(Commonwealth_Europe) The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) recently highlighted significant opportunities for British apparel companies to expand their presence in India, urging them to participate in the upcoming mega textile exhibition, Bharat Tex 2025. Two major locations in India will host the event, which promises to provide a comprehensive platform to explore the country’s thriving textile and apparel sector.
Bharat Tex 2025 will take place from February 14-17, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam and from February 12-15, 2025, at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. The event will bring together stakeholders from across the textile value chain, focusing on key sectors such as handicrafts, apparel machinery, chemicals, and dyes, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and trade.
AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri emphasized the importance of the UK market for India’s textile industry, noting that the UK is a global leader in fashion and the sixth-largest importer of apparel worldwide. In 2023, the UK imported a total of USD 20.27 billion worth of apparel, making it a key player in the global textile trade. India has long been a trusted partner for the UK, with exports of Indian textiles to the UK reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2023, accounting for 6.14% of the UK’s total textile and apparel market.
Bilateral trade growth has been strong, with Indian exports of ready-made garments to the UK growing by an impressive 9.4% from April to October 2024. This underscores the increasing demand for high-quality, affordable apparel from India, making it a strategic partner for British firms looking to diversify their supply chains and access innovative solutions in the textile industry.
To promote this dynamic trade relationship, AEPC organized a Bharat Tex Roadshow in London from November 27 to 29, aimed at encouraging British companies to actively participate in the upcoming exhibition. The roadshow, which engaged key stakeholders and decision-makers in the UK fashion and apparel industry, was an essential step in fostering deeper business ties between India and the UK.
UK brands such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Next, Charles Tyrwhitt, Burberry, Dunhill, Clarks, and JW Anderson have already been sourcing high-quality products from India, contributing to the country’s reputation as a leading textile supplier. Fast-fashion giants like Primark, Asos, and Boohoo also rely heavily on India for their sourcing needs, drawn by the country’s ability to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that meet the stringent quality demands of the global market.
At Bharat Tex 2025, sustainability will be a key theme. The exhibition will place a strong focus on eco-friendly materials, closed-loop manufacturing processes, and advanced waste management techniques. These areas are expected to resonate deeply with the UK’s commitment to sustainable fashion and ethical production. India’s evolving approach to sustainability is in line with the UK’s desire to drive forward environmental responsibility within the fashion industry, making the upcoming event an ideal platform for British firms to explore the latest in green technology and sustainable production practices.
Sekhri emphasized that Bharat Tex 2025 will showcase India’s innovative solutions and advanced manufacturing capabilities, including its growing expertise in producing sustainable textiles. With eco-conscious consumers driving demand for greener fashion, Indian manufacturers are adopting practices that minimize environmental impact while ensuring high-quality production. For UK brands, this provides a unique opportunity to strengthen their sustainability credentials while tapping into India’s extensive and diverse textile resources.
Bharat Tex 2025 promises to be a landmark event that bridges the growing demand for quality and sustainability in fashion between India and the UK. With a robust textile sector, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability, India is well-positioned to offer British apparel firms valuable opportunities for collaboration, growth, and business expansion. The AEPC’s efforts to facilitate stronger trade ties through events like the Bharat Tex Roadshow are a testament to the potential for deeper partnerships between the two nations in the textile and apparel industries.
