India’s textile and apparel exports increased by 5.13% to reach $17.66 billion between April and September 2024. Notably, shipments in September 2024 exhibited strong growth, rising by 12.38%. Apparel exports alone surged by 17.30% in September, signaling a recovery after a period of sluggish foreign trade.
Textile exports rose by 2.76% to $10.155 billion in the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25 (April-September 2024), compared to $9.882 billion during the same period last fiscal year. Apparel exports also increased by 8.51% to $7.505 billion, up from $6.916 billion in the corresponding timeframe of the previous fiscal year. The textile and apparel (T&A) sector’s share of India’s total merchandise exports grew to 8.28% during this period, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.
Within the textile sector, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products saw a modest rise of 0.79%, reaching $5.946 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year. Shipments of man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups grew by 2.95% to $2.405 billion, while carpet exports increased by 11.41% to $745.74 million. In September 2024, T&A exports amounted to $2.923 billion, with textile exports growing by 9.56% to $1.813 billion, up from $1.655 billion in September 2023. Garment shipments rose significantly by 17.30% to $1.110 billion, compared to $946.35 million in September 2023. Under textiles, the export of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products increased by 3.48% to $1.05319 billion, while man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups exports surged by 11.41% to $415.28 million. Carpet exports also saw a 14.93% rise, reaching $180.38 million.
Imports of raw cotton and waste increased by 18.74% to $477.38 million in April-September 2024, up from $402.04 million in the same period of 2023. Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups rose by 3.45%, from $1,137.56 million to $1,176.76 million during the same timeframe. However, imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups fell by 1.80% to $198.14 million in September 2024.
In fiscal 2023-24, India’s exports of textiles and apparel totaled $34.43 billion, marking a 3.24% decrease from $35.58 billion in fiscal 2022-23. Apparel exports dropped by 10.25% to $14.532 billion from $16.19 billion, while textile exports grew by 2.62% to $19.898 billion from $19.390 billion during the same period.
India imported raw cotton and waste valued at $598.63 million, which was 58.39% lower than the $1.439 billion recorded in 2022-23. The import of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups decreased by 12.98% to $2.277 billion compared to $2.618 billion in the previous fiscal year.
On the recent upward trend in India’s textile trade, Sudhir Sekhri, chairman of the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC), noted, “India’s apparel exports have shown resilience despite global economic challenges. The country possesses a comprehensive ecosystem from fiber to fashion and a young workforce, positioning it well for future growth.”
Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, stated, “Indian apparel exports are now on a growth trajectory, demonstrating double-digit growth in recent months and attracting global attention as a sourcing destination.”
Rakesh Mehra, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), highlighted the strong momentum in India’s textile and apparel exports, noting a 12.38% growth in September 2024 compared to the same period last year. He emphasized the significance of the steady 5.13% growth in cumulative exports for the first half of the fiscal year.
Sanjay K Jain, chairman of the ICC National Committee and managing director of TT Limited, remarked, “Textile exports are finally gaining momentum after a prolonged period of stagnation, attributed to declining global inventory, increasing garment imports, and favorable pricing of raw materials.”
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