India Pursues Zero-Duty Pact with US

India is considering offering zero-duty imports to the US across various sectors, including those supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, in response to the US's 26% reciprocal tariff. This move aims to accelerate progress toward a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

The success of the proposed trade agreement will depend on enforcing robust rules of origin and aligning closely with industry stakeholders to identify sectors that can sustainably benefit from zero-duty terms.

Ashok Malhotra, Mission Director, NTTM, at the PHDCCI Man-Made Fibres Conference, New Delhi, April 22, 2025:

At NTTM, our approach is simple: empower end users to adopt technical textiles sustainably and economically. Take agrotextiles, for example. If a farmer understands the cost-benefit equation—with support from the Government of India—Krishi Vigyan Kendras can provide shade nets on soft loans.

These nets, which last over 20 years, pay for themselves within 2–3 years. The farmer repays the Kendra, possibly with subsidy support, depending on the working model.

Recently, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ” The transshipment facility for Bangladesh was withdrawn on April 8, 2025, due to heavy congestion at Indian airports and ports, which triggered logistical delays and hurt exports seriously.” 

The revocation of a transshipment facility India had extended to Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RTW) sector. This facility, established way back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was circumstantially, actually permitting Bangladesh to bypass logistical hurdles by transporting export goods through Indian ports and airports at a much lower cost (USD 2-2.5 per kg from Kolkata vs. USD 5-6 per kg directly from Bangladesh) than ever before.

59th edition of the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) Delhi Fair (Spring).
Event Dates: 16 to 19 April 2025
Event Venue: India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India 
Frequency: Twice a year.
IHGF is unarguably among the largest global fairs in this space, with a long history of being organized since way back in 1994, holding seasonal trade fairs for both Spring and Autumn editions successfully year in and year out.
Organizers: Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), 'an apex national organization.'

Navigating Tariff Uncertainty: Implications of the 90-Day Pause on U.S. Duties

Competitive Advantage in a Reordered Trade Arena
If tariffs disproportionately impact competitors such as China, Vietnam, or Bangladesh, India could benefit—provided it strengthens key fundamentals. Admittedly, India’s apparel export ecosystem has often been reactive rather than strategic. Nonetheless, the following advantages position India favorably:
Robust Cotton Ecosystem: Vertically integrated supply chains from farm to fabric to fashion.
Rising Compliance Standards: Adoption of ESG metrics and digital traceability is gaining momentum.

Navigating US Tariff Challenges—Strategic Insights for the Indian Textile & Apparel Industry.

The United States stands as a crucial export destination for the Indian textile and apparel industry, with annual shipments reaching approximately $10 billion.

The recent imposition of tariffs by the US on these imports presents a complex scenario, a double-edged sword offering a potential advantage while simultaneously exposing underlying vulnerabilities within the Indian manufacturing sector.

The presentation made by Chandan Bahl, Deputy Director General (International Relations) at Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), during one of the knowledge sessions at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 concluded today at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi (India). 

Standards are critical enablers of innovation, quality, and market access. Demonstrating compliance with standards enhances trust, facilitates faster go-to-market, and improves safety, reliability, and international trade. As India aspires to be a developed nation, we must become a standards-based economy.

However, many startups mistakenly believe that standards are only for large companies and limit creativity. The truth is quite the opposite—standards provide a foundation for innovation.

The global apparel trade & retail update report for March 2025. Additionally, in continuation of our previous editions of the textile & apparel sector performance report, we are also releasing the WTAI (Wazir Textile & Apparel Index) 9M FY25 update report which highlights the nine months' performance of the sector.

Key Highlights: Global Apparel Trade & Retail Update Report, Mar.’ 2025.

In February 2025, US macroeconomic indicators indicate a mixed reaction, as inflation fell to 2.8%, while consumer confidence dropped further to 102.7 from 104.1 in the previous month.

The 12th edition of the Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), concluded successfully today at the Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai. Gherzi, a leading global textile consulting firm, served as the official knowledge partner for the event.

Asia continues to be the backbone of the global textile and apparel sector, contributing significantly across the value chain. The region accounts for approximately 63% of the world’s total cotton production and an astounding 90% of the world’s man-made fiber (MMF) production, making it the global leader in raw material supply.

12th Asian Textile Conference
Driving Asia’s Global Textile Growth
Event Date: March 25, 2025
Event Venue: Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra, India.

Organized by: Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).

Speaking with Salil Chawla, Director of DFU Publications, and Ankit Gupta. Joint MD of Holistic Group l Vice President of Aspa, the Authentication Solution Providers Association, on the sidelines of the TAF 2025 show.

As we stand on the ASPA platform, reflecting on the concluding remarks about creating a counterfeit-free world, do you believe it is truly possible? If so, what is the way forward?

Ek aur ek gyarah—which means “one plus one equals eleven.

6th Edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum (TAF) 2025.

Event Date: 17th-18th March 2025
Venue: Eros Now, Nehru Place, New Delhi (India).

This forum is a coming together of all the stakeholders from across diverse supply chains to create awareness, sensitizing around Traceability and Authentication.