TEXTILES MINISTRY
US Section 301 probe: India textile body TEXPROCIL pushes back on USTR excess capacity allegations
TEXPROCIL has responded to US investigations on excess manufacturing capacity and forced labor. The Indian textile body rejects these claims, highlighting strong domestic demand. India's cotton textile sector is primarily driven by local consumption, with exports forming a small portion. Any negative US action could harm trade ties.
Labour-intensive sectors see steep fall in exports in March
The fiscal year 2026 brought a mixed bag for India's exports. On one hand, engineering goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals excelled, driving growth. On the flip side, textiles and gems were hampered by market fluctuations. Disruptions in West Asia's trade routes complicated logistics, affecting shipments significantly. Interestingly, electronics imports surged, crossing the $100 billion threshold.
Textiles Ministry plans duty cuts to shield industry amid West Asia crisis
In a bid to navigate the turbulent waters of global shipping issues, India's textiles ministry is advocating for lower duties on rayon pulp and certain cotton varieties. Furthermore, there's potential for a postponement of anti-dumping duties on specific yarns, which would significantly aid supply chains.
ET Prime Special Series: Multibagger or Bankrupt - Part 54: Will manufacturing capability help this firm move into defence space?
The auto ancillary sector is being forced to answer a difficult question: When technology changes, which suppliers remain relevant and which get left behind? This company stands out because it is not built around one narrow-end market. It has automotive at the centre, but also has exposure to engineering, defence, aerospace and other industrial segments. That wider presence offers some support. Still, the main issue remains unresolved. A meaningful part of its current auto-linked basket belongs to the old combustion era, while its manufacturing capability may still travel into newer applications. This is less a collapse story and more a test of adaptation.
India‘s textile and apparel exports degrow by -2.22% in FY 26: Govt Data
Indian textile and apparel exports saw a decline in fiscal year 26. Exports in March also registered a year-on-year drop. This comes after the US imposed high tariffs. Meanwhile, India's import of raw cotton increased significantly. This surge followed a period of eased import duties.
Government likely to roll out mobile PLI 2.0 with outlay of over $5 billion by May
India is set to introduce a new production-linked incentive scheme for mobile phone exports by May. This initiative will have an outlay exceeding USD 5 billion. The goal is to significantly boost the country's mobile phone exports. Discussions are ongoing with the finance ministry for final cabinet approval. This aims to double mobile phone exports from India.
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Wholesale inflation rises to a 3-year high of 3.88% in March
India’s wholesale inflation rose to a 38-month high of about 3.9% in March from 2.1% in February, driven by higher prices of crude oil, power and manufactured goods amid the West Asia conflict.

Govt nod to 52 applications in textile PLI
The government has approved 52 new textile applications under the PLI Scheme. These companies will invest Rs 6,708 crore. This initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing and innovation. It will strengthen India's global textile market position. The scheme supports manmade fibre apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles. This move is set to enhance production capabilities across the sector.

Textiles market size grows by 8.3% CAGR to Rs 14.95 lakh crore in 2024
India's textiles market has seen significant growth. The market size expanded from Rs 4.89 lakh crore in 2010 to Rs 14.95 lakh crore in 2024. Man-made fibre products now lead consumption. Household demand also doubled, and per capita demand increased substantially. Sustainable textiles and technical textiles are also gaining traction.

Women consumers contribute 55.5% of textile buys, sarees, trousers key products: govt study
Women lead textile purchases, accounting for 55.5% of spending. Man-made fibers are gaining popularity over cotton. The market has seen significant growth since 2010. Consumers are increasingly choosing sustainable and recycled textiles. Technical textiles, like masks and sanitary napkins, also show rising demand, with rural areas being major consumers.

Feeling the heat of Iran war: Plan afoot to raise induction cooktop, utensil output
India is planning to increase the production of induction cooktops and electric cookers. This move comes as demand surges due to disruptions in cooking gas imports caused by Iran war. The government held a meeting to discuss ways to speed up manufacturing. This proactive step aims to ensure future supply chains are robust.

Key petrochemical products get 3 month import duty relief
India has waived customs duty on key petrochemical imports until June 30. This move provides relief to sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and textiles. The government aims to ensure stable domestic supplies and control prices. This exemption is a temporary measure to support industries and consumers.

Why fixing India’s export machinery is key to hitting the $2 trillion goal
India aims for $2 trillion in exports by 2030. Current growth is slow, and global market share is small. The country faces challenges in export geography and product diversity. A new strategy is proposed. It includes a unified trade facilitation agency, increased investment in trade fairs, and large sector-specific exhibitions.

Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a crucial meeting on the West Asia conflict. The government is closely monitoring the situation. Measures are being taken to protect India's interests and minimize the impact on citizens. Steps include customs duty exemptions and support for industries. Domestic LPG supply is prioritized, with action against hoarding.

