Textile exports rise 2.1% to Rs 3.16 lakh crore in FY26; Ready-Made Garments leads

India’s textile sector sustained its growth momentum in global markets in the Financial Year 2025–26, with total exports, including handicrafts, rising 2.1% year-on-year to Rs 3,16,334.9 crore from Rs 3,09,859.3 crore in the previous fiscal, reflecting steady global demand and competitiveness across segments.

As per the sectoral information shared by the Ministry of Textiles, Ready-Made Garments (RMG) of all textiles remained the largest contributor to textile exports, rising from Rs 1,35,427.6 crore to Rs 1,39,349.6 crore, an increase of 2.9%.

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Cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products recorded exports of Rs 1,02,399.7 crore in FY 2025–26 as against Rs 1,02,002.8 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting stable growth of 0.4%.

Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups posted a stronger growth of 3.6%, with exports increasing from Rs 41,196.0 crore to Rs 42,687.8 crore.

Handicrafts, excluding handmade carpets, recorded the highest growth among major categories, rising by 6.1% from Rs 14,945.5 crore to Rs 15,855.1 crore.

The export expansion was geographically broad-based, with growth reported in more than 120 destinations during April 2025 to February 2026. A notable growth has been observed in key markets such as UAE (22.3%), UK (7.8%), Germany (9.9%), Spain (15.5%), Japan (20.6%), Egypt (38.3%), Nigeria (21.4%), Senegal (54.4%), and Sudan (205.6%).

The government extended export promotion measures such as the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, providing continued cost competitiveness to exporters.

India’s FTA agenda also saw major progress during 2025–26, with important implications for the textile and apparel sector. The India–EFTA TEPA entered into force on 1 October 2025; the India–UK CETA was signed in July 2025; the India–Oman CEPA in December 2025; the India–New Zealand FTA was announced on 22 December 2025; and the India–EU FTA was concluded on 27 January 2026.