India's apparel market to reach $150 billion by 2030, skill demand rises

India's textile and apparel industry will require 14 million additional skilled workers over the coming decade to fully capitalise on emerging domestic and global opportunities, a report said on Thursday citing industry estimates.

India's textile and apparel sector currently provides employment to nearly 46 million people. Government and industry projections estimate that employment could rise to around 60 million by 2030, industry leaders and policymakers said at a workshop organised by the Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC).

India's apparel market is projected to reach $130-150 billion by 2030, growing at a 10-12 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), the statement said.

The surge is driven by consumers increasingly seeking differentiated products across multiple occasions and placing greater emphasis on fashion trends and value.

The event brought together industry leaders, exporters, manufacturers, training partners and policymakers to deliberate on the future skill requirements of India's rapidly evolving textile and apparel ecosystem.

Manisha Sensarma, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that the future of India's workforce depends on stronger partnerships between government and industry.

"Industry must play a central role in identifying skill requirements, developing curriculum, establishing Centres of Excellence, upgrading ITIs through the PM SETU initiative, and shaping a flexible skilling ecosystem that responds to changing market demands," she said.

She emphasised public-private collaboration to create a workforce that is globally competitive and industry-ready. Continuous upskilling in AI and emerging technologies will be essential to enhance productivity and competitiveness, she added.

Premal Udani, Chairman, AMHSSC said the apparel sector is India's second-largest employer after agriculture, and with new Free Trade Agreements creating fresh opportunities, the demand for skilled workers is set to rise significantly.

"Our industry consultations and Skill Gap Study will help align skilling efforts with industry needs, ensuring a steady pipeline of productive and job-ready talent,” Udani added.

Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC, mentioned the India-UK Free Trade Agreement as a significant milestone for India's textile and apparel industry, opening new export opportunities and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)