The political instability in Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, has opened up new opportunities for Indore’s garment manufacturers, who are now receiving a surge in orders from both domestic and international markets. As global brands and retailers seek more politically stable sources for their finished products, India’s garment sector, particularly in Indore, has seen heightened interest. However, the region faces significant challenges due to its insufficient infrastructure and limited production capacity.
Indore’s garment manufacturing industry, known for its ready-made garments, is optimistic about achieving over 15 per cent growth in the coming year. This growth is largely driven by the increasing volume of orders from international brands and a rise in domestic inquiries. Despite these promising developments, industry leaders caution that the city’s current infrastructure cannot fully accommodate the surge in demand.
Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), pointed out that while the Bangladesh crisis has shifted some garment orders to India, the local industry’s production capacity remains limited.
“The average size of garment industries in Bangladesh is around 2,000 machines, while in India it is between 200 to 500 machines,” Mehta said, underlining a key constraint for scaling up operations.
Akhilesh Rathi, Joint President of the Federation of MP Chamber of Commerce and Industries, highlighted that despite these limitations, Indian fabric mills and garment manufacturers have benefited from the disruption in Bangladesh’s supply chain.
“Bangladesh remains a vital trading partner for India, and both countries will continue substantial trade despite the current political challenges,” he added.
Indore, which has established itself as a key hub for children’s wear, is now looking to enhance its presence in the export market.
In response to this growing demand, the Readymade Textile Dealers Association has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CMAI to focus on skill enhancement and improving quality output for both domestic and international markets.
While the Bangladesh crisis presents challenges, it also signals significant opportunities for India’s garment sector to bolster its capabilities and capitalise on emerging market trends.
The political instability in Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, has opened up new opportunities for Indore’s garment manufacturers, who are now receiving a surge in orders from both domestic and international markets. As global brands and retailers seek more politically stable sources for their finished products, India’s garment sector, particularly in Indore, has seen heightened interest. However, the region faces significant challenges due to its insufficient infrastructure and limited production capacity.
