Kerala has the potential to develop into a major hub for the garment and fashion industry, supported by its large consumer base and investor-friendly industrial environment, State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said on Tuesday.
Inaugurating the IFF Fashion Expo 2026, the Minister said Kerala was one of the country’s largest consumer markets for garments and lifestyle products, a factor that significantly strengthened its prospects as a manufacturing and sourcing destination. He added that the State’s industrial climate, characterised by progressive policies and ease of doing business, positioned it well to attract investments in the textile and apparel sector.
The Minister said it was a matter of pride that garments manufactured in Kerala were being prominently displayed at a national-level fashion exhibition, reflecting the growing capabilities of local manufacturers. He noted that the Indian garment industry was currently going through a critical phase, with producers actively seeking new markets and supply chains in response to recent tariff changes in the United States and evolving global trade dynamics.
Referring to consumption trends, Rajeeve said people in Kerala spent among the highest amounts in the country on garments and lifestyle products. This strong domestic demand, he said, gave the State a natural advantage not only as a consumer market but also as a competitive base for production and sourcing.
Highlighting Kerala’s industrial performance, the Minister said the State had once again ranked among the top performers in industry-friendly governance, backed by transparent policies, faster clearances and a skilled workforce. He added that such an enabling ecosystem was expected to draw increased investment into the textile and garment sector.
Trade platforms such as the IFF Fashion Expo, the Minister said, played a crucial role in bringing together manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers, while also helping integrate Kerala’s fashion ecosystem with major production centres across the country.
