India’s textile and apparel (T&A) exports increased by 6.32 per cent in the current fiscal year over the previous one, according to the Ministry of Commerce’s fast estimate figures. This growth was far faster than the performance of total merchandise exports, which was mostly unchanged over the same time period.
A thorough examination reveals that the primary driver of this growth in T&A exports is apparel exports, which increased by 10.03 per cent in the current fiscal year.
Indian textile exports decreased by roughly 5.81 per cent from March ’24 to March ’25, while apparel exports increased by 3.97 per cent during the same period. Compared to March ’24, cumulative exports of textiles and apparel showed a 1.63 per cent decline.
Indian textile exports increased by 3.61 per cent from April ’24 to March ’25 compared to the same period last year, while apparel exports increased by 10.03 per cent. The total exports of textiles and apparel from April ’24 to April ’25 increased by 6.32 per cent over April ’23 to March ’24.
The resilient, adaptable, and globally competitive nature of the Indian textile and apparel sector is demonstrated by the strong performance in clothing exports and the consistent rise in textiles despite global challenges, according to CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra. He added that the government’s encouraging policy measures and increasing momentum in creating new trade alliances have contributed to the confidence-boosting effects on exporters.
Mehra further underlined that the industry is still hopeful about continuing on this development trajectory, particularly given the changing dynamics of international trade. India has a strategic opportunity as a result of the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, especially in the textile and garment industry. India is in a good position to become a dependable and valued partner as the US actively looks to expand its sourcing base outside of China. However, he pointed out that securing a more advantageous and stable tariff regime will necessitate proactive diplomacy and a coordinated effort.
The breakdown of the exports and imports of textiles and apparel are mentioned below:
Exports
(Values in US $ Million)
| Particulars | Mar-24 | Mar-25 | % Change | Apr’23-
Mar’24 |
Apr’24-
Mar’25 |
% Change |
| Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. | 1,094.18 | 1,117.81 | 2.16% | 11,683.50 | 12,055.88 | 3.19% |
| Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made ups etc. | 439.36 | 435.64 | -0.85% | 4,679.14 | 4,869.44 | 4.07% |
| Jute Mfg. including Floor
Covering |
28.43 | 34.60 | 21.70% | 338.85 | 384.10 | 13.35% |
| Carpet | 129.00 | 137.41 | 6.52% | 1,395.15 | 1,541.09 | 10.46% |
| Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet | 279.49 | 130.42 | -53.34% | 1,802.29 | 1,766.57 | -1.98% |
| Textiles | 1,970.46 | 1,855.88 | -5.81% | 19,898.93 | 20,617.08 | 3.61% |
| Apparel | 1,472.82 | 1,531.33 | 3.97% | 14,532.19 | 15,989.33 | 10.03% |
| Textile and Apparel | 3,443.28 | 3,387.21 | -1.63% | 34,431.12 | 36,606.41 | 6.32% |
| All Commodities | 41,692.74 | 41,968.30 | 0.66% | 4,37,072.03 | 4,37,416.52 | 0.08% |
| % of T&A in Total Exports | 8.26% | 8.07% | 7.88% | 8.37% |
Imports
(Values in US $ Million)
| Particulars | Mar-24 | Mar-25 | % Change | Apr’23-
Mar’24 |
Apr’24-
Mar’25 |
% Change |
| Cotton Raw & Waste | 48.8 | 79.04 | 61.97% | 598.66 | 1,219.32 | 103.67% |
| Textile yarn fabric, made-ups | 160.82 | 192.95 | 19.98% | 2,277.57 | 2,475.53 | 8.69% |
