The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has formally urged the Indian government to eliminate all import duties on cotton imports, a move that could significantly reshape the country's apparel export competitiveness. AEPC Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel led a high-level industry delegation in targeted meetings with three senior Union Ministers in New Delhi. The council submitted formal representations calling for duty removal to strengthen India's position in global textile markets.
Delegation Meets Three Senior Union Ministers
Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of AEPC, held strategic meetings with key Union Cabinet members on behalf of the apparel industry. The delegation engaged Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles. Each session focused on presenting the apparel sector's case for reform on cotton import duty. The multi-ministerial outreach reflects the cross-sectoral importance of cotton pricing to India's overall export performance.
Core Demand: Scrapping Cotton Import Duties
The AEPC's central request is the complete elimination of duties on cotton imports, a long-standing concern for Indian apparel exporters. High raw material costs from domestic cotton pricing directly erode the price competitiveness of Indian garments in international markets. By removing import duties, manufacturers would gain access to globally priced cotton, enabling more competitive bids on large international orders. The representations submitted to ministers outlined how current duty structures are constraining order volumes and suppressing export revenue growth.
- Elimination of import duty on cotton to reduce manufacturer input costs
- Improved price competitiveness for Indian apparel in global markets
- Access to internationally priced cotton for garment manufacturers
- Sustained growth in India's apparel export revenues
Industry Impact and Strategic Outlook
India's apparel export sector faces persistent pressure from competing nations that source cotton at lower costs. Access to duty-free cotton imports would directly reduce production costs across the garment manufacturing value chain. Exporters supplying markets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East would gain improved margins and stronger capacity to compete on large-volume orders. The AEPC's advocacy reflects a broad industry consensus that raw material cost parity is essential for expanding India's global apparel market share.
Stay updated on textile trade policy developments and industry advocacy through the textile news section on Textilezon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AEPC and who does it represent?
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is India's apex body for the apparel export industry. It represents garment manufacturers and exporters in policy dialogue with government ministries and international trade bodies.
Why is AEPC seeking removal of import duty on cotton imports?
Removing import duty on cotton imports lowers raw material costs for Indian apparel manufacturers. This directly improves their price competitiveness in global markets and supports stronger export growth.
Which government ministers did AEPC meet to discuss cotton import policy?
AEPC engaged the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Union Minister of Textiles. Formal representations on cotton import duty relief were submitted to all three ministers.
Key Takeaways:
- AEPC submitted formal representations to three Union Ministers seeking cotton import duty removal
- The initiative aims to lower raw material costs and improve price competitiveness for Indian exporters
- Multi-ministerial engagement demonstrates a coordinated, industry-wide push for policy reform
- Policy outcomes from these representations will directly influence India's apparel export strategy
AEPC's structured multi-ministerial engagement marks a decisive step toward aligning India's cotton import policy with the competitive demands of global apparel trade.
