India ranked fifth in the global textile and clothing exports in 2018 though it was in the second position between 2014 and 2017, according to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry.
Sanjay K. Jain, chairman of the Confederation, has said that the space vacated by China was largely occupied by the least developed countries, including Vietnam and Bangladesh. India has not been able to tap the opportunities because of its competitive disadvantages and trade barriers in the international markets.
Meanwhile, textile and clothing imports by India are increasing. Between 2015 and 2019, Indian imports grew 22.8 per cent, he said.