In May 2026, textile and apparel exports dipped to $3.024 billion from $3.196 billion in the same month of the last year. According to an analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), apparel exports slipped to $1.297 billion in May, while textile shipment inched up to $1.726 billion year on year.
India’s textile and apparel exports fell 4.44 per cent year on year (YoY) to $5.91 billion in April-May FY27, dragged down by a 12.98 per cent decline in apparel shipments despite a 3.03 per cent rise in textile exports.
Weak Middle East demand and a high base impacted apparel export, while cotton imports surged and textile imports remained subdued.
Category-wise, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products increased 1.89 per cent to $984.93 million during May this year. Man-made fibre-based exports eased 1.69 per cent to $402.66 million. Carpet exports fell 1.40 per cent, while handicrafts excluding carpets rose 23.85 per cent, according to the latest trade data, released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
On a cumulative basis, India’s textile and apparel exports also fell during the April- May 2026 period. Textile and apparel exports eased 4.44 per cent YoY to $5.906 billion. Apparel exports dipped 12.98 per cent to $2.508 billion. Textile exports gained 3.03 per cent to $3.397 billion in the period. Under textiles, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products increased 1.23 per cent to $1,953.42 million during the first two months. Man-made fibre-based exports gained 0.26 per cent to $795.44 million. Carpet exports increased 3.82 per cent, while handicrafts excluding carpets rose 25.07 per cent. The sector’s share in India’s total merchandise exports slipped to 6.64 per cent, down from 8.07 per cent a year earlier.
On import side, raw cotton and cotton waste imports jumped 43.18 per cent in May 2026 to $146.47 million. Imports of textile yarn, fabric and made-ups eased 3.68 per cent to $212.51 million. During the first two months of current fiscal, raw cotton and cotton waste imports increased 20.55 per cent to $228.05 million. Imports of textile yarn, fabric and made-ups eased 5.31 per cent to $391.78 million.
During FY26, India’s textile and apparel exports declined 2.21 per cent year on year to $35.799 billion, reflecting pressure from weak global demand and geopolitical disruptions. Textile exports fell 2.86 per cent to $20.027 billion, while apparel exports eased 1.36 per cent to $15.772 billion. The sector’s share in India’s total merchandise exports slipped to 8.10 per cent from 8.36 per cent, a year earlier. On the import side, raw cotton and cotton waste imports surged 54.91 per cent to $1.889 billion, while imports of textile yarn, fabric and made-ups rose 5.12 per cent to $2.602 billion, during April 2025-March 2026.
R K Vij, National president of Textile Association India (TAI) commented on the exports, “Despite the challenging conditions during the recent period of conflict, India’s overall merchandise exports have remained resilient, registering a growth of around 16 per cent during April–May 2026 compared to the same period last year. However, apparel exports have declined by nearly 13 per cent, highlighting the need for focused efforts to improve the competitiveness of the sector.” On the positive side he added that imports of textiles, yarn, fabrics, and made-ups have fallen by about 5.3 per cent, indicating a moderation in import dependence. The industry must work together to strengthen apparel exports and capitalise on emerging global opportunities.”
“The decline in apparel exports during April–May 2026 can be attributed to a combination of factors. Demand from key Middle Eastern markets has moderated, impacting export orders. In addition, the sector is comparing against a high base from the corresponding period last year, when exports were accelerated to meet tariff-related deadlines. While the current figures reflect these temporary pressures, the long-term outlook for India’s apparel exports remains positive.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay K Jain, chairman of the ICC National Textile Committee told Fibre2Fashion, “The decline in apparel exports during April–May 2026 can be attributed to a combination of factors. Demand from key Middle Eastern markets has moderated, impacting export orders. In addition, the sector is comparing against a high base from the corresponding period last year, when exports were accelerated to meet tariff-related deadlines. While the current figures reflect these temporary pressures, the long-term outlook for India’s apparel exports remains positive.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
