Indian textile exports see positive growth for second consecutive month: Official data

Despite a subdued global trade environment, India's textile and apparel exports recorded positive growth for the second consecutive month, with exports rising to $3.27 billion in December 2025 following a strong performance in November, according to official data released today (16 January).

The Ministry of Textiles attributed the growth to the sector's adaptability, diversified market presence and strength in value-added and labour-intensive segments.

In December 2025, export growth was broad-based across key segments, led by handicrafts (7.2%), ready-made garments (2.89%) and man-made fibre, yarn, fabrics and made-ups (3.99%), the ministry said.

The trends underline India's competitive advantage in value-added manufacturing, traditional crafts and employment-intensive production, even amid volatile global demand conditions, it added.

On a calendar-year basis (January–December 2025), textile and apparel exports remained stable at $37.54 billion, with notable cumulative growth in handicrafts (17.5%), ready-made garments (3.5%) and jute products (3.5%).

According to the ministry's assessment, stability at this level, despite geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures in key markets, reflects the sector's structural strength and diversified export basket.

A key highlight of 2025 was significant market diversification. During January–November 2025, India's textile sector recorded export growth across 118 countries and destinations compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Strong expansion was observed in both emerging and traditional markets, including the United Arab Emirates (9.5%), Egypt (29.1%), Poland (19.3%), Sudan (182.9%), Japan (14.6%), Nigeria (20.5%), Argentina (77.8%), Cameroon (152.9%) and Uganda (75.7%), alongside steady growth in major European markets such as Spain (7.9%), France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, the data showed.