Export of Winter Wears from India

[YAGAY andSUN]

Introduction:

India has emerged as a significant player in the global export market for winter wear due to its large and diversified textile industry. Winter wear includes a wide range of garments designed to provide warmth and comfort in cold weather, such as jackets, coats, sweaters, woolen scarves, gloves, thermals, and more. India's winter wear exports are driven by its expertise in producing high-quality woolen and synthetic fabric-based garments, competitive pricing, and growing global demand for functional and stylish cold-weather clothing.

The country's winter wear industry benefits from a combination of low labor costs, strong manufacturing capabilities, and the ability to cater to both mass and premium markets. Moreover, India’s well-established textile and garment production hubs, along with advancements in technology, make it a preferred choice for global buyers.

Types of Winter Wear Exported from India:

India exports a variety of winter wear products for men, women, and children. These include functional garments designed for warmth and protection, as well as stylish outerwear. Key categories of winter wear exported from India include:

1. Outerwear (Jackets, Coats, and Parkas):
   • Winter Jackets: Jackets designed to provide warmth during cold weather, made from materials like wool, polyester, and nylon.
   • Coats: Winter coats, including trench coats and pea coats, which are both functional and fashionable.
   • Parkas: Long, insulated jackets designed to offer warmth, typically lined with fur or synthetic fibres.
   • Windbreakers: Lightweight jackets that offer protection against wind and light rain.
2. Sweaters & Knitwear:
   • Woolen Sweaters: Sweaters made from natural wool or blends that provide warmth and comfort in winter.
   • Cardigans: Buttoned or zippered knitwear that provides layered warmth and can be worn casually or formally.
   • Pullovers: Close-fitting knitwear that covers the body and is usually worn over shirts or t-shirts for added warmth.
   • Thermals: Base layers designed to retain body heat and keep the body warm in extremely cold temperatures.
3. Woolen Accessories:
   • Scarves & Stoles: Woolen scarves and stoles, made from cashmere, wool, or synthetic fibres, are often used to add style and warmth.
   • Gloves & Mittens: Woolen and knitted gloves, mittens, and thermal hand protection.
   • Hats & Caps: Woolen hats, beanies, and knitted caps, often with added fleece lining for extra warmth.
4. Boots & Footwear:
   • Winter Boots: Insulated boots made to provide warmth and protection against snow and cold conditions.
   • Thermal Socks: Socks made from wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, designed to provide warmth and moisture-wicking properties in cold climates.
5. Kids' Winter Wear:
   • Kids' Jackets & Coats: Insulated coats and jackets designed to keep children warm in the winter months.
   • Thermal Wear for Children: Thermal undershirts, leggings, and other thermal wear designed to keep children warm in cold weather.
   • Woolen Gloves and Hats for Children: Winter accessories specially designed for children.

Key Features of Winter Wear:

• Insulation: The primary purpose of winter wear is to provide insulation and keep the body warm in cold weather. Materials such as wool, fleece, polyester, and down feathers are commonly used for insulation.
• Breathability: In addition to warmth, winter wear must also be breathable to allow moisture to escape, preventing overheating and discomfort. Fabrics like wool and polyester are known for their breathable properties.
• Water Resistance: Many winter garments are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, protecting the wearer from rain or snow. Synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are commonly used for this purpose.
• Lightweight and Comfort: Modern winter wear focuses on combining insulation with lightweight fabrics for comfort. Thermal layering techniques allow garments to retain heat while maintaining mobility.
• Fashion and Style: Apart from functionality, Indian winter wear manufacturers are increasingly focusing on contemporary designs, vibrant colors, and fashionable cuts to cater to global fashion trends.
• Sustainability: There is growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable winter wear made from organic materials such as organic wool, recycled fabrics, and other eco-conscious materials.

HSN Code for Winter Wear:

Winter wear products are generally classified under the following HSN (Harmonized System) codes:

• HSN Code 6101: Men's or boys' overcoats, car coats, and raincoats made of wool or fine animal hair.
• HSN Code 6110: Sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibres.
• HSN Code 6201: Coats, jackets, and blazers made of wool, synthetic fibres, or blends.
• HSN Code 6401: Waterproof footwear, including winter boots.
• HSN Code 6307: Made-up articles, including winter scarves, shawls, and gloves.

