New Delhi: India’s textile and apparel sector has posted resilient growth in July 2025, showcasing the industry’s strength despite mixed global trade sentiments.
According to quick estimates from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCIS), exports of major textile commodities touched USD 3.10 billion in July 2025, a 5.37% increase over July 2024 (USD 2.94 billion).
For the first four months of FY 2025–26 (April–July 2025), cumulative textile exports stood at USD 12.18 billion, reflecting a 3.87% rise compared to USD 11.73 billion in the same period last year.
Segment-Wise Performance
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Readymade Garments (RMG):
Exports climbed to USD 1.34 billion in July 2025, up from USD 1.28 billion last year, marking 4.75% growth. Over April–July, cumulative RMG exports reached USD 5.53 billion, a 7.87% increase over last year. -
Cotton Textiles (yarn, fabrics, made-ups, handlooms):
Cotton exports stood at USD 1.02 billion in July 2025, showing 5.17% growth from last year. However, cumulative exports remained nearly flat at USD 3.88 billion, compared to USD 3.89 billion last year. -
Man-Made Fibre (MMF) Textiles:
MMF exports rose to USD 422 million in July 2025, up 4.05% from last year. Cumulative exports for April–July stood at USD 1.59 billion, a modest 1.13% growth. -
Jute Manufacturing (including floor coverings):
Jute exports recorded robust growth at USD 32.4 million in July 2025, up 26.35% from last year. Cumulative exports reached USD 126.1 million, reflecting 15.78% growth. -
Carpets:
Carpet exports grew to USD 133 million in July 2025, marking an 8.05% rise. For April–July, exports stood at USD 503.9 million, up 3.57% from last year. -
Handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets):
Handicrafts exports touched USD 153.4 million in July 2025, showing 10.01% growth year-on-year. Cumulative exports stood at USD 552 million, up slightly by 0.92%.
Drivers of Growth
The July growth was largely driven by readymade garments, jute, carpets, and handicrafts, underlining the sector’s diversified product strength. From traditional handicrafts and eco-friendly jute products to modern RMG and MMF textiles, India continues to maintain a broad export base.
Government initiatives such as RoSCTL, RoDTEP, PLI for Textiles, PM MITRA Parks, National Technical Textiles Mission, and Handloom & Handicraft Development Programmes, along with skill development schemes like SAMARTH, are playing a critical role in modernizing production, improving competitiveness, and empowering workers.
Despite global uncertainties, India’s textile sector remains a key driver of employment, exports, and economic growth. The steady rise in exports indicates sustained global demand for Indian products and reaffirms the sector’s potential to anchor India’s economic resilience in the coming years.
