn the tide in India’s favour in the sector, explains an industry expert.

The world apparel trade stood at $445 billion in 2015 down by 8 per cent from previous year. India’s apparel exports grew by 3 per cent in 2015 whereas that of Bangladesh and Vietnam grew by 8 per cent and 16 per cent respectively in the same year. After the phasing out of quotas in 2005, Bangladesh and Vietnam grabbed the opportunity and their apparel exports increased rapidly. Bangladesh surpassed India in apparel exports in 2008 and Vietnam in 2012 as can be seen from the chart below and their apparel exports have been consistently growing and have been higher than India’s exports throughout.