Market Access Support to Lift India's Textile Exports Drive: CITI

The Indian textile and apparel industry is getting a much-needed boost with the government's Market Access Support (MAS) intervention under the Export Promotion Mission. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has expressed strong optimism about this initiative, viewing it as a game-changer for exporters looking to explore new international markets and overcome recent challenges.

Government Initiative Brings Hope to Struggling Sector

CITI chairman Ashwin Chandran welcomed the Market Access Support intervention, describing it as "one of the best news to end what has otherwise been a very challenging year for the textile and apparel sector." This initiative comes at a critical time when Indian textile exporters are grappling with a hefty 50 percent US tariff imposed in August 2025. The US market, which contributes nearly 28 percent to India's total textile and apparel revenue—approximately $11 billion in 2024-25—has become significantly more challenging. Under the MAS intervention, exporters will receive structured financial and institutional support for Buyer-Seller Meets, international trade fair participation, Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets in India, and trade delegations to priority markets. Learn more about India's textile export strategies and how diversification efforts are reshaping the industry landscape.

Strategic Timing Aligns with Trade Agreements

The Market Access Support announcement strategically complements India's recent trade diplomacy successes. Following the India-Oman trade pact and the conclusion of FTA negotiations with New Zealand in December, this intervention positions Indian exporters to capitalize on new market opportunities. India has also signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom and continues FTA negotiations with the European Union and a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States. Chandran emphasized that November 2025 trade data demonstrated the resilience of Indian exporters and proved that the diversification strategy is yielding results. "The full benefits of the diversification strategy will be evident once all the measures under the Export Promotion Mission are rolled out," he noted. This multi-pronged approach of trade agreements combined with market access support creates a robust framework for expansion beyond traditional markets.

Why Market Access Support Matters for Industry Growth

The significance of the Market Access Support intervention extends beyond immediate export gains—it's about building long-term resilience and achieving ambitious national goals. India has set a target of creating a $350 billion textile and apparel industry by 2030, including $100 billion in exports. With the US tariff challenge affecting the sector's largest market, diversification into new geographies becomes not just strategic but essential. The MAS intervention will provide the financial backbone for exporters to establish presence in emerging markets, attend crucial international exhibitions, and forge new buyer relationships. According to CITI, this will have a positive ripple effect on job creation and livelihood opportunities across India's textile ecosystem. For exporters who have relied heavily on the US market, this support mechanism offers a pathway to reduce dependency and build a more balanced export portfolio across multiple countries and regions.

Conclusion

The Market Access Support intervention under the Export Promotion Mission represents a pivotal moment for India's textile and apparel sector. By providing structured financial support for market exploration activities and aligning with recent trade agreements, the government is equipping exporters with the tools needed to navigate global headwinds and achieve the ambitious $100 billion export target by 2030. As CITI chairman Ashwin Chandran aptly notes, this initiative, combined with ongoing diversification efforts, will help create more jobs, expand market presence, and build resilience against challenges like the 50 percent US tariff. The textile industry's ability to adapt and explore new opportunities will ultimately determine India's success in becoming a global textile powerhouse in the coming years.