Textile and apparel exports grew 7.45 % in April 2025 compared with the same period last year, with textile shipments increasing 2.61 % and apparel exports moving up 14.4 %.
Despite challenges such as tariff hike policies by the U.S. and domestic unrest in Bangladesh, the Indian knitwear export sector has managed to stay strong. Thanks to the commendable performance of knitwear exporters, the sector continues to progress steadily on its growth trajectory into the new financial year, said A. Sathivel, Vice Chairman of the AEPC.
The ready-made garment (RMG) export sector has started the new financial year (2025–2026) on a positive note, registering a growth of approximately 15% in April 2025. The RMG exports reached $ 1.37 billion in April 2025, compared with $ 1.20 billion in April 2024. On the same lines, knitwear exports witnessed healthy growth last month. Exports reached approximately ₹3,500 crore, which is an encouraging sign for the sector, he said.
Import of cotton yarn continued to be high, with 129 % jump in April 2025 compared with April 2024.
Garment exports maintain short term growing trend and cotton imports increasing as international cotton cheaper than Indian cotton (ICE is 1500 basis points lower than MCX), said Sanjay Jain, chairman of the National Expert Committee on Textiles of the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
According to Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, apparel exports have demonstrated robust growth of 14.43% in dollar terms in April 2025. The apparel export sector continues to display strong resilience, registering steady growth despite ongoing global economic challenges, currency fluctuations, and the uncertainty surrounding the US reciprocal tariff policy. Recent data highlights a positive uptick, underscoring the industry’s adaptability and strong manufacturing capabilities.
