Apparel exports from India to the European Union face a duty disadvantage vis-à-vis other competing countries, Union minister of textiles Smriti Irani said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. India’s textile and apparel exports (including handicrafts) increased slightly from $39.3 billion in 2017-18 to $40.4 billion in 2018-19, the minister said. Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam enjoy preferential or duty-free access while exporting to the EU, Irani said. “Apparel exports from competing countries enjoy zero/preferential access to European Union whereas India faces a duty disadvantage. Besides Bangladesh and Vietnam have a large and productive labour force,” Irani added.
