With a noteworthy export value of USD 8,733 million, the Ready Made Garments (RMG) category accounts for 41% of all textile exports, according to the Ministry of Textiles.
With a worldwide trade share of 3.9%, India is now the sixth-largest exporter of clothing and textiles. The industry accounts for a substantial 8.21% of India’s overall exports, highlighting the nation’s vital position in the world’s textile supply chain.
The first half of FY 2024–25 saw a notable increase in exports from India’s textile and apparel industry, with total exports reaching USD 21,358 million, a 7% increase over the same time the previous year.
The first half of FY 2024–25 saw a notable increase in exports from India’s textile and apparel industry, with total exports reaching USD 21,358 million, a 7% increase over the same time the previous year.
The United States and the European Union are two of India’s top export markets, accounting for over 47% of the country’s total exports of clothing and textiles.
Despite international geopolitical issues like the Red Sea and Bangladesh crises, which initially hindered shipments in early 2024, the robust demand for Indian goods is mostly responsible for the surge in textile exports.
But as the year went on, demand increased again, particularly for essential items. Export statistics for April–October 2024 show growth in nearly all major textile categories, with RMG exports rising by 12%, cotton textiles rising by 1%, and man-made textiles rising by 5%.
However, there were decreases in several categories, such as handloom goods and wool. Handloom items had a 6% decline in exports, while wool and woollen textiles saw a 19% contraction.
Carpets saw a strong rise of 12%, while silk product exports increased by 40%. The amount of textile and clothing items that India imported fell by almost 15% in FY 2023–2024, from USD 10,481 million in FY 2022-23 to USD 8,946 million.
With India increasingly supplying its local raw material needs for industrial usage and re-export, the reduction is indicative of the textile sector’s rising self-reliance. India imported USD 5,425 million worth of textiles and clothing (including handicrafts) in the first half of FY 2024–25, a 1% decrease over the same period in FY 2023–24.
At USD 1,859 million, or 34% of total imports, man-made textiles accounted for the majority of the import share. Due to the ongoing demand-supply imbalance in this category, imports are necessary to satisfy domestic demands.
The need for long-staple cotton fibers was the primary driver of the 13% increase in cotton textile imports, indicating an increase in local production capacity and growing consumption in India.
