India wants to increase textile and garment exports to Japan. India’s apparel exports to the US and Europe are much higher than that to Japan. But Japan has high quality standards. They trust products tested in and certified in their labs. And to match up, India is setting up testing labs in the country in partnership with a Japanese company. The certified products will then be co-branded.

Japan is a sophisticated market, leaning towards small-lot and short cycle delivery of supply. Consumption is diversified and quality expectations are very high. High quality and expensive Indian garments are gaining popularity in Japan. Customers like selecting garments that have a different character when compared with dresses and kimono worn for occasions like weddings and parties.

Japan is the third biggest apparel importer in the world. India’s contribution among apparel exporting countries to Japan is meager. Earlier, business transactions between the two countries were negligible. Currently, trade activities between the two countries are experiencing a sweeping change. The robust growth of the Indian economy has attracted Japan’s attention. Indian firms are also focusing on developing partnerships with Japanese firms to gain access to their fabric and apparel markets. There is a profitable market for cotton apparel in Japan. India is a good manufacturing base for cotton, and cotton based knitwear, and has good chances for market penetration.