The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) held an interaction with Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India in Birmingham, to discuss the progress and expected timeline of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), along with opportunities to enhance market access for Indian textile and apparel exporters.
During the discussion, TEA highlighted the strategic importance of the UK market, which imported apparel worth over US$19 billion in 2024. Despite India’s strong manufacturing capabilities, its share of the UK apparel market remains below 6%, underscoring significant growth potential.
TEA sought information on major textile and apparel trade fairs in the UK and requested support in facilitating visa recommendation letters for association members travelling to the US for business purposes. The association also proposed targeted advertising in Drapers Record magazine to strengthen connections between UK buyers and Indian manufacturers, and suggested organising buyer–seller meets with a focus on MSME exporters.
Dr Murugan noted that more than 150 Indian companies participate in UK trade fairs annually. He also drew attention to the State Facilitation Fund and advised TEA to approach the Market Access Initiative (MAI) team for support in undertaking trade promotion activities.
The interaction reinforced the role of coordinated efforts between industry bodies and diplomatic missions in expanding India’s footprint in key global apparel markets.
