Tamil Nadu Sets Ambitious Goals for Textile Industry by 2031
Tamil Nadu has unveiled an exciting plan to boost its textile sector, aiming to achieve ₹1,00,000 crore (about $10.5 billion) in technical textile production and create 5,000 specialized jobs by 2031. As part of this initiative, the state will set up a Centre of Excellence for Activewear in Tiruppur to enhance innovation and expand its textile ecosystem.
The announcements were made during a meeting involving Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Tamil Nadu government officials, and stakeholders from the textile industry, organized by the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA). The Minister emphasized the central government’s support for India’s textile and apparel industry and encouraged manufacturers to shift towards man-made fibers (MMF), technical textiles, and sustainable manufacturing practices. He also mentioned that India’s growing network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the upcoming India-UK FTA effective July 15, 2026, will provide new opportunities for the textile export market.
In addition to the production target, Tamil Nadu aims for a textile export goal of $21 billion by 2030 as it contributes to India’s larger ambition of reaching $100 billion in textile exports by that year. TN Venkatesh, Principal Secretary of the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi Department, announced that the state has set aside ₹1,250 crore ($132.07 million) over the next five years to develop hostels for women workers through the Social Welfare Department.
The Minister also discussed the development of textile parks under the PM MITRA scheme and emphasized the importance of adopting modern manufacturing technologies and environmentally sustainable practices. He reiterated the government’s target to increase textile exports from around $38 billion to $100 billion by 2030 and assured continued support for the industry’s growth.
During the meeting, TEA President KM Subramanian highlighted that Tiruppur exported knitwear worth more than ₹46,000 crore ($4.86 billion) in 2025–26, making up nearly 60 percent of India’s total knitwear exports. He urged the central government to restore zero import duty on cotton, extend the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme, and streamline import procedures to enhance the industry’s competitiveness.
Dr. M Beena, Development Commissioner for Handlooms at the Ministry of Textiles, praised Tiruppur as a model textile cluster and stressed the importance of collaboration between the central and state governments and the industry to fulfill India’s long-term textile export goals.
The Union Minister also visited the NETAJI Apparel Park in Tiruppur to inspect the manufacturing facilities and review the park’s solar power infrastructure, showcasing efforts to improve the sector’s sustainability.
As Tamil Nadu gears up to strengthen its position in the textile market, the focus on innovation and sustainability seems key to achieving these ambitious goals.
