India’s textile and apparel exports recorded a strong year-on-year increase in September 2026, offering a positive signal for an industry navigating volatile global demand, cost pressures and changing sourcing patterns. However, beneath the encouraging monthly numbers lies a more complex picture: textiles continued to deliver cumulative growth, while apparel exports remained under pressure in US dollar terms during the first half of the financial year.
According to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), India’s combined textile and apparel exports reached **US$3.08 billion in September 2026**, registering growth of 17.51% over the same month last year.
For April–September 2026, cumulative exports stood at US$18.16 billion, up 2.38% year-on-year. The figures indicate improving monthly momentum, although the performance across individual segments remains uneven.
## September Delivers a Strong Monthly Performance
The September figures provide grounds for cautious optimism. Textile exports rose 19.87% year-on-year to US$1.95 billion, while apparel exports increased 13.68% to US$1.13 billion.
In rupee terms, the growth was even stronger, with textile exports rising 29.56% and apparel exports increasing 22.87% during the month. Combined textile and apparel exports reached ₹29,410.82 crore, representing growth of 27.02% over September 2025.
The monthly performance suggests that both segments experienced a meaningful improvement compared with the corresponding period last year. However, a single month’s growth does not necessarily indicate a sustained recovery, making the cumulative performance a more revealing measure of the industry’s position.
## The Cumulative Picture: Textiles Lead, Apparel Lags
The April–September data highlight the divergence between the two major segments.
Textile exports grew 9.05% in US dollar terms to US$10.87 billion, while apparel exports declined 6.19% to US$7.28 billion. As a result, the combined sector registered growth of only 2.38%, reaching US$18.16 billion.
In rupee terms, the picture was more positive. Textile exports increased 20.08%, apparel exports rose 3.43%, and combined textile and apparel exports grew 12.80% to ₹1,72,801.58 crore.
The difference between the dollar and rupee growth rates is important when interpreting the data. Both measures describe export performance, but they are not interchangeable. For an industry benchmarking itself against global competitors and international trade flows, dollar-denominated figures remain particularly relevant.
The cumulative numbers also suggest that the stronger performance of textiles has helped offset weakness in apparel. The challenge now is to translate monthly improvement into sustained growth across the entire value chain.
## Cotton and Man-Made Fibres Show Positive Momentum
Among the major textile categories, cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products recorded exports of US$1.12 billion in September, up 20.76% year-on-year. During April–September, exports from this category reached US$6.32 billion, representing growth of 8.98%.
Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups also recorded positive growth. Exports increased 11.23% in September to US$451.19 million, while cumulative exports grew 4.19% to US$2.50 billion.
Carpet exports rose 19.82% in September to US$132.76 million, with cumulative growth of 4.05%. Handicrafts excluding handmade carpets delivered one of the strongest performances, increasing 43.19% in September to US$211.40 million and registering cumulative growth of 32.54%.
Jute manufacturing, including floor coverings, remained a weaker segment. Exports declined 5.70% in September and 13.56% during April–September.
The category-level data demonstrate that India’s export performance is not moving uniformly. While several segments are recording healthy growth, others continue to face challenges, reinforcing the importance of product diversification and market-specific strategies.
## Rising Imports Add Another Dimension
The import figures offer an additional perspective on the industry’s evolving requirements.
Imports of raw cotton and cotton waste reached US$300.75 million in September 2026, an increase of 80.92% over the previous year. During April–September, imports rose 63.01% to US$1.10 billion.
Imports of textile yarn, fabrics and made-ups increased 6.45% in September to US$251.89 million. However, cumulative imports in this category declined marginally by 0.89% to US$1.31 billion.
The sharp increase in raw cotton and waste imports merits attention, although the data alone do not establish the reasons behind the rise. Factors such as domestic availability, quality requirements, pricing and sourcing decisions would need to be examined separately before drawing conclusions about its implications for the industry.
For manufacturers and exporters, understanding the relationship between input sourcing, production costs and export competitiveness remains essential.
## The Road Ahead: Turning Monthly Growth into Sustained Competitiveness
The September export figures provide an encouraging signal, but the April–September performance makes it clear that the recovery remains incomplete. Textile exports have maintained positive cumulative growth, while apparel exports continue to face pressure in US dollar terms.
For the apparel segment in particular, the priority is to convert short-term improvements into consistent export growth. This requires a sharper focus on product development, operational efficiency, delivery reliability and the ability to respond to changing buyer requirements. For the wider textile industry, sustaining growth across fibres, fabrics, made-ups and finished products will be important in strengthening India’s position in global sourcing.
Key Export Highlights — September 2026
• Total exports: Up 17.51% to US$3.08 billion.
• Textile exports: Grew 19.87% in September; 9.05% cumulatively.
• Apparel exports: Rose 13.68% in September but declined 6.19% during April–September.
• Handicrafts: Led growth with a 43.19% monthly increase.
• MMF exports: Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups grew 11.23% in September.
• Jute exports: Declined 13.56% cumulatively.
• Raw cotton imports: Surged 80.92% in September.
September exports grew 17.51% year-on-year, but cumulative textile and apparel exports rose only 2.38%, as apparel exports remained down 6.19% in US dollar terms.
Disclaimer
*Source: Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), Analysis of Exports and Imports of Textiles and Apparel for September 2026. Values are reported in US dollars and Indian rupees.*
