Introduction to India’s Textile Export Landscape
Textile exports from India have emerged as a key player in the global apparel and fabric trade. Being a country with a strong culture, a wide production capacity, and a wide textile range, India has become a leading competitor in the global market. India’s textile sector forms the backbone of India’s manufacturing industry. The textile industry in India is not only traditional – it is rapidly developing and modernising and increasing its presence on a global scale.
Whether you are wondering where India is exporting its textiles, the major buyers of Indian textiles and how Indian garment exports are rising in each successive year, then you will get the real picture in the following article.
This guide by textiletrendshub.com will walk you through the scope of textile exports from India, covering major destinations, product types, key companies, and future trends. It does not matter whether you are researching the industry or planning to enter it; this article has some insights to count on.
Why is India a Key Player in Global Textile Exports?
India’s position as a global leader in textile exports is no accident, and it’s a result of tradition, scale, and strategic advantage. Further, the country’s deep-rooted textile culture, combined with modern manufacturing capabilities, allows it to serve a wide range of global markets.
The Indian textile industry is still diversifying in both traditional and technical textiles. India is well endowed with a strong network of mills and weaving units, as well as skilled labour, with some of the top textile industries in India in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Punjab. The textile industry in India, state-wise, is so huge that the state gives its own contribution to the textile industry — like cotton in Gujarat, silk in Karnataka, and wool in Punjab.
What truly sets India apart is its scale. According to the new reports, the textile industry market size in India has crossed $200 billion, with export-led growth projected to be aggressive. This is such that textile exports from India are not only significant but critical to the global fashion and fabric economy. Improvement in textile manufacturing in India has resulted in enhanced quality and exportability.
At textiletrendshub.com, we believe this growth is only the beginning. With innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation, India is set to strengthen its leadership in the global textile value chain.
Export Trends: Data and Growth Over the Years
Textile exports from India have now played a vital role in the country’s economic growth and global trade relationships. India’s textile sector produces everything, starting with traditional fabrics to high-tech synthetics. Over the last decade, significantly, the textile industry has grown and made this country one of the largest exporters of textiles in the world.
Free trade agreements and incentives, like PLI, favour textile exports from India. India exported its textile products in 2022 (April 2021–March 2022) to a record value of USD 44.4 billion, growing over 41% year-on-year. This was supported by the rising demand in the USA, Middle Eastern, and European markets. The best export goods, according to official data provided by the ministry and industry, were cotton textiles, ready-made garments, man-made fibre textiles, and home textiles.
✅ Leading Export Destinations
- USA: 27%
- European Union: 18%
- UAE: 6%
Comparing the trend from FY 2017–18, in which the exports were slightly around USD 35.7 billion, to the year 2022, we realise that the textile exports from India have not only recovered after the pandemic but also gone beyond pre-COVID levels. The availability of a strong export base is due to consistent government support in the form of PLI schemes and increased manufacturing capabilities. The volume of Indian textile exports is projected to increase greatly by the year 2030.
At textiletrendshub.com, we believe that sustainability, digital transformation, and technical innovation are closely associated with the future of the textile industry in India. With these factors in play, experts predict that textile exports from India could reach USD 65 billion by FY26, making it a global textile powerhouse. The history of the textile exports from India reflects a perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and global competitiveness, thus guaranteeing India a vital place in the textile trade in the upcoming years.
Top Export Destinations by Country
Textile exports from India are a crucial part of the fashion and fabric market across all nations and are exported to more than 100 countries around the globe. Among all these, the USA can be considered a major purchaser, as the amount of textile exports from India to the USA takes a substantial percentage of revenues. India has been exporting textiles to the United States to a large extent, with over USD 9 billion of products just in FY 2023 alone being exported by India, showing its high demand for Indian cotton garments, home textiles, and yarn. India’s textile export strategy revolves around the quality and price.