SEZ units can sell locally at lower duty for one year
India has announced a one-time relief for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, allowing them to sell goods in the domestic market at a lower customs duty for one year. This measure, along with a six-month extension of fiscal benefits under RoDTEP, aims to support exporters amid global crises and enhance export competitiveness by enabling better capacity utilization and liquidity.

Union Cabinet appoints IndiaAI Mission CEO Abhishek Singh as the Director General of NTA
In a sweeping bureaucratic reshuffle on the last day of the financial year, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment and transfer of over 40 senior officers across various central ministries and departments.

Vir Vikram Yadav appointed new Directorate General of Civil Aviation chief
Vir Vikram Yadav is the new chief of DGCA. This appointment is part of a major reshuffle of senior bureaucrats. Twenty-five civil servants have been moved to new roles. Puneet Kansal is now Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Vishal Gagan will be Secretary at the Central Information Commission.

Premiums surge, runs cut as Iran war disrupts naphtha supply to Asia
The Iran war has severely disrupted Middle East supplies, forcing producers to pay double pre-war rates. This shortage is leading to significant output cuts across the region. Companies are running at their lowest rates as securing feedstock becomes extremely difficult.

Centre raises LPG allocation for industry by 20%
Industries like steel, automobile, textile, dye, chemicals, and plastics will now receive more LPG. The oil ministry has boosted commercial gas allocation by 20 percent. This move prioritizes labor-intensive sectors and those needing LPG for specialized heating. This comes after earlier cuts due to supply concerns. Access is gradually being restored to various commercial users.

Tariff cuts fail to revive US demand for Indian export; Policy uncertainty, Section 301 probe delay recovery in shrimp, textiles
Indian exports to the US are navigating rocky waters. With consumer confidence waning and policy instability looming, shipments are feeling the pinch. The shrimp and textile sectors are struggling to bounce back from setbacks, and ongoing scrutiny of manufacturing practices raises additional red flags. On a brighter note, gems and jewellery exports are showing glimmers of recovery.

Standing committee on labour directs govt to track placement data on NCS portal
A parliamentary committee has criticized the Ministry of Labour and Employment for low candidate placements via the National Career Service portal, urging immediate portal amendments to track placement data effectively. The committee also highlighted a pilot scheme under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in the North-Eastern Region, emphasizing the need to disseminate its benefits widely.

Govt announces 70% allocation of commercial LPG with focus on priority industries
The Indian government has boosted commercial LPG allocation to states and union territories to 70 percent. This move prioritizes key industries such as steel, automobile, and textile. The decision aims to ease supply pressures and support labor-intensive sectors. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and import requirements have reduced.

India gathers data to counter US claims of excess capacity
India is compiling detailed industry data following a US Section 301 probe into alleged excess capacity in sectors like petrochemicals and steel. The commerce ministry is gathering information on production, employment, and policy support to address US concerns about practices potentially burdening American commerce.

DGTR recommends anti-dumping duty on rayon yarn imports from China
India’s trade investigation body has recommended anti-dumping duties of $386–$1,071 per metric ton on viscose rayon filament yarn imports from China to counter unfair pricing

West Asia tensions hit Surat: Migrant workers leave over LPG shortage
Iran war: West Asia conflict's impact is felt in Surat as migrant workers flee due to LPG scarcity and exorbitant prices, forcing them to abandon jobs. Companies face worker shortages. India is engaging globally to secure energy and protect citizens, with financial relief for affected exporters. Two Indian LPG carriers safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz.

India recommends anti-dumping duty on Chinese chemical used in dye industry
India's trade ministry has recommended imposing anti-dumping duties on a key industrial chemical imported from China. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies found that low-priced shipments were harming domestic producers. The proposed duties aim to address dumped prices causing injury to Indian manufacturers. The finance ministry will make the final decision on this matter.

Minimum EPS pension of Rs 1,000 must be hiked: Congress’ Jairam Ramesh criticises government’s inaction despite committee’s recommendations
Jairam Ramesh, who held different ministries during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, came down heavily on the current government, saying during the Modi government’s nearly 12-year tenure, several social security schemes have gradually weakened, or have been deliberately made weakened.

West Asia in turmoil, govt looks to clear trade routes to South Asia
India is focusing on increasing exports to South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This strategic shift comes as exports to West Asia face potential decline. The government is addressing trade barriers including tariffs and logistics. Efforts are underway to resolve payment issues and enhance trade promotion. Bangladesh remains India's largest export market in South Asia.

Pensioners’ demands echoed: Parliamentary panel seeks hike in minimum EPS payout, say Rs 1000 insufficient
A parliamentary panel has urged an immediate review of the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995's minimum monthly pension. The current Rs 1,000 is deemed insufficient for basic needs. Pensioners have demanded an increase to Rs 7,500. The committee also recommended improvements for contractual and gig workers' social security.
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