New Delhi, July 28: India’s textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, are projected to rise from ₹2,97,004 crore in 2023-24 to ₹3,25,339 crore by 2025-26. This period is expected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. This information was presented in Parliament on Tuesday.
In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Textile Minister Pabitra Margherita stated that during this period, the United States, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom, and Germany remain the top five destinations for Indian textile and apparel exports. Additionally, over 100 countries are expected to see an increase in exports compared to 2024-25.
The minister emphasized that the government is closely monitoring India’s textile and apparel exports. It is working continuously with exporters and industry stakeholders to mitigate challenges and enhance production and export competitiveness.
He also mentioned that the government is implementing various schemes and initiatives to promote the Indian textile and apparel industry and strengthen its global competitiveness, which is positively impacting export growth.
Key initiatives include the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission, Samarth (Capacity Building Scheme in the Textile Sector), Silk Samagra-2, National Handloom Development Program, National Handicraft Development Program, Comprehensive Handicraft Cluster Development Scheme, ROSCTL, RODTEP, Export Promotion Mission (EPM), and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE).
The minister noted that the government has adopted an export promotion and market diversification strategy, which includes 40 priority countries.
Currently, 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) are in effect, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The FTAs with the European Union (EU) and New Zealand will provide opportunities for the Indian textile and apparel industry to increase exports and expand into new markets.
Furthermore, to assist exporters affected by conflicts in West Asia/Middle East and maritime transport challenges in the Gulf region, the government launched a relief initiative under the Export Promotion Mission on March 19, 2026.
To enhance the domestic availability of raw materials for textile and apparel production, the government has temporarily waived customs duties on cotton imports from June 1 to October 31, 2026.
The minister also announced the approval of the Mission for Cotton Productivity for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, aimed at addressing major obstacles in the cotton sector, increasing productivity, and resolving quality-related issues.
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