Considering textile exports from India by country, the top destinations consistently include the USA, the European Union (particularly Germany, France, and Italy), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, and the UK as the major ones. These regions represent both raw material importers and finished garment buyers. The European Union remains one of the powerful markets for sustainable fabrics, whereas the UAE and Bangladesh are concentrated on cost-effective bulk sourcing.
As per the reports of analysis by textiletrendshub.com, textile exports from India are expected to grow steadily across these markets due to the combination of government incentives, increasing demand for eco-friendly materials and improved trade logistics of India. Surat and Tiruppur are well-known as major textile hubs in India.
If we consider textile exports from India by country, the shifting global supply chains post-COVID have only boosted India’s competitiveness. As Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are under discussion and global demand regains its momentum, the country is going to consolidate its place as the top exporter of textile products.
Key Export Categories and Garment Products
When analysing textile exports from India, it is apparent that the nation has a broad range of products that satisfy the world demand. India’s export profile is very rich, diverse, and even sophisticated, ranging from raw materials to finished goods such as luxury home furnishings.
Garment exports from India, in particular readymade garments such as shirts, trousers, kurtas, sarees, and fashion accessories, form one of the great contributors to Indian exports. The US, EU, and Middle East marketplaces highly demand these products. Clothing production in India is adapting rapidly to global fashion demands.
Other textiles that India also exports include cotton fabrics, synthetic blends, silk and wool products. Textile exports from India consist of home textiles such as bed linen, curtains, towels, and cushion covers, which are in demand due to their quality workmanship and their comparative prices. The exports are on the rise for eco-friendly products such as bamboo textiles. Organic cotton fabric from India is now in high global demand.
Leading the way are several top 10 garment export companies in India that are consistently pushing the volumes through innovation and quality. These companies serve some of the biggest global fashion brands, making India’s growing reputation in the textile sector. A fabric company in India usually serves both domestic and international needs.
At textiletrendshub.com, we believe these categories will keep increasing in strength as the Indian production increases and ventures into the new markets. Whether you’re a fashion retailer or fabric wholesaler, knowing the core strengths of textile exports from India can guide your sourcing strategy.
Top Companies Driving Textile Exports in India
When we talk about textile exports from India, we cannot ignore the fact that there are powerhouse companies that have led this success. The top 20 textile companies in India are critical in the production of premium fabrics, garments, and home textiles to markets across the globe.
The top 10 textile companies in India have earned a name due to their global operations. Names such as Arvind Limited, Welspun India, Raymond, Vardhman Textiles, and Trident Group consistently show up among the top textile exports from India. These companies have also made massive investments in automation, quality, and sustainability, helping India compete with global players.
Most of the top textile companies in India are concentrating on the concept of sustainability. The top 10 textile industries of India, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, reflect a blend of innovation and tradition. These hubs have facilitated the simplification of the logistics of production and export, which also contributes to the dominance of India in the textile industry. Every leading textile company in India is investing in automation. Each Indian textile company focuses on maintaining the best quality possible while scaling globally.
At textiletrendshub.com, we have been tracking these companies and how they are leading not only the Indian market but also the global trends. From denim to technical textiles, the future of textile exports from India is shaped by these industrial giants.
As India’s global presence grows, expect these key players to lead the way in transforming how the world sees Indian textiles.
Challenges in India’s Textile Export Market
Although textile exports from India have increased steadily, there are several critical challenges that this industry faces that cannot be ignored. It includes the increasing global competition, particularly from countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, which provide cheaper labour and faster production cycles. These factors tend to exert pressure on the pricing and profit margins of Indian exporters.
The Indian garment industry is a key driver of apparel exports, but it also faces skill and scale gaps. The other obstacle is the complicated regulatory framework. Compliance with labour law, shifting tax policies, and lengthy customs procedures are some of the issues that many exporters battle with. This delays the work and interferes with the delivery schedule, which is essential in the global textile trade.
