Indian textile exports maintain growth momentum amid global trade challenges

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 20, 2025

India’s textile and apparel sector has continued to display resilience, recording steady growth in July 2025 despite mixed global trade sentiments. According to quick estimates released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCIS), exports of major textile commodities in July stood at USD 3.10 billion, reflecting a 5.37% year-on-year increase from USD 2.94 billion in July 2024.

For the April–July 2025 period, cumulative textile exports reached USD 12.18 billion, up 3.87% from USD 11.73 billion in the same period last year, underscoring the sector’s sustained momentum.

Readymade garments remained the largest contributor, with exports rising 4.75% year-on-year in July to USD 1.34 billion, while cumulative exports over the four-month period surged 7.87% to USD 5.53 billion. Cotton textiles also registered a positive trend, posting USD 1.02 billion in July exports compared to USD 970.5 million last year, although cumulative exports for April–July remained flat at USD 3.88 billion.

Man-made fibre (MMF) textiles saw a modest 4.05% growth in July, reaching USD 422 million, while cumulative exports during April–July edged up by 1.13% to USD 1.59 billion. Jute products, including floor coverings, delivered the strongest growth rate, with exports soaring 26.35% year-on-year in July to USD 32.4 million and registering a 15.78% increase over the April–July period.

Carpets and handicrafts also contributed to the upward momentum. Carpet exports rose 8.05% in July to USD 133 million, while cumulative exports expanded 3.57% to USD 503.9 million. Handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets) climbed 10.01% in July to USD 153.4 million, though cumulative growth was modest at 0.92%, with exports totaling USD 552 million for April–July.

The sector’s overall performance highlights India’s diversified strengths across product segments, ranging from cotton and MMF-based textiles to eco-friendly jute, traditional carpets, and handicrafts. Sustained demand in readymade garments, jute, carpets, and handicrafts has been key to driving growth despite global uncertainties.

Government initiatives such as RoSCTL, RoDTEP, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, PM MITRA Parks, the National Technical Textiles Mission, and the National Handloom & Handicraft Development Programme are helping the industry modernize, innovate, and diversify. Additionally, the SAMARTH scheme is strengthening the workforce with relevant skills to support the sector’s growth trajectory.

Even amid international trade headwinds, India’s textile exports continue to chart a positive path, reaffirming the industry’s role as a vital driver of employment, exports, and economic growth.