India Eyes Bigger Share in Japan’s Garment Market as China’s Role Declines

Mumbai 11 July 2025: India is actively working to increase its share of Japan’s ready-made garment (RMG) imports, as China’s long-standing dominance in the sector begins to decline.

The AEPC is preparing to lead a high-level trade delegation to Tokyo, with the aim of strengthening export ties and attracting investments from Japan’s leading fashion brands and retail chains. This delegation will participate in the upcoming India Tex Trend Fair, scheduled from July 15 to 17 in Tokyo.

Over 150 Indian Exporters to Showcase Domestic Apparel

The India Tex Trend Fair will host more than 150 Indian apparel exporters, who will showcase a wide array of domestically manufactured garments. The AEPC anticipates that this engagement will enable India to capitalise on new opportunities emerging in the Japanese apparel market.

“India can easily fill the void created by the declining share of China, the largest exporter of ready-made garments to Japan,” stated AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri. He further emphasised that Indian exporters are well-equipped to meet the rigorous quality, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility standards demanded by Japanese buyers.

Leveraging India-Japan Trade Pact

Sekhri highlighted that India’s increasing engagement with the Japanese market has led to better utilisation of the existing free trade agreement between the two nations, formally known as the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement, implemented in August 2011, includes provisions for tariff reductions on goods, which are expected to benefit Indian textile and garment exports.

“Japanese sourcing companies demand cost-effective, high-quality, and agile supply chains. Indian manufacturers are capable of fulfilling small, customised orders as well as large-scale production runs,” he added, citing order volumes that can range from 200 pieces to 3 lakh pieces of a single style.

Huge Export Potential

In 2024, India’s garment exports to Japan amounted to USD 234.5 million. This represented a modest 1 per cent share of Tokyo’s total RMG imports, which were approximately USD 23 billion last year. The AEPC views this considerable disparity as a strong growth opportunity for Indian exporters to significantly expand their presence.

Ministerial Inauguration

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the India Tex Trend Fair in Tokyo. This ministerial presence underscores the Indian government’s strong support for deeper trade ties between India and Japan in the textiles sector.

About the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is the official body of apparel exporters in India, established by the Government of India in 1978. Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, AEPC plays a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating the export of Indian garments worldwide. Its functions include:

• Market Research and Development: Conducting research to understand global trends and market demands.
• Organising Trade Fairs: Arranging national and international trade fairs, like the India Tex Trend Fair, to showcase Indian apparel.
• Policy Advocacy: Acting as a liaison between the government and exporters to address issues in the export sector and provide inputs for trade policies and agreements.
• Skill Development: Offering training programmes and workshops to improve the skills of the workforce in the apparel sector.
• Certification and Standards: Ensuring that apparel exports meet international quality standards.
• Providing Information and Assistance: Offering members access to trade statistics, market intelligence, and assistance in participating in international fairs.

Road Ahead

India’s push to expand its garment exports to Japan comes at a strategic moment as China’s influence in the sector declines. With over 150 exporters participating in the India Tex Trend Fair and growing interest from Japanese buyers in cost-effective and flexible sourcing, India is well-positioned to capture a greater market share. Backed by the India-Japan CEPA and AEPC’s initiatives, the upcoming engagement could lead to fresh export orders and investment ties. The road ahead looks promising, especially if India can scale quality production while catering to Japan’s unique fashion demands and small-batch order preferences.

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