Moreover, the textile industry in India has issues concerning infrastructure, which include outdated machinery, inconsistent electricity supply, and a lack of integrated textile parks in certain regions. Such bottlenecks reduce the scalability of the industry. Indian textile manufacturing industries are turning to digitalisation in order to break bottlenecks.
At textiletrendshub.com, we feel that in order to establish a better and healthier competitive export ecosystem, we should acknowledge such challenges. Textile exports from India could rise above these obstacles and flourish in the world markets with proper reforms and technology upgrades.
Government Initiatives and the Future of Textile Exports
The government of India is doing a lot in order to increase textile exports from India and thereby make the sector easier to compete in international markets. The objective is to strengthen the infrastructure and promote investment through schemes such as the PLI scheme (Production Linked Incentive) for textiles, the development of Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) parks, and so on, to achieve this goal.
Schemes like the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), RoDTEP, and export subsidies are benefiting manufacturers to scale up production and meet international standards. Such initiatives have a direct positive effect on textile exports from India, which can be seen in the volume of exports and value added.
The cotton and textile industry in India plays a very important role in rural employment and sustainability. The future of the textile industry in India appears to be bright. Driving forward by digital transformation, sustainability focus, and trade partnerships with key nations, India can easily become a global leader in textile exports by 2030.
At textiletrendshub.com, we believe that the positive approach by the government in the form of proactive policies and well-calculated incentives will fuel the growth of textile exports from India and make it the building block of the economic development of this country.
Conclusion: India’s Textile Export Path Forward
India’s contribution to the global textile supply chain continues to rise, and textile exports from India are only set to grow stronger. With a blend of tradition, innovation, and scale, the country is leaving a sustainable trail in its stride in the global market.
India has become a source of quality and a wide array of products as it faces the prospect of more global demand.
To stay ahead of emerging trends and market insights on textile exports from India, visit textiletrendshub.com, your hub for all things textile.
Q1. Why is India considered a global leader in textile exports?
India’s textile industry stands out due to its diverse production capacity, deep-rooted traditions, and modern manufacturing capabilities. Its scale, supported by regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, helps meet global demand with both traditional and technical textiles.
Q2. How have textile exports from India grown over time?
Textile exports reached a record USD 44.4 billion in FY22, growing over 41% YoY, driven by strong demand from the USA, EU, and the Middle East, as well as government incentives like PLI schemes.
Q3. Which countries are the top buyers of Indian textiles?
The USA leads with 27%, followed by the European Union (18%) and the UAE (6%). Other consistent importers include Bangladesh and the UK, valuing India’s quality and competitive pricing
Q4. What types of textiles and garments does India export most?
India exports readymade garments (shirts, sarees, kurtas), home textiles (bed linen, curtains), and eco-friendly products like organic cotton and bamboo textiles, catering to both luxury and bulk markets.
Q5. Which Indian companies are driving textile export growth?
Industry leaders such as Arvind Limited, Welspun India, and Raymond are investing in automation, quality, and sustainability. They serve global fashion brands and shape India’s presence in international markets.
Q6. What challenges do Indian textile exporters face?
India faces tough competition from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, along with issues like infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and production delays due to outdated systems and machinery.
Q7. How is the Indian government supporting textile exports?
Initiatives like the PLI Scheme, PM MITRA Parks, and TUFS aim to boost investment, enhance infrastructure, and promote digital transformation for scalable, export-ready production
Q8. How are sustainability and innovation influencing India’s textile future?
The industry is moving toward eco-friendly materials, digitalisation, and technical textiles, positioning India as a future global hub for sustainable textile production.
Q9. Why is cotton so important in India’s textile export strategy?
India is a major producer of cotton textiles, and regions like Surat and Tiruppur specialise in high-quality cotton garments and yarns, which are in strong demand globally.
Q10. What is the forecast for India’s textile exports by 2030?
With sustained reforms and innovation, experts predict exports could reach USD 65 billion by FY26 and potentially USD 100 billion by 2030, making India a global textile powerhouse.
