India’s textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, increased by 7% to $21.36 billion during the April-October period of FY 2024-25, up from $20.01 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Textiles.
Ready-made garments (RMG) emerged as the leading export category, contributing $8.73 billion, or 41% of total exports. Cotton textiles followed with $7.08 billion (33%), while man-made textiles accounted for $3.11 billion (15%).
However, certain segments saw declines, with exports of wool and handloom products dropping by 19% and 6%, respectively, during this period- India’s Textiles & Apparel
India remains the sixth-largest global exporter of textiles and apparel, holding a 3.9% share of global trade in 2023. The sector represented 8.21% of India’s total exports in FY 2023-24.
The United States and the European Union continued to be the largest markets for Indian textiles and apparel, together accounting for 47% of total exports. India maintained a trade surplus, with imports primarily for re-export or industrial purposes.
Despite initial setbacks in FY 2024 due to geopolitical disruptions, such as the Red Sea and Bangladesh crises, the sector rebounded, registering a 7% export growth during the April-October period. Exports reached $21.36 billion, compared to $20.01 billion in the same period of FY 2023-24.
On the other hand, textile and apparel imports dropped by 15%, from $10.48 billion in FY 2022-23 to $8.95 billion in FY 2023-24. During the April-October FY 2024-25 period, imports slightly decreased to $5.43 billion, compared to $5.46 billion in the same period of the previous year.
Man-made textiles accounted for the largest share of imports, totaling $1.86 billion (34%) during April-October FY 2024-25.
The Ministry noted, “The growth in imports is primarily seen in cotton textiles, driven by the import of long staple cotton fiber. This trend indicates an increase in the country’s production capacity, driven by rising consumption and a focus on self-reliance.
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