A recent report from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) has bolstered India’s growing appeal as a worldwide hub for apparel sourcing, pointing to political stability as a major factor in US buyers’ decision to purchase more apparel from India.
India is becoming a more alluring alternative for American consumers as the global apparel supply chain grows more intricate due to its capacity to ensure production schedules and reduce the risks associated with political instability. India’s stable political environment makes it a dependable and scalable option for high-end fashion items, making it a formidable rival in the global garment market, according to the report.
Over the past ten years, India’s proportion of the US apparel market has increased steadily. India accounted for a meagre 4 per cent of US garment imports in 2013. By 2023, this percentage had risen to 5.8 per cent. With US $ 4.6 billion in garment exports to the US in 2023, India ranked as the fourth-largest apparel provider to the US market.
India’s growing competitiveness, especially in the high-value apparel sector, is reflected in this development. India is becoming a reliable and important sourcing partner for clothing as the United States continues to diversify its sourcing away from China.
For supply chains to operate smoothly, political stability is essential, particularly in sectors like clothing where on-time delivery is essential. Political upheaval in nations like Bangladesh can cause delays, strikes, and disruptions, which makes them less dependable for expensive and urgent clothing orders, according to the USITC research. On the other hand, India has established itself as a reliable option for sourcing clothing due to its comparatively stable political climate, particularly in markets like the US.
Because they can trust the dependability of both production and delivery schedules, American buyers are consequently moving more of their sourcing to India. Quality, timely manufacturing, and reliable logistics are critical in high-end, fashion-focused garments, where this trend is especially noticeable.
In order to support the expansion of the garment sector, India is also addressing all challenges. There have been concerted efforts to increase workforce productivity, diversify man-made fibre, and enhance infrastructure and logistics.
The Indian apparel industry is in a strong position to maintain its upward trajectory in the global market, particularly in the United States. The nation is a desirable location for consumers looking for dependable and superior clothing because of its political stability, vertical integration, trained labour force and robust government assistance.
