Union government sets textile export target of $21 billion by 2030 for Tamil Nadu

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh (right) interacting with garment exporters in Tiruppur on Sunday. | Photo credit: SIVA SARAVANAN S.

The Union Government has set a target of $21 billion exports of textiles and garments from Tamil Nadu by 2030, said TN Venkatesh, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Handlooms, Textiles, Khadi and Handicrafts, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Tiruppur.

India is expected to reach USD 100 billion in textile and apparel exports by 2030 and Tamil Nadu’s contribution will be one-fifth and the Tiruppur cluster alone would contribute nearly USD 11.5 billion. “This will be easy to achieve with investment in research and development and free trade agreements,” he said.

One of the main demands of the Tiruppur garment industry was hostels for women workers. The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked ₹1,250 crore for the construction of ‘Thózhi hostels’ in industrial clusters and hostels for working women will be built in Tiruppur under this programme. A center of excellence for athleisure (athletic wear) will also be set up at Tiruppur, Mr. Venkatesh said.

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Tiruppur Exporters Association, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh told garment exporters that annual exports of textiles and garments had crossed the $44 billion mark only once since 1998. It is now at $38 billion and the target is $100 billion by 2030.

India has a free trade agreement with Japan. However, its exports to Japan are not large. Garment exporters need to diversify at least 20% of their exports to new markets, he said.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 20:44 IST