Raymond Lifestyle targets Europe for 25 per cent of exports in two years

MUMBAI: Raymond Lifestyle is looking to stitch together a more diversified export strategy. The Indian apparel maker expects Europe to account for around a quarter of its exports within two years as it expands in the region and reduces its dependence on the US market.

Speaking to Reuters, Raymond Lifestyle CEO Satyaki Ghosh said the company’s European business is expected to grow faster as shifting US trade policies push Indian garment exporters to broaden their overseas markets.

Before US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the US accounted for around 65 per cent of Raymond’s total exports, while Europe contributed about 17 per cent. Ghosh expects the US share to fall to between 55 per cent and 60 per cent over the next two years, with Europe’s share rising to 20 per cent to 25 per cent.

“Europe will grow faster for us,” Ghosh told Reuters, adding that recent meetings with potential customers in the region were beginning to translate into business.

The company sees India’s trade agreements with Britain and Europe providing an additional boost. Ghosh said inquiries from European customers have risen by double digits following the trade deal announcements, with around 30 per cent of those inquiries converting into orders.

The United Kingdom has been a particularly strong market, with more orders still in the pipeline.

Raymond Lifestyle, which owns brands including Park Avenue and ColorPlus and supplies customers such as JCPenney and Charles Tyrwhitt, has already added new customers in Poland, Germany and France, Ghosh said.

Exports accounted for around a fifth of the company’s revenue in fiscal 2026, making international markets an important part of its growth strategy.

The broader Indian textile industry is also seeing a shift in export patterns. India’s textile and apparel exports to European countries among its 10 largest markets rose 9 per cent to Rs 69,445 crore ($7.29 billion) in 2025-26, according to government data.

Exports to the US, meanwhile, declined 7 per cent during the same period.

Raymond is now increasing production capacity to meet the expected rise in European demand. The company is stepping up production at its Ethiopia plant, while its Andhra Pradesh facility is expected to more than triple its production lines to 10 over the next two years.

The strategy reflects a broader recalibration among Indian apparel exporters, with Europe emerging as an increasingly important destination as companies seek to reduce their exposure to the US and tap new demand across global markets.