New Delhi, March 8 -- India's textile industry is optimistic about a potential zero-for-zero trade agreement with the United States, which could increase exports by USD 6 billion within three years.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) believes such a deal could propel India's textile and apparel exports to the US from USD 10.8 billion in FY24 to USD 16 billion.

The US remains a crucial market for Indian textiles, contributing 28.5 per cent of total exports between January and November 2024. While imports from China have declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4 per cent over the last five years, India's exports to the US have grown at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent.

However, the biggest beneficiaries of US firms...