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India's Textile Exports Rise 2.1% in FY26, RMG Leads Growth

India's textile exports grew 2.1% in FY 2025-26 to Rs 3,16,334.9 crore, driven by Ready-Made Garments which rose 2.9%. Handicrafts excluding carpets were the fastest-growing major segment, expanding 6.1%. Exports increased to over 120 destinations, with strong gains in UAE, UK, Germany, and Japan. The government's extension of export incentive schemes and new free trade agreements are expected to further boost the sector.

Key Points: India Textile Exports Grow 2.1% in FY26, RMG Top Driver

  • India's textile exports grew 2.1% in FY26 to Rs 3,16,334.9 crore
  • Ready-Made Garments remained the largest export segment, rising 2.9%
  • Handicrafts (excl. carpets) grew fastest at 6.1%
  • Exports increased to over 120 destinations, with UAE, UK, Germany, and Japan showing notable gains
2 min read

India's textile exports grow 2.1% in FY26, Ready-Made Garments remain top driver

India's textile exports rose 2.1% to Rs 3,16,334.9 crore in FY26, with Ready-Made Garments leading. Handicrafts and man-made fabrics also show strong growth.

"The steady performance highlights sustained global demand for Indian textile products - Ministry of Textiles"

New Delhi, April 22

India's textile exports, including handicrafts, recorded a growth of 2.1 per cent in FY 2025-26, reaching Rs 3,16,334.9 crore compared to Rs 3,09,859.3 crore in the previous financial year, according to data released by the Ministry of Textiles on Wednesday.

The steady performance highlights sustained global demand for Indian textile products and the continued competitiveness of the sector across major product categories, data stated.

The data underlines that within the major segments, Ready-Made Garments (RMG) continued to be the largest contributor to India's textile exports. The segment rose from Rs 1,35,427.6 crore in FY 2024-25 to Rs 1,39,349.6 crore in FY 2025-26, registering a growth of 2.9 per cent.

The ministry said that the cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products reported stable performance, with exports increasing marginally from Rs 1,02,002.8 crore to Rs 1,02,399.7 crore, reflecting a growth of 0.4 per cent. Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups posted relatively stronger growth of 3.6 per cent, rising from Rs 41,196 crore to Rs 42,687.8 crore during the same period.

The data highlights that in the value-added segment, handicrafts excluding handmade carpets emerged as the fastest-growing category among major segments, expanding by 6.1 per cent from Rs 14,945.5 crore to Rs 15,855.1 crore.

The ministry noted that export growth was recorded in over 120 destinations between April 2025 and February 2026 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, indicating broad-based geographical expansion of India's textile export basket.

Key export markets showed notable increases, including the United Arab Emirates (22.3 per cent), United Kingdom (7.8 per cent), Germany (9.9 per cent), Spain (15.5 per cent), Japan (20.6 per cent), Egypt (38.3 per cent), Nigeria (21.4 per cent), Senegal (54.4 per cent), and Sudan (205.6 per cent).

The government has supported the sector through export facilitation and remission measures, including the extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026.

India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agenda also witnessed significant developments during 2025-26, with agreements involving EFTA TEPA, UK CETA, Oman CEPA, New Zealand FTA announcement, and India-EU FTA conclusion, which are expected to enhance market access and strengthen global value chain integration for the textile sector.

The ministry said the continued export growth reflects policy support, expanding global reach, and rising opportunities for value-added textile products.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

K
Karthik V
Great to see UAE and UK markets growing. But what about China? They are our biggest competitor in textiles. Need to focus on quality and price competitiveness. The FTA with EU is promising - hope it doesn't get delayed again.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global trade patterns, this is a solid performance given the global economic slowdown. The 20.6% jump in Japanese exports is particularly interesting - suggests Indian textiles are gaining premium positioning there. RoSCTL and RoDTEP extensions are crucial for maintaining momentum.
R
Rajesh Q
Beta, this is good news but the real question is - are our weavers and small manufacturers seeing the benefit? The growth seems to be driven by large exporters. The government should ensure that the benefits trickle down to grassroots level artisans. Handloom sector needs more support.
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Arun Y
RMG leading the charge at 2.9% growth is expected. But look at Sudan - 205% growth! That's not just a number, it's new markets opening up. With FTAs being signed, we should see much better numbers next year. Hope the government continues with the PLI scheme for textiles.
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Lisa P
I work in the garment industry in Tirupur, and this growth is real. The RMG segment is doing well because we have improved compliance and quality standards. But the competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam is intense. We need to invest in automation and skill development to stay ahead.

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