Tiruppur garment exports on the rise after slump

India's knitwear hub, Tiruppur's garment exports are bouncing back after a year-long slump. Exports grew over 6 per cent in February and March 2024, compared to the same period last year, exceeding the national average. Experts attribute this rise to a few factors. Bangladesh, a major competitor, recently lost duty-free access to Europe, and a potential India-UK trade deal is on the horizon. These developments are making Tiruppur a more attractive option for global buyers.

The future looks promising too. With large retailers placing orders and European inventories running low, Tiruppur is expected to see export growth of nearly 10 per cent in the coming months. However, the revival comes with challenges. The decline in orders last year forced around 20 per cent of small and medium businesses to shut down. Existing factories are now working at full capacity, even facing a labor shortage.

To address these issues and support further growth, the industry is calling for Tiruppur to be designated a "sustainable cluster." This could provide much-needed resources and support for the vital garment sector.