India’s textile industry continued its strong export performance in August 2026, with total textile exports registering a year-on-year growth of 16.1%. Exports during the month stood at ₹29,776 crore, compared with ₹25,656 crore recorded in August 2025, reflecting sustained demand for Indian textile and related products in international markets.
The sector’s performance has also remained positive during the first five months of the current financial year. Between April and August 2026, India’s cumulative textile exports reached ₹1.43 lakh crore, representing a growth of 10.3% over the corresponding period of the previous year. The figures indicate continued momentum across a wide range of textile categories.
Several major segments contributed to the overall expansion in August. Exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products increased by 24.1% compared with the same month last year. Cotton-based products remain an important component of India’s textile export portfolio, with their performance reflecting the continued demand for value-added cotton products.
Man-made textiles also recorded notable growth during the month. Exports of man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups rose by 19.9%, highlighting the expanding role of synthetic and blended textile products in India’s export basket. The segment has gained importance as global markets increasingly seek diverse materials and applications across apparel, home textiles and industrial uses.
Carpet exports registered a 15% increase in August 2026, further strengthening the performance of India’s traditional textile products in overseas markets. The handicrafts segment, excluding handmade carpets, witnessed particularly strong growth of 41.4%. The sharp rise points to the continued international demand for India’s diverse handicraft products, which combine traditional skills with product and design variety.
Ready-made garments made from all types of textiles also maintained positive growth during the month. Exports in this category increased by 6.1% year-on-year. Apparel continues to be a key component of India’s textile industry, linking the country’s manufacturing capabilities with international clothing markets.
The cumulative export performance between April and August 2026 presents a similarly broad-based picture. Cotton textiles recorded growth of 18% during the period, while exports of man-made textiles increased by 13.6%. Carpet exports rose 11.9%, and handicrafts, excluding handmade carpets, posted a substantial 44% increase.
The growth across these categories reflects the increasing diversification of India’s textile export basket. While traditional strengths such as cotton textiles, carpets and handicrafts continue to contribute significantly, growth in man-made textiles and value-added products is also expanding the sector’s presence across international markets.
The export performance comes amid continued efforts to strengthen India’s position in global textile trade through improved market access, policy support, value addition and diversification of export destinations. Greater emphasis on higher-value products can help Indian manufacturers and exporters respond to changing international demand while strengthening their integration into global supply chains.
The textile industry remains a major contributor to India’s manufacturing ecosystem and provides employment across a broad network of spinning, weaving, processing, garment manufacturing, handicrafts and allied activities. Continued export growth therefore has significance not only for foreign trade but also for industrial activity and employment generation.
With cumulative exports already reaching ₹1.43 lakh crore during April–August 2026, the latest figures underline the resilience of India’s textile sector. Strong growth across cotton, man-made textiles, carpets, handicrafts and apparel provides a broad base for the industry to build on its international presence and further expand its contribution to India’s overall export performance.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
