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Tiruppur Exporters Push for Stronger Connectivity Through Cochin Port

• By  Textile Excellence
• September 11, 2025

The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) engaged in a trade meet on September 10, 2025, with DP World and the Cochin Port Authority to address infrastructure gaps and explore ways to strengthen Tiruppur’s global textile trade through Kochi.

General Secretary N. Thirukkumaran acknowledged the benefits of Kochi’s Free Trade and Warehousing Zone but highlighted critical challenges. Exporters face limited direct vessel connectivity after the IEX service was discontinued, along with high terminal charges, lack of less-than-container load support, and last-mile connectivity issues. He also cited risks of transhipment delays at Colombo for CIF and DDP shipments. He urged stakeholders to enhance direct EU and US connectivity, reduce costs, and create stronger LCL and container freight infrastructure.

TEA President K.M. Subramanian emphasized Tiruppur’s scale, contributing ₹75,000 crore in annual business including ₹45,000 crore in exports, and employing nearly one million people, 65 % of them women. He noted Tiruppur’s green credentials, including 13 crore litres of recycled water daily and 2,000 MW of renewable energy generation, while reiterating TEA’s Net Zero 2030 commitment.

Cochin Port’s Deputy Chairman Satish Honnakkatte underlined the port’s proximity to Tiruppur and offered up to 90 % vessel charge discounts, while highlighting ICTT’s world-class facilities. DP World CEO Dipin Kayyath reinforced the company’s role in handling 10 % of global trade and urged exporters to use Cochin as Tiruppur’s principal gateway. Industry associations present reaffirmed support, signalling momentum towards greater alignment between Tiruppur’s exporters and Cochin Port.

TEA President K.M. Subramanian emphasized Tiruppur’s scale, contributing ₹75,000 crore in annual business including ₹45,000 crore in exports, and employing nearly one million people, 65 percent of them women. He noted Tiruppur’s green credentials, including 13 crore litres of recycled water daily and 2,000 MW of renewable energy generation, while reiterating TEA’s Net Zero 2030 commitment.