Beyond Price: Why Global Buyers Choose Buying Houses They Can Trust

A buying house is not merely a sourcing intermediary—it is the buyer’s eyes, ears, and voice on the ground.

Over the years, the role of buying houses has evolved dramatically. The conversation is no longer about identifying the lowest-cost factory. Today, it is about building a secure, compliant, transparent, and scalable supply chain.

With over three decades in the sourcing business, I have encountered countless buyer checklists. Yet one line from a buyer’s email has stayed with me.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) celebrated its 48th Foundation Day at its headquarters, Apparel House, Gurugram, marking nearly five decades of dedicated service to the Indian apparel export industry.

On the occasion, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said, “The successful completion of 48 years reflects AEPC’s unwavering commitment to meeting the expectations of the apparel industry, particularly exporters. Over the years, the Council has consistently taken up industry concerns with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote, protect, and safeguard the interests of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.”

The UK-India trade deal will make it quicker and easier to do business

In addition to the new UK-India trade deal, the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will simplify doing business through strengthened infrastructure, streamlined regulation, and by providing the stability you need to make long-term investment decisions.

With its highly skilled workforce and unrivalled global business connectivity, the UK is the ideal location for Indian businesses to scale, invest and grow. You’ll also benefit from the lowest corporation tax in the G7, generous R&D tax credits and 100% capital allowance expensing.
Credits: Great Britain & Northern Ireland official communique. The content has not been edited and reviewed by us.

India’s Textile & Apparel (T&A) Exports Dip in January Amid Rising US Tariff Pressure.
The Indian textile and apparel sector (T&C)— long regarded as a resilient backbone of the nation’s export economy was tested— experienced a clear cut downturn in export performance in January.

The plausible explanation is; A cumulative effect of global tariff headwinds, shifting demand patterns in key markets, and durable global supply-chain challenges appears to have impeded shipment growth right at the start of the year.

Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC met Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai today and requested for a separate export policy for the MSMEs sector. Chairman AEPC proposed that a dedicated Special Interest Package Scheme be introduced for MSMEs. Currently, banks determine lending rates based on their internal policies and balance sheet considerations, leading to inconsistencies and higher borrowing costs.

Chairman AEPC meeting with the RBI Governor assumes important as India has signed FTA with 37 countries the next decade is going to the India’s advantages in apparel and textiles and it is time to leverage this for boosting exports from the country.

FTAs: India’s Textile Gateway to Global Value Chains

India is in a sweet spot 
India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are increasingly anchoring progressive domestic textile reforms to global market realities. 
Policy interventions; By aligning internal policy improvements with external trade commitments, FTAs are helping Indian textile manufacturers compete on a reasonable ;level playing field internationally allowing Indian exporters integration in the global supply chains against a fractured global.

Laying a reasonable argument l Indian exporters get a relief

India will be the engine to drive world growth: PM
India US trade deal is a fruition of 9 months labour.
What a relief!
‘Tariff concessions Makes India’s Textile Exports More Competitive’
Reassuring pact: Includes yarn forward provision
The India-US trade arrangement will expand cotton demand rather than hurt domestic growers, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, while asserting Indian farmers stand to gain from rising textile exports which comes from behind.

Retail Leaders Return Every Year. Because RESULTS

Feel Better Than Guesswork

Ask anyone who has attended RLS before.
They will tell you it is where introductions become partnerships and ideas become revenue.
This is not theory—it is a proven platform where retailers and service providers find real momentum.
When the right people meet, growth follows naturally.

US to Extend Bangladesh-Like Yarn, Cotton Benefits to India

US to Give Yarn, Cotton Benefits to India, as with B’desh: Goyal
India’s textile sector not a looser: Matching Relief l No impact on cotton farmers

Quick data point: As things stand today 
US total cotton exports $5b vs India’s $50b textile exports to US aim going forward.

India’s apparel industry is entering a more demanding phase in 2026. Global buyers are changing how and where they source, and India is being taken more seriously as supply chains diversify beyond a few traditional hubs.
At the same time, trade developments such as the India EU FTA impact on garments and improving market access discussions with the US are creating a stronger opening for India apparel exports. Reducing tariff barriers may help Indian vendors to compete better, but the key advantage is in quality and on-time delivery.

A delegation led by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), along with key representatives of the Tiruppur textile cluster and industry associations, met Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, on 11 February 2026.

The delegation included Mr. K. M. Subramanian, President, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA); Mr. Elangovan, Vice President, TEA; P.P.K. Paramasivam, Advisory Committee Member; Mr. R. Ramu, Executive Committee Member, TEA; and representatives from ten textile associations, comprising around 45 members in total.

India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 is not just about economic growth- it’s about building future-ready skills, inclusive opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.

Join this webinar on "Role of Social Enterprises in Helping India Achieve the Dream of Viksit Bharat @2047 – Skilling for the Future", as a part of Impact Orbit - Skilling and Livelihood Innovations, an initiative by Capgemini in partnership with NSRCEL, that will bring together perspectives from the social impact ecosystem, CSR leadership, and practitioners working closely on skilling and employability.