India’s textile exports see record growth in H1 FY2025-26

India’s textile and apparel exports registered a record performance in the first half of FY2025-26, reflecting the sector’s resilience amid global economic headwinds and trade challenges.According to the Ministry of Textiles, India’s global exports of textiles, apparel, and made-ups grew by 0.1 per cent during April–September 2025 compared to the corresponding period last year. The combined export value of key markets stood at $8,489.08 million, up from $7,718.55 million a year earlier — marking a 10 per cent growth and an absolute increase of $770.3 million.
The ministry attributed this strong performance to the industry’s adaptability and competitiveness, despite tariff-related challenges and slowing demand in certain regions. Major export destinations such as the UAE (14.5 per cent), UK (1.5 per cent), Japan (19 per cent), Germany (2.9 per cent), Spain (9 per cent), and France (9.2 per cent) recorded steady growth. Meanwhile, non-traditional markets including Egypt (27 per cent), Saudi Arabia (12.5 per cent), and **Hong Kong (69 per cent) showed even stronger expansion.
Among key product categories, ready-made garments (RMG)* of all textiles posted a 3.42 per cent growth, while jute products* grew by 5.56 per cent, indicating robust demand across diverse segments.The ministry stated the performance underscores India’s strategic push for export diversification, value addition, and deeper global market integration under flagship initiatives such as ‘Make in India’* and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.It added that the sustained expansion into both traditional and emerging markets reaffirms the textile sector’s pivotal role in India’s trade and employment landscape, setting the stage for continued momentum in the latter half of the fiscal year.

(Business Correspondent)