How is India’s textile export sector thriving amidst global uncertainties?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Textile exports reached $3.1 billion in July 2025.
- 5.3% year-on-year growth compared to July 2024.
- Government initiatives are vital for sector modernization.
- Readymade garments and handicrafts are key growth drivers.
- The sector showcases India's diverse textile capabilities.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) The textile and apparel industry in India continues to show remarkable strength amid global uncertainties, establishing a positive growth path in July and reaffirming its essential role as a major contributor to employment, exports, and economic development.
As per preliminary figures released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCIS), the export of key textile products in July reached $3.1 billion, representing a 5.3% increase year-on-year from $2.94 billion during the same month last year.
During the April–July 2025 period, total textile exports amounted to $12.18 billion, indicating a 3.87% increase from $11.73 billion for the same timeframe last year.
Breaking down the figures, exports of readymade garments stood at $1.34 billion in July 2025, up from $1.28 billion in July 2024, reflecting a 4.75% growth. Cumulative exports for April–July this year have shown a 7.87% growth to $5.53 billion, compared to $5.13 billion last year.
Exports of cotton textiles, which includes yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handlooms, increased by 5.2% to $1.02 billion during July from $970.5 million in July 2024. Cumulative exports for April–July 2025 were approximately $3.88 billion, nearly consistent with $3.89 billion from the previous year.
Carpet exports rose by over 8% to $133 million, while exports of handicrafts experienced a robust double-digit growth of over 10%, reaching $153.4 million in July.
The total exports of the six primary textile commodity groups exceeded $3.1 billion in July 2025, showcasing resilience despite mixed global trade conditions. Sustained demand in readymade garments, jute, carpets, and handicrafts significantly contributed to this growth momentum, as noted by the Ministry of Textiles on Wednesday.
The performance of the industry underscores India's diverse product offerings, ranging from cotton and MMF-based textiles to traditional handicrafts and eco-friendly jute, as stated.
Initiatives such as RoSCTL, RoDTEP, PLI for Textiles, PM MITRA Parks, and the National Technical Textiles Mission, along with the National Handloom & Handicraft Development Programme, are empowering the sector to modernize, innovate, and diversify. Programs like SAMARTH are also equipping workers with essential skills, as highlighted in the statement.