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US Textile Imports from India Plunge 31% as Vietnam Gains Market Share

US textile and apparel imports from India fell sharply by 31.4% year-on-year in November 2025, indicating significant challenges for Indian exporters. In a contrasting trend, imports from Vietnam grew by 12.2% during the same month, highlighting its rising importance as a sourcing hub. Meanwhile, imports from Bangladesh declined by 14.5%, and China saw a dramatic 48.5% drop in November. Cumulatively for 2025, Vietnam posted strong growth while China and India faced sustained slowdowns or modest gains.

Key Points: US Textile Imports: India Down 31%, Vietnam Up 12% in Nov 2025

  • India's US textile imports plunge 31.4%
  • Vietnam's imports rise 12.2% in contrast
  • Bangladesh also sees a 14.5% decline
  • China records a sharp 48.5% drop in November
2 min read

US textile and apparel imports from India plunge over 31% in November 2025: Data

US apparel imports from India fell sharply by 31.4% in Nov 2025, while Vietnam saw a 12.2% rise, signaling a major shift in global sourcing patterns.

"Imports from India witnessed a sharper contraction, falling 31.4% year-on-year - OTXEA data and Citi Analysis"

New Delhi, January 30

The United States recorded divergent trends in textile and apparel imports from its key Asian suppliers in November 2025, reflecting shifting sourcing patterns amid global trade adjustments, according to OTXEA data and Citi Analysis.

Imports from India witnessed a sharper contraction, falling 31.4% year-on-year in November 2025 compared with November 2024, marking one of the steepest monthly declines among major suppliers, it said.

This significant decline is indicative of the challenges faced by India's textile and apparel exporters in the US market.

On the other hand, the US T-and-A imports from Vietnam rose by 12.2% year-on-year in November 2025, underscoring Vietnam's growing importance as a sourcing hub.

In contrast, imports from Bangladesh declined by 14.5% over the same period, signaling pressure on shipments from the South Asian exporter, the data said.

On a broader monthly basis, Vietnam consistently posted strong growth throughout 2025, with double-digit increases in several months, including April, May, and June.

China, however, continued to see a sustained slowdown, with imports declining sharply across most months of 2025, including a 48.5% drop in November.

Cumulatively, during the January-November 2025 period, U.S. imports from Vietnam increased by 12.4%, while imports from China fell by 31.0%. India recorded a modest 2.3% growth over the same period, whereas Bangladesh saw an overall rise of 12.1%, despite the November setback, the data showed.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the November number is bad, the overall Jan-Nov period still shows 2.3% growth. So it's not all doom and gloom. Maybe it's a seasonal or one-off issue? But yes, we cannot ignore Vietnam's rise. Our industry needs to innovate beyond just cotton.
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Michael C
From a sourcing perspective, this data is key. Vietnam's consistency with double-digit growth is impressive. For US brands, diversification away from China is real, but India seems to be missing out on that opportunity compared to Vietnam and even Bangladesh.
A
Anjali F
Our logistics and high cost of compliance are big hurdles. Also, are we focusing enough on sustainable and technical textiles that the US market demands? We need a strategic shift, not just more sops. The PLI scheme needs to show results on the ground now.
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Vikram M
China's drop is even bigger at 48.5%. So the trade is shifting. The question is, why is Vietnam the biggest beneficiary and not India? We have the raw material (cotton) and skilled workforce. Is it about free trade agreements? Policy needs a review.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think the Indian textile sector is too fragmented. Smaller units can't match the scale, efficiency, and compliance standards that large US retailers require. Consolidation and modernization are overdue. This data should be a wake-up call.

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