New Delhi: India’s exports of textiles, apparel, and made-up articles recorded growth across 111 countries in the first half of FY 2025–26, reflecting the sector’s resilience amid global challenges, according to government data released on Wednesday.
During April–September 2025, India’s global textile exports rose by 0.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. Despite sluggish demand and tariff-related hurdles in key markets, the textile and apparel industry—including handicrafts—showed steady performance.
Among India’s major export destinations, strong growth was recorded in the UAE (14.5%), UK (1.5%), Japan (19%), Germany (2.9%), Spain (9%), and France (9.2%). Other markets that witnessed sharp increases included Egypt (27%), Saudi Arabia (12.5%), and Hong Kong (69%).
Collectively, these 111 countries accounted for $8,489.08 million in textile exports during April–September 2025, up from $7,718.55 million a year earlier — marking a 10 per cent rise and an absolute gain of $770.3 million.
The key segments driving this expansion were ready-made garments (RMG) of all textiles, which grew 3.42 per cent, and jute products, which registered 5.56 per cent growth.
The Ministry of Textiles said the positive performance demonstrates the industry’s adaptability and global competitiveness. The continued growth in non-traditional markets aligns with the government’s policy emphasis on export diversification, value addition, and global integration under the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
Meanwhile, the recent GST 2.0 rate cuts, reducing taxes on several handicraft items from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, have proved highly beneficial for India’s artisans. The lower tax burden has boosted demand for wood-carved items, terracotta products, jute handbags, textile crafts, and leather goods, improving artisans’ earnings and helping them compete with factory-made products.
The ministry added that these tax reforms will strengthen domestic and global markets for India’s traditional handlooms and handicrafts, further empowering local craftsmen and rural entrepreneurs.
With inputs from IANS