India's apparel exports: The challenge of global markets

In order to gain a better understanding of the problems facing India's appa rel exports, this paper focuses on two themes. First it looks at the global ization of apparel production and the changing competitive conditions in th e global apparel market. The second theme is the characteristics of India's apparel exports, the production structure that supports the export profile , and the effects of policy regulation. In the world apparel market retaile rs and brand-name marketers exercise the main leverage. They outsource appa rel to meet customer demand and depend on package suppliers. India is at pr esent a niche player in the low-value segment of the market for seasonal an d fashion garments made of cotton fabric. India needs to restructure its pr oduction base to meet the challenge of changing global markets. Government policy should remove the impediments hindering the entry of large domestic firms and foreign investment into the apparel industry.