Strategic diversification needed for 40 identified markets
India’s textile sector—valued at US$179 billion with exports of US$37.75 billion—remains one of the proudest symbols of India’s economic strength and cultural heritage, Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh said on 9 Sept at a consultation meetigh with MSME textile exporters.
Contributing nearly 2% to GDP, the sector sustains India’s position as the 6th largest exporter globally with a 4.1% share in world trade. With exports to over 220 countries and more than 520 districts actively engaged, Indian textiles embody the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the timeless spirit of Swadeshi.
Resilient Performance Amid Global Challenges
Despite global volatility and steep tariffs imposed by certain partners, India’s textiles have displayed resilience:
July 2025 exports grew 5.37% to US$3.10 billion.
April–July 2025 exports reached US$12.18 billion, reflecting 3.87% year-on-year growth.
Segment-wise growth: readymade garments (+7.87%), carpets (+3.57%), jute products (+15.78%), with handicrafts and MMF textiles maintaining steady performance.
The Minister drew attention to the strong first-quarter export growth in key partner countries, notably Japan (+17.9%), United Kingdom (+7.39%), UAE (+9.62%), and Australia (+1.74%).
He underlined that these positive trends in major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries reaffirm India’s ability to capture a greater share of the US$590 billion global textile market.
He stressed the urgent need for strategic diversification into 40 identified global markets, while simultaneously deepening domestic demand, in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for “Vocal for Local.”
Government–Industry Partnership
MSME Textile exporters welcomed the reforms and emphasised the need for continued fiscal support, simplified compliance, and stronger global branding of handlooms, handicrafts, and GI-tagged Swadeshi products.
The Minister further encouraged the creation of warehouses in key global markets such as the EU, US, and other strategic destinations, particularly to promote handicrafts, handlooms, and lifestyle products through e-commerce channels.
This, he underlined, would enable Indian producers to directly reach international consumers, reduce delivery timelines, and enhance India’s competitiveness in premium markets.
The Government has already rolled out targeted measures to strengthen competitiveness:
Import duty exemption on cotton till 31st December 2025.
Extension of export obligation under Advance Authorisation from 6 to 18 months in QCO related cases.
PLI scheme application window extended to facilitate fresh investments.
Four industry-led committees constituted on diversification, fiscal support, structural reforms, and innovation.
Vision 2030 – India’s Global Leadership
Concluding the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Vision 2030, which aims for US$100 billion textile exports and US$250 billion domestic market.
He emphasised that these goals will be realised through market diversification, deeper domestic consumption, structural reforms, innovation, and a reinvigorated Swadeshi movement showcasing the strength of artisans, weavers, MSMEs, and women entrepreneurs.
He concluded with conviction that India’s textile industry stands at the threshold of a glorious future with MSMEs at the heart of policy priorities.
“India’s heritage seamlessly aligned with modern competitiveness, the sector is poised to emerge as a global leader across the textile value chain—from farm to fibre, factory to fashion, and fashion to foreign,” he said. fiinews.com
