India’s apparel exports to Japan are expected to grow by 20 per cent to 25 per cent year on year.

Indian readymade garments have duty-free access to Japan following the Indo-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

As of now India’s share in Japan’s readymade garment imports is just 0.9 per cent. China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Italy, Myanmar and Thailand are ahead of India in terms of garment exports to Japan. India has only a 1.63 per cent share of Japan’s home textile imports. India’s exports of textile products like yarn, fabrics and fiber to Japan are also negligible. So to begin with India is considering sending vessels directly to Japan so that logistics time and costs are reduced.

India and Japan signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011.Indian textiles have not really penetrated the Japanese market. One opinion is that Indian exporters are unable to meet quality standards of Japanese buyers, which is the core issue. At India Trend Fair, held in Japan, July 20 to 22, 2022, around 150 Indian businesses showcased their latest collections to Japanese buyers, wholesalers, importers, and retailers. Businesses presented products specially designed to suit Japanese customer demand and local market trends.

As many as 84 prominent Japanese buyers, including trading companies and retail chains/stores, are in India to source their requirements from the 112-odd Indian exhibitors who have displayed garments at Upnext India 2023.