India is among the global leaders in textile exports, with its fabrics and garments reaching markets across continents. The textile industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, accounting for 12% of global textile exports, with numbers growing each year. There is strong demand for Indian textiles in top markets such as the US, UK, Bangladesh, Germany, and UAE.
For sellers and manufacturers in smaller cities, this growth means local production can reach international buyers. By focusing on quality, certifications, and the right business strategy, even small-scale exporters can access these global opportunities.
With rapid modernisation, government support, and a focus on sustainability, the Indian textile export industry is entering an exciting phase of expansion. This article will guide you through practical steps, certifications, incentives, and logistics solutions to help your textile business grow globally in 2025.
India stands at the fourth position among textile exporters worldwide. In the year 2023-24, India exported textiles worth USD 36.7 billion.
Indian textile exporters ship various types and ready-made garments across the globe. Raymond Limited, Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing, Sutlej Textiles, Page Industries, KPR Mills and Arvind Limited are among the renowned Indian textile exporters. Top export products include cotton, woven cotton, home textile, apparel fabrics, textile accessories, polyester staple, blended yarn, and cotton-processed yarn among others.Research reveals that the total textile export value is likely to go beyond USD 65 billion by 2026. Thus, the scope of textile export from India is immense.
Top destinations where Indian exporters shipped their textiles in 2023-24 include:
The most exported products from India’s textile sector are readymade cotton clothing, followed by jute and silk products.
Here is the step-by-step procedure to start textile export from India:
The textile industry includes a wide range of product categories, such as ready-made, hand-woven, and knitted clothes. There are separate categories for men, women, kids, and pets. Clothes are also categorised based on the type of textile used, such as silk, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, and jute, among others.
To establish a significant presence in global markets, exporters should concentrate on a single specialisation and gain competence in that field. Selecting the right product category is an important step for a successful export business.
Once a niche is selected, the next step is to choose a suitable business model. You can choose either to set up your own manufacturing unit or collaborate with existing textile producers to export their products. This choice is based on long-term objectives, manufacturing capability, and available capital. Having a clear model can help you streamline processes and ensure smooth operations from production to delivery.
Register your company with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Obtain your CIN, MSME certification and GST registration. GST is mandatory for charging and submitting tax on textile sales.
IEC, or Import Export Code, is a mandatory requirement for getting into exports. It serves as the primary identification number for international trade. Exporters can easily obtain the IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through a quick online process.
Get a Registration cum Membership Certification (RCMC) from the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). It ensures adherence to the export standards and helps gain buyer trust.
The next step is to identify your potential buyers and consumer base through trade fairs, B2B platforms, and online networks. Building professional contacts is key to securing orders. Incorporate social media and marketing platforms to attract buyers.
Ensure consistent quality of your export by:
8. Partner With A Reliable Logistics Solution
A reliable shipping partner is a prime necessity for brands to both effectively and efficiently grow their business into new markets across the world. They can help you handle packaging, loading, customs clearance, and help your shipments reach their destinations safely and on time.
Choose a partner that also provides other features like insurance and live tracking, giving you and your customers peace of mind and reducing the risk of loss and damage.
Prepare essential documents like:
10. Financial Planning and Export Incentives
Track costs like raw material, logistics, and compliance to maintain profit margins. Use export finance options such as pre-/post-shipment credit, EPC (Exports Packaging Credit), or invoice factoring to manage cash flow.
You should also track government incentives like:
India stands a the world’s 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel, accounting for 4.1% share of global trade in this sector. The country has around 3400 textile mills, with a larger raw material base and manufacturing strength than any other nation in the world.
The textile and apparel industry, including handicrafts, contributes 8.63% to India’s total merchandise exports in 2024-25, valued at USD 37.7 billion. The United States remains the largest market for indian textiles, importing goods worth USD 9.71 billion in 2023.
Recent initiatives by governments, such as the revised Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme, aim to further boost growth by easing investment criteria. The government also plans to constitute sub-committees to help India achieve the target of USD 100 billion by 2030. They plan to suggest structural reform, identify the strategies for the new market and focus on product competitiveness in this sector.
With the numbers in exports making a mark in the global trade sector, this would perhaps be the best time to start taking up the international apparel orders.
Trusted international logistics companies such as ShiprocketX are helping Indian textile exporters establish a foothold in the global market. They have a team of experts who are well-versed in packaging, loading, stacking, and other essentials that keep the goods safe during transit.
The platform also offers security cover to ensure exporters do not incur loss in case the shipment gets misplaced or damaged on the move.
ShiprocketX simplifies customs clearance by guiding exporters through the necessary documentation and processes. With the use of advanced technology, renowned shipping carriers keep track of their shipments and provide real-time information about their location.
With its many shipping options, branded tracking pages, streamlined administration, and dedicated account managers for seamless global operations, the platform facilitates shipment to more than 220 countries. ShiprocketX’s end-to-end cross-border solutions can assist you in growing your business globally and make international shipping easy.
If you are looking to take your textile business global, now is the perfect time. With the world demanding quality and unique products, planning carefully and staying organised can make all the difference.
Focus on building trust with buyers, keeping operations smooth, and adapting to new market trends. There is a lot of possibility in this industry, and with the correct strategy, your company may expand gradually and leave its stamp on international trade.
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