India’s T&A Exports Plunge 12.9% In October 2025
India’s textile and apparel (T&A) exports recorded a sharp decline of 12.91 percent in October 2025, falling from US$ 3061.54 million in the same month last year to US$ 2666.41 million, according to data from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). This marks the steepest drop since the United States imposed tariffs of over 60% on Indian apparel, a development that continues to weigh heavily on export performance.
Textile exports slipped 12.92% to US$ 1596.99 million, while apparel exports were down 12.88% at US$ 1069.42 million. The decline was evident across major product segments. Carpet exports, which rely heavily on the US market, contracted 15.80% to US$ 123.59 million. Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups fell 11.75% to US$ 386.53 million, while cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products dropped 13.31% to US$ 906.48 million.
Cumulatively, textile and apparel exports from April to October 2025 registered a de-growth of 1.57% compared to the corresponding period last year, reflecting sustained pressure on the sector. India’s overall merchandise exports also declined sharply by 11.82% in October 2025, slipping to US$ 34375.16 million. In contrast, imports of cotton raw and waste rose significantly by 83.26%, increasing from US$ 127.70 million to US$ 234.02 million, suggesting growing dependence on imported fibre.
Amid the downturn, CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran urged swift policy intervention, stating that the industry is looking forward to an early India-US trade deal, rapid implementation of the export package approved by the Union Cabinet on November 12 and the inclusion of the entire textile and apparel value chain under the Reserve Bank of India’s trade relief measures.
