Question : Cotton Impex Policy

(a) the details of the cotton export and import policy of the country along with the details about the share of Indian cotton exports in the world;

(b) whether the textile/fabric/clothes/ apparel are being imported from various countries including our neighbouring countries, and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of export/import of cotton yarn during each of the last three years and the current year, country-wise; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to improve domestic textile industries?

MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) Cotton is freely importable and exportable. Indian cotton export has 20% share in the world.

(b) Yes, India imports textile, fabric and apparel from various countries including our neighboring countries. Textile and apparel imports from top three suppliers to India in 2015-16 are as under:

Values in US$ million China Bangladesh USA
Textiles except fabric 1,030 224 286
Fabric 1,278 39 18
Apparel 210 144 9
Total 2,518 407 313

(c) Details of export/import of cotton yarn during each of the last three years and the current year, country-wise are at Annexure-I.

(d) In order to improve the domestic textile industry and generate employment, Government has announced a special package which offers labour law reforms, additional incentives under ATUFS, enhanced duty drawback coverage and relaxation of Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act for garment industry.