Apparel manufacturers eye $150 million from US fashion fair

Indian apparel manufacturers are expecting exports orders around $150 million from the Las Vegas Magic Fair, a global trade event that provides an international platform to the apparel manufacturers worldwide.

Apparel manufacturers from Delhi, Tirupur, Mumbai, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are participating in the event, which began on 13 February, aiming to strengthen trade relations with renowned brands like Benetton, Versace, Lauren, and Wal-Mart.

Delhi has the maximum number of participants (23 per cent) followed by Tirupur (20 per cent) at the Las Vegas event.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the apex body of apparel exporters, has also been promoting Indian exports at the event. ''During the fair, a strong platform would be available to the American buyers for concluding long-term sourcing decisions'', said Premal Udani, chairman, AEPC.

AEPC has been providing assistance to India exporters as well as importers and foreign buyers, who choose India as their preferred sourcing destination for garments.

Indian exports to US have seen an overall increase but India's share in total clothing input has declined by 1 per cent. In 2009, India's share in apparel import to US was 4.5 per cent, which marginally declined to 4.4 per cent in 2010.