Recap of India’s Garment Industry in 2024: A Year of Growth and Transformation

As 2025 begins, India’s garment industry has experienced significant growth, overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities in 2024. From technological advancements to sustainability initiatives, the year has been pivotal in shaping the future of the industry. Let’s take a look back at the key developments, growth statistics, and trends that defined 2024 for India’s garment sector.

Growth in Market Size and Export Performance

India’s garment industry has seen impressive growth in 2024. According to the Ministry of Textiles, the sector’s export value reached $17.3 billion in FY 2023-24, up from $15.4 billion in FY 2022-23. This marks an increase of 12.3%, reflecting the country’s strong position in the global garment export market. India remains one of the largest suppliers of textiles and apparel to countries like the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East.

Domestic consumption also saw an uptick. The Indian Apparel Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market size of $50 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by a rise in disposable income, changing fashion trends, and the increasing popularity of online shopping platforms.

Technological Advancements: Automation and AI Integration

2024 was a year where technology continued to play a crucial role in the garment industry’s growth. The adoption of AI, automation, and smart manufacturing gained momentum, helping manufacturers increase productivity and reduce costs. A report from McKinsey suggests that AI-driven solutions could reduce production costs by up to 20-30% over the next five years.

Manufacturers increasingly turned to 3D knitting, AI-based fabric pattern recognition, and robotic cutting systems to streamline production processes. These innovations have allowed companies to produce garments more efficiently, reduce waste, and cater to the growing demand for customization and personalized apparel.

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Practices

Sustainability was a key theme for the garment industry in 2024, with more companies embracing eco-friendly practices to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer demand for sustainable products. According to a PwC report, 70% of Indian garment manufacturers have started integrating sustainable practices, such as using organic fabrics, waterless dyeing techniques, and reducing carbon emissions.

The adoption of recycled polyester and bio-based fabrics became more widespread in 2024, as brands and manufacturers sought to reduce their environmental footprint. India also saw an increase in the number of sustainable fashion startups, with over 200 new eco-conscious brands emerging in 2024 alone. These brands are leading the charge in promoting ethical fashion and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

E-commerce Boom and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Growth

The e-commerce sector continued to boom in 2024, driving growth for India’s garment industry. With online shopping platforms like Myntra, Flipkart, and Ajio reporting double-digit growth in apparel sales, manufacturers have increasingly focused on building their D2C channels. The D2C market for apparel in India is expected to grow by 20% annually, reaching $10 billion by 2025.

Brands have embraced digital tools like virtual try-ons, 3D modeling, and AI-driven recommendations to enhance the online shopping experience. This shift towards e-commerce has also led to the rise of hyper-local brands, which cater to specific regional tastes and preferences, further expanding the reach of India’s garment industry.

Labor and Workforce Development

The labor force in India’s garment industry has also seen positive changes in 2024. With an increasing emphasis on upskilling and automation, the workforce is becoming more adept at handling new technologies. The Skill Development Council for Textiles & Apparel (SDCTA) reported that over 1 million workers were trained in various skill development programs, including garment manufacturing, digital marketing, and sustainability practices.

However, labor issues such as wage disparities and working conditions remain challenges. In response, the government has been working on improving labor laws and offering incentives for companies that invest in worker welfare, which has led to improvements in the sector’s overall working environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive growth trajectory, the industry still faces some significant challenges. Infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in logistics and supply chain management, have hindered the smooth movement of goods. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reports that logistics costs in India are still among the highest in the world, accounting for 13-14% of GDP, compared to the global average of 8-9%.

Additionally, global competition from low-cost manufacturing countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China continues to put pressure on India’s garment exports. To remain competitive, Indian manufacturers must focus on quality improvement, innovation, and cost efficiency.

On the flip side, India’s shift towards free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries like the European Union and the UK in 2024 has opened up new export opportunities. These agreements are expected to boost India’s garment exports by 15-20% over the next few years.

The Road Ahead: Gartex Texprocess India 2025

As India’s garment industry looks toward 2025, events like Gartex Texprocess India will play a key role in driving innovation and collaboration. The event, scheduled for 22-24 May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai and 21-23 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will showcase the latest advancements in garment manufacturing, textile processing, and fashion technology.

Gartex Texprocess India 2025 will offer a platform for industry professionals to explore cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and networking opportunities. It will be a crucial space for manufacturers to stay ahead of industry trends, gain insights into new technologies, and forge partnerships that will help them thrive in the global market.

Conclusion

In 2024, India’s garment industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. With significant growth in exports, the adoption of new technologies, and a strong focus on sustainability, the industry is on track to continue its upward trajectory in 2025. By addressing challenges such as infrastructure bottlenecks and global competition, and leveraging opportunities in e-commerce and D2C, India’s garment sector is well-positioned to lead the global market in the years ahead. As the industry moves forward, events like Gartex Texprocess India 2025 will be instrumental in shaping the future of India’s garment manufacturing landscape.

Gartex Texprocess India 2025 will take place on 22-24 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai and 21-23 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. These events will serve as crucial platforms for industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in garment manufacturing, textile processing, and fashion technology.