Major Manufacturers of Winter Wear in India:

India has several well-established manufacturers and exporters of winter wear, many of whom are recognized for their high-quality, durable, and stylish products. Some of the key manufacturers include:

1. Bangalore Woolen, Cotton & Silk Mills: Specializes in woolen apparel, including sweaters, cardigans, and coats, with a reputation for excellent quality and design.
2. Woolworths India: A key exporter of winter wear, including woolen jackets, cardigans, and accessories made from high-quality materials.
3. Rupa & Co.: Known for its innerwear products, Rupa also manufactures winter wear, including thermals and other knitwear products.
4. Gini & Jony: A leading brand in India for kids' clothing, including winter wear like jackets, woolen sweaters, and other cold-weather gear.
5. Monte Carlo: A well-established brand in India that specializes in woolen garments, knitwear, and winter wear for both men and women.
6. Raymond Ltd.: A major player in India’s textile industry, Raymond manufactures woolen and synthetic-based winter wear and export products like suits, jackets, and sweaters.
7. Page Industries: Known for its "Jockey" brand, Page Industries also manufactures a wide range of winter wear, including thermals and jackets for both men and women.

Key Export Destinations:

India’s winter wear exports are spread across various countries and regions. The main export markets include:

1. United States: The US is one of the largest markets for Indian winter wear, particularly for functional outerwear, sweaters, and thermal wear.
2. European Union: Countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Italy have significant demand for winter wear, including stylish jackets, coats, and thermal products.
3. Canada: With its cold climate, Canada is a major importer of winter garments, including woolen and thermal products.
4. Russia: Russia is one of the top consumers of winter wear, particularly insulated coats, jackets, and boots.
5. Middle East: In regions like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, demand for winter wear has been increasing due to fluctuating temperatures and growing tourism.
6. Australia: Australia experiences cold winters, particularly in the southern states, and imports a variety of winter garments, including jackets and sweaters.
7. Japan & South Korea: These countries are key markets for high-quality and functional winter wear, including thermal wear and insulated jackets.

Export Performance:

India's export of winter wear has been growing steadily due to several factors, including:

• Competitive Pricing: India offers competitive pricing for winter garments, which attracts global buyers looking for affordable yet high-quality products.
• Manufacturing Excellence: India’s large-scale textile and garment manufacturing infrastructure allows for large-scale production at lower costs.
• Diversified Product Range: The Indian winter wear industry caters to a wide range of product types, from high-fashion garments to practical and functional pieces, appealing to a broad consumer base.
• Growing Fashion Demand: India’s ability to provide both stylish and functional winter wear products have led to an increase in demand from global markets.

Export Incentives:

The Indian government provides several export incentives to boost the winter wear sector:

1. Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL): Provides refunds for taxes paid on inputs used in the manufacturing of winter wear products for export.
2. Interest Equalization Scheme: Reduces the cost of export financing by offering subsidies on interest rates.
3. Duty Drawback Scheme: Allows exporters to claim refunds for customs duties paid on raw materials used to produce winter wear for export.
4. Advance Authorization Scheme: Offers duty-free import of raw materials for the production of garments that are later exported.
5. EPCG: Offers duty free import of Capital Goods for manufacturing of finished goods for export to meet EO Six (6) times of duty forgone in Six(6) years i.e. 50% in first four (4) years and 50% in next Two (2) years.

Governing Bodies, Export Promotion Councils, and Trade Organizations:

Several organizations and bodies work to promote the export of winter wear from India:

1. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC): Plays a pivotal role in promoting India’s apparel exports, including winter wear, by providing market intelligence, technical support, and financial assistance.
2. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry: Government body responsible for formulating policies and providing support for textile and garment exports.
3. The Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO): Offers assistance to winter wear exporters in accessing international markets and improving competitiveness.

Challenges:

1. Seasonality: The demand for winter wear is seasonal, with peak demand during colder months, affecting the stability of export revenues.
2. Competition: India faces competition from other low-cost producers like China and Bangladesh, which produce winter garments at lower prices.
3. Quality Control: Maintaining consistent quality in mass production, especially for international markets, can be a challenge.
4. High Raw Material Costs: The cost of raw materials like wool, cotton, and synthetics can fluctuate, impacting production costs.

Way Forward:

1. Sustainability: There is an increasing demand for eco-friendly winter wear, and manufacturers should focus on using sustainable materials such as organic wool, recycled fibres, and natural dyes.
2. Technology & Innovation: Adoption of smart textiles, such as fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, or thermally regulated fibres, will help improve product offerings.
3. Expanding Market Reach: Indian manufacturers should explore new and emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, to reduce dependency on traditional markets.
4. Digital Marketing & E-commerce: Expanding online sales channels through e-commerce platforms will enable manufacturers to reach global consumers directly.

Conclusion:

The export of winter wear from India presents significant opportunities for growth. With its vast textile manufacturing capabilities, competitive pricing, and a strong domestic base for producing high-quality garments, India is poised to capitalize on the growing global

demand for winter wear. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, Indian exporters can continue to strengthen their position in the global winter wear market.