Fashion
Tiruppur poised for major export gains under India-EU FTA
With tariff disadvantages eliminated and a clearer regulatory framework in place, the India-EU FTA is likely to trigger a long-awaited structural shift in India’s textile trade dynamics. Industry stakeholders believe the pact will not only accelerate exports but also strengthen domestic manufacturing, MSMEs and employment-intensive clusters that form the backbone of India’s apparel ecosystem.
The India-EU FTA positions Tiruppur at the forefront of India’s apparel export growth by restoring tariff parity in Europe.
Industry experts say Tiruppur has a clear edge to rapidly scale apparel exports under the FTA.
Zero-duty access is expected to drive higher order volumes, fresh investments and deeper integration of Tiruppur’s MSMEs into global apparel supply chains.
Tiruppur, India’s flagship knitwear and RMG export hub, stands at the centre of this opportunity. The cluster records annual exports exceeding ₹45,000 crore (~$4.9 billion) and employs over one million workers, nearly 70 per cent of whom are women.
Long seen as a symbol of MSME-led and sustainability-driven growth, Tiruppur has consistently advocated duty-free access to the EU. Exporters now believe the FTA could help scale up shipments, modernise infrastructure and deepen the cluster’s integration into global supply chains.
R Sabhari Girish, chief sustainability officer at Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills in Tiruppur, described the agreement as a defining moment for the sector. He said, “India-EU FTA is indeed mother of all deals. Especially for RMG it would be a breakthrough. We already have FTA with Australia, Japan, the UAE and New Zealand, but we could not generate sizeable business in these countries as these were not our traditional market. However, FTA with the UK and EU are different as we have already established a relationship in these markets. When FTA comes into force, India will have an edge over our peers, as we are self-reliant on raw materials. Our dependency on raw materials from other countries are far less and it is an ‘advantage India’ situation now.”
Despite competitors such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Turkiye enjoying duty-free access to the EU, Indian exporters have managed to remain competitive. Girish noted, “Currently Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Turkiye are enjoying duty free benefits with EU and still we can compete with them and have secured fourth place on our exports to Europe. EU’s RMG market size is expected to be around $105 billion and with FTA coming into force, we expect substantial growth on our exports to EU, where the exports is expected to grow from existing $5 billion to almost $9 billion. Unlike other FTAs, India-EU FTA benefits both EU and India, so Europe is committed to enhance its sourcing from the Indian subcontinent.”
Echoing similar optimism, N Thirukkumaran, chairman of Ess Tee Exports India Pvt Ltd in Tiruppur, said, “It is a game changer for apparels as it is under zero duty, and this will help the RMG to Europe to grow very significantly in the next 2-3 years and diversify our market share. Tiruppur, one of India’s largest sustainable and environmentally friendly apparel manufacturing clusters, stands to benefit immensely from this trade deal.”
As the FTA moves towards implementation, industry leaders believe Tiruppur’s established buyer relationships, sustainability credentials and raw-material self-reliance place it in a strong position to capitalise on the opportunity.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
Crafted to fit every curve, the new Spring line offers a fresh take on performance silhouettes with five apparel collections, the introduction of the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin and updated accessories.
NikeSKIMS will debut its Spring ’26 collection with a head-to-toe system of dress inspired by the modern ballerina.
The range spans five performance-led apparel material stories, updated accessories and the new NikeSKIMS Rift Satin footwear.
Fronted by Lisa and filmed in Paris, the campaign highlights grace, strength and engineered comfort for every body.
“This Spring ‘26 Collection celebrates the timeless poise and elegance of ballerinas but with a distinct modern twist,” says Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS. “We obsessed every detail — from the soft lines and feminine colors to the premium materials. Each piece is a statement of beauty and allows women to move with confidence and grace.”
The Spring line offers five material collections across Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers and Woven Nylon. The Matte collection includes smooth, sculpting pieces with Dri-FIT technology and two levels of compression. Stretch Knit offers styles that are soft to the touch and lightweight with a flattering drape. The Ribbed Seamless collection includes soft and stretchy ribbed styles with a vintage wash and moisture-wicking tech. Weightless Layers pieces are semi-sheer, ultra-lightweight and feature quick-dry tech. Woven Nylon offers relaxed third layers designed for softness, function and movement.
Also new this season is the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin, which brings the brand’s considered design ethos to footwear. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin features the iconic tabi-toe design of the original Nike Rift, a sleek strap across the midfoot for quick entry and a secure fit, a soft satin upper material, a minimalist midsole and a textured logo outsole. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin will be available in two colors, Silt Red and Black.
The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection comes to life through a campaign starring LISA of Blackpink. LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: a rapper, singer, dancer, actress and style icon.
“When I’m performing, it’s all about looking great while still being able to move and dance,” says LISA. “The NikeSKIMS collection is so comfortable and light that I feel confident wearing it everywhere — from rehearsals to traveling or even relaxing at home. It’s easy to move in, looks amazing and fits perfectly into my everyday life.”
Directed by Sergio Reis, the campaign film celebrates the grace and strength of motion and form while spotlighting LISA’s artistry and passion for movement and dance. Filmed in Paris, the campaign also features professional ballerinas and dancers who helped bring the Spring ’26 Collection look book to life.
NikeSKIMS offers women a complete system of dress that is built on the strength of both brands. From footwear to foundational pieces and bold silhouettes, every product has been meticulously designed to sculpt and engineered to perform for every body.
“The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection is a true head-to-toe system of dress, designed to make women feel confident and feminine,” says Jamie Jeffries, VP, Global Apparel, Nike. “We’ve paid attention to every detail — from style and function to comfort — so every piece works together seamlessly. By combining Nike’s expertise in performance innovation with SKIMS’s inclusive fit and sculpting technologies, we’re delivering something truly unique for women everywhere.”
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
In the Mumbai market, cotton yarn prices did not see significant movement after last week’s rise. The market reported average demand for cotton yarn from the consumer industry. A Mumbai-based trader told Fibre*Fashion, “Cotton yarn demand is expected to improve in the coming weeks. Buyers want to wait for the outcome of the Union Budget, although there is little possibility of major changes for the textile industry. Cash flow is another cause for concern. Traders are diverting funds into precious metals and the stock market for quicker and more lucrative returns, which is slowing payment flows across the textile value chain.”
In Mumbai, ** carded yarn of warp and weft varieties were traded at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.**) and ****;*,***–*,*** per * kg (~$**.**–**.**) (excluding GST), respectively. Other prices include ** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, ** carded weft at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.** per *.* kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg and **/** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, according to trade sources.
VF Corporation has reported a solid Q3 FY26, with revenue up 1 per cent YoY and 4 per cent excluding Dickies.
Strong holiday demand in the Americas and DTC drove performance.
Operating income and margins improved, supported by lower SG&A.
The North Face and Timberland led brand growth.
The company also announced a $0.09 per share dividend and maintained a positive FY26 outlook.
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