India’s Textile Exports Rise 2.1% In FY26 To ₹3.16 Lakh Crore

India’s textile sector stayed steady in FY2025–26. Exports crossed ₹3.16 lakh crore, up 2.1% from last year. Growth came from over 120 countries. Most product categories reported higher shipments.

Total textile exports, including handicrafts, rose from ₹3,09,859.3 crore in FY2024–25 to ₹3,16,334.9 crore in FY2025–26.

Important Export Numbers At A Glance For FY26

• Total textile exports: ₹3,16,334.9 crore, up 2.1% year-on-year (YoY).

• Ready-Made Garments: ₹1,39,349.6 crore, up 2.9% YoY.

• Cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups: ₹1,02,399.7 crore, up 0.4% YoY.

• Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups: ₹42,687.8 crore, up 3.6% YoY.

• Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets: ₹15,855.1 crore, up 6.1% YoY.

Ready-made garments remained the biggest piece of the pie, accounting for the largest share of total exports. Handicrafts were the fastest mover, up 6.1% on the year, while man-made yarn and fabrics posted a solid 3.6% gain.

Where The Growth Came From

The geographical picture was one of the more interesting parts of the data. Growth came in from more than 120 destinations between April 2025 and February 2026.

Sudan recorded a sharp jump of 205.6%. Senegal grew 54.4%. Egypt rose 38.3%.

Among major trading partners, the United Arab Emirates expanded 22.3%. Japan grew 20.6%. Nigeria was up 21.4%. Spain increased 15.5%. Germany added 9.9%. The United Kingdom rose 7.8%.

India's textile export basket is not leaning on one or two large buyers to drive the numbers. Growth coming in from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia simultaneously points to a more durable expansion.

Policy On The Ground

The government has extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme beyond 31 March 2026. It has also extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme.

Both schemes refund taxes and duties that are not covered elsewhere. This helps lower costs for exporters. They continue to remain a key part of the government’s support for the sector.

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The Bigger Picture

India’s textile industry stands as the second-largest employer after agriculture. It supports around 45 million jobs, both direct and indirect. Many more people work in related areas like handicrafts and sericulture.

The Indian Brand Equity Foundation expects steady growth. It sees the market expanding at a 10% annual rate. By 2030, it can reach $2.3 billion.

India already sits among the top five exporters in many textile segments. Over time, total exports can touch $100 billion.

Sources:

PIB

Livemint