Apparel Industry Export Competitiveness in India and Challenges

One of the most promising sectors and one of the biggest exporting segments in India is the Apparel industry. Although India has been the most sought after exporter of textile and readymade apparel after China, this status has taken a beating of late by the rise of alternative low cost destinations like Bangladesh, Turkey and Mexico. This paper attempts to identify the reasons for Indias competitiveness in the world exports market for apparel and the challenges that the industry faces. Although, the sector holds a lot of promise and has the capacity to thrust India to top of the chart, it is dogged by archaic governmental policies, lack of vision and slowness in adapting to latest trends. The top industry leaders voice similar opinions that village labor force should be utilized for supplementing manufacturing and adoption of latest technology should be promoted by the government.