CITI: T&A Exports Dip In August, Apr–Aug Trend Positive
India’s textile and apparel (T&A) exports slipped in August even as cumulative shipments for April–August 2025 stayed in positive territory, latest trade analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) shows.
Exports of textiles fell 2.79% year-on-year to US$ 1.70 billion in August, while apparel exports dropped 2.65% to US$ 1.23 billion. Overall T&A exports declined 2.73% to US$ 2.93 billion, compared to US$ 3.01 billion a year ago.
For the April–August period, however, apparel exports rose 5.78% to US$ 6.77 billion, while textiles remained almost flat at US$ 8.35 billion. Cumulative T&A exports reached US$ 15.11 billion, registering a modest 2.52% growth over the same period in 2024.
Within segments, jute products grew 9.65% in Apr–Aug, while carpets and handicrafts posted marginal gains. Cotton yarns and fabrics slipped slightly, and man-made fibres showed a negligible uptick.
On the import side, raw cotton and waste surged 48.75% to US$ 510 million in Apr–Aug, reflecting strong domestic demand. Imports of textile yarn, fabric, and made-ups also rose 8.67% to US$ 1.08 billion.
T&A exports accounted for 8.35% of total exports in August, down from 9.16% last year, highlighting the pressure from subdued global demand and tariff headwinds in key markets.
Industry executives say apparel demand is cushioning the sector, but sustaining growth will require policy push, competitive raw material access, and faster market diversification.
