India’s textile and apparel sector has shown remarkable resilience in July 2025, posting steady export growth even as global trade sentiments remain mixed. According to quick estimates from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCIS), exports of major textile commodities touched USD 3.10 billion in July 2025, a 5.37% increase over the USD 2.94 billion recorded in the same month last year.
Sustained Growth in First Quarter Between April and July 2025, cumulative textile exports rose to USD 12.18 billion, marking a 3.87% year-on-year growth compared to USD 11.73 billion during the same period in 2024. Industry experts say the numbers underline India’s capacity to maintain competitiveness amid shifting global demand and supply chain challenges.
Readymade Garments (RMG): The sector led the surge, with exports climbing to USD 1.34 billion in July 2025, up 4.75% year-on-year. Over the April–July period, RMG exports reached USD 5.53 billion, showing a robust 7.87% growth.
Cotton Textiles: Exports stood at USD 1.02 billion in July 2025, reflecting 5.17% growth. However, cumulative exports at USD 3.88 billion were largely flat compared to last year.
Man-made Fibre (MMF) Textiles: MMF shipments hit USD 422 million in July, a 4.05% rise, with April–July figures reaching USD 1.59 billion (up 1.13%).
Jute Manufacturing: Exports registered the highest percentage jump, surging 26.35% year-on-year in July to USD 32.4 million. Cumulative exports rose nearly 16% to USD 126.1 million.
Carpets: Carpet exports rose 8.05% in July to USD 133 million, with cumulative growth of 3.57% over four months.
Handicrafts (excluding carpets): Exports grew 10% in July to USD 153.4 million, with April–July exports inching up to USD 552 million (0.92% growth).
Resilience Amid Global Challenges Analysts attribute the performance to sustained international demand in categories such as readymade garments, jute, carpets, and handicrafts. At the same time, the diversified product mix across cotton, MMF, and eco-friendly jute has allowed India to cushion itself against global trade volatility.
Policy Support Driving Competitiveness Officials said that the sector’s performance is being bolstered by government schemes such as:
RoSCTL (Rebate of State & Central Taxes and Levies) and RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products),
PLI for Textiles,
PM MITRA Parks,
National Technical Textiles Mission, and the National Handloom & Handicraft Development Programme. Additionally, skill-building under SAMARTH is equipping workers to adapt to modern industry needs.
Significance for the Economy Despite global uncertainties, India’s textile sector continues to play a central role in employment generation, exports, and GDP growth. Industry stakeholders believe that with innovation, policy support, and global outreach, India is well-positioned to expand its footprint in the international textile market.
