India’s textile exports recorded healthy growth in July 2026, while apparel exports remained under pressure, reflecting mixed performance across the country’s textile and clothing trade. According to an analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), based on the latest trade data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, textile exports increased 5.94% year-on-year in July, whereas apparel exports declined 4.48%.
The contrasting performance highlights continued resilience in India’s textile segments, even as apparel exporters face demand and market-related challenges.
Textile Exports Show Positive Momentum
India’s textile and apparel exports registered a mixed performance during July 2026. Textile exports gained 5.94% compared with the corresponding month of the previous year, supported by growth across several major textile categories.
Cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products recorded growth during the month. Exports of man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups also increased, indicating continued demand for both natural and man-made fibre-based textile products.
Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets emerged among the stronger-performing categories during the month. Meanwhile, jute manufacturing, including floor coverings, and carpet exports witnessed declines.
The performance demonstrates the diversified nature of India’s textile export basket, with gains in cotton, MMF and handicraft segments helping offset weakness in selected traditional categories.
Apparel Exports Decline 4.48%
In contrast, India’s apparel exports declined 4.48% year-on-year in July 2026. The decline reflects continued pressure on the garment export segment amid changing international demand conditions and competitive pressures in key global markets.
The apparel segment remains an important component of India’s textile value chain, making the performance of overseas clothing demand particularly significant for manufacturers and exporters.
Industry stakeholders continue to focus on improving competitiveness through higher value addition, product diversification, technology adoption and greater integration with global supply chains.
April–July Performance Remains Mixed
On a cumulative basis, India’s textile and apparel exports recorded a decline during April–July 2026 compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
While apparel exports declined during the four-month period, textile exports registered growth. The performance indicates that the textile segment is providing some support to overall exports despite weakness in apparel.
Within textiles, cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products recorded positive growth during the period. Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups also posted an increase.
Carpet exports showed improvement during the April–July period, while jute manufacturing exports remained under pressure. Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets recorded strong growth, reinforcing the contribution of value-added and traditional textile-related products to India’s export basket.
Cotton Imports Rise
The latest trade data also point to increased dependence on imported raw materials. Imports of raw cotton and cotton waste surged in July 2026 compared with the year-ago period.
The increase in cotton-related imports comes as textile manufacturers continue to manage raw-material availability, pricing and international demand. Cotton availability and input costs remain important factors influencing the competitiveness of India’s spinning, weaving and downstream textile industries.
Outlook for India’s Textile Industry
The July export numbers present a mixed picture for India’s textile and apparel industry. Growth in textile exports demonstrates resilience in several product categories, while the decline in apparel exports highlights the need for stronger competitiveness in global garment markets.
Improving manufacturing efficiency, expanding MMF-based exports, increasing value addition, strengthening design capabilities and leveraging trade agreements could remain important priorities for the industry.
As global sourcing patterns continue to evolve, India’s ability to combine scale, quality, competitive pricing and sustainability will be critical to expanding its share in international textile and apparel markets.
