Tiruppur, June 1: The Tiruppur knitwear and textile industry has welcomed the Centre’s decision to temporarily remove customs duty on cotton imports, calling it a timely step expected to ease cost pressures and improve raw material availability across the textile value chain.
The exemption, effective from June 1 to October 30, allows duty-free cotton imports for the specified period. The move is aimed at addressing concerns over high domestic cotton prices and ensuring steady supply for textile manufacturers and exporters.
Industry stakeholders said the decision is likely to provide immediate relief to spinning mills, garment manufacturers, and export units that have been facing rising input costs over recent months. They added that improved access to competitively priced cotton will help stabilise production expenses and support smoother manufacturing operations.
Export bodies and textile associations noted that the measure could enhance the global competitiveness of Indian apparel exports, especially at a time when producers are facing strong international competition. Lower raw material costs are also expected to benefit small and medium enterprises, which form a significant part of the sector.
Leaders from the Tiruppur textile cluster highlighted that the region, one of India’s major knitwear export hubs, is likely to gain from improved raw material supply and reduced cost pressures. The industry expects better operational stability as cotton availability improves in the coming months.
Across the textile ecosystem, including spinning mills and garment exporters, the sentiment remains positive, with expectations that the duty waiver will help moderate cotton prices and strengthen export performance.
Overall, the industry has described the decision as a supportive measure for an employment-intensive sector that plays a key role in India’s manufacturing and export economy.