A delegation from the South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association (SIHMA) met Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, in New Delhi on 11 February 2026 to deliberate on the present challenges and future growth prospects of the Tamil Nadu knitwear industry.
The meeting was chaired by Shri A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). SIHMA President ESSDEE Shri P. Shanmugasundaram and General Secretary Shri Damodharan were among those who participated in the discussions, representing the interests of domestic branded knitwear manufacturers.
Focus on Sectoral Challenges and Strategic Expansion
During the interaction, the delegation outlined key concerns affecting the Tamil Nadu knitwear cluster, including global competition, market access, compliance requirements, and the need for stronger export facilitation. The discussion centred on strategies to strengthen India’s position in the global knitwear trade and ensure sustained growth for manufacturers in the region.
Tamil Nadu, particularly Tiruppur, continues to play a pivotal role in India’s knitwear exports. However, industry leaders emphasised the importance of leveraging trade policy reforms and global agreements to maintain competitiveness in an evolving international marketplace.
FTAs: A Golden Opportunity for Indian Knitwear
Addressing the delegation, Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted that the Government of India has entered into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 38 countries, including several European nations. He described these agreements as a “golden opportunity” for domestic branded knitwear manufacturers to expand their footprint in international markets without facing trade barriers.
According to the Minister, these FTAs will open new export destinations, improve tariff competitiveness, and enhance market access for Indian textile and apparel products. He noted that such trade partnerships mark an important milestone in India’s broader economic growth strategy.
For the knitwear sector, particularly MSME-driven clusters, duty advantages under FTAs could significantly improve price competitiveness against competing sourcing nations.
Strengthening Global Trade Partnerships
Looking ahead, Shri Piyush Goyal informed the delegation that the Government is actively working towards finalising Free Trade Agreements with Canada and several Arab nations. These upcoming agreements are expected to further diversify India’s export markets and reduce dependency on a limited set of destinations.
He urged manufacturers to prepare themselves to fully capitalise on these policy initiatives by upgrading technology, improving compliance standards, and enhancing product value addition.
“Manufacturers must elevate their export capabilities to global standards and position India as a dominant force in the international knitwear sector,” the Minister emphasised.
Industry Commitment to Growth
The SIHMA leadership reaffirmed its commitment to aligning with the Government’s trade vision. Industry representatives expressed confidence that with the right policy support, infrastructure improvements, and proactive engagement with global markets, the Tamil Nadu knitwear sector can achieve higher export growth in the coming years.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership between policymakers and industry stakeholders in shaping the future of India’s textile and apparel exports. With expanded FTA coverage and strategic trade initiatives on the horizon, the Indian knitwear industry stands poised to strengthen its global leadership.
