India’s Textile Exports See Modest Growth, Cross Rs. 3.16 Lakh Crore in FY26

New Delhi — India’s textile sector maintained steady momentum in global markets, with total exports—including handicrafts—rising 2.1 per cent to ?3,16,334.9 crore in FY26, up from ?3,09,859.3 crore in the previous fiscal, according to an official statement.

Ready-made garments (RMG) continued to dominate the export basket, registering a 2.9 per cent increase to ?1,39,349.6 crore. Meanwhile, cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products remained largely stable at ?1,02,399.7 crore.

Man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups showed comparatively stronger performance, growing 3.6 per cent to ?42,687.8 crore from ?41,196.0 crore, as per the Ministry of Textiles.

Among value-added categories, handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets) emerged as the fastest-growing segment, recording a 6.1 per cent rise to ?15,855.1 crore.

India’s textile exports reached 120 destinations between April 2025 and February 2026, reflecting a broad-based expansion across global markets. Significant growth was recorded in key regions, including the UAE, UK, Germany, Spain, Japan, and several African nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.

The government has extended key export support measures like the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme and the RoDTEP Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, providing continued policy backing to the sector.

On the trade front, India made notable progress in its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agenda during FY26. Agreements such as the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, along with developments in the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, and India–EU Free Trade Agreement, are expected to boost the sector further.

These agreements aim to improve market access, reduce tariff barriers, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new opportunities across textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and technical textiles—supporting export growth and deeper integration into global value chains.

WIth inputs from IANS