India’s textile exports had a strong August. Total exports reached Rs 29,776 crore in August 2026, up 16.1% from Rs 25,656 crore in August 2025, according to official trade figures reported by Capital Market and carried by JM Financial.
The first five months of the financial year look healthy too. Between April and August 2026, textile exports added up to Rs 1.43 lakh crore, about 10.3% more than the same period last year.
Which Segments Grew in August
The growth was spread across most categories rather than coming from one product line.
| Segment | August 2026 growth | April–August 2026 growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom | 24.1% | 18.0% |
| Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups | 19.9% | 13.6% |
| Carpets | 15.0% | 11.9% |
| Handicrafts (excluding handmade carpets) | 41.4% | 44.0% |
| Ready-made garments (all textiles) | 6.1% | Not reported |
Handicrafts stand out, growing more than 40% both for the month and for the year so far. Cotton and man-made fabrics, which include much of what Surat produces, also posted solid double-digit growth.
Why This Matters
Ready-made garments grew more slowly than fabrics. Earlier in the year, apparel exports had been falling (see our report on India’s apparel export slowdown), so a positive August figure for garments is a welcome change, even if it is modest.
Strong growth in man-made fabrics is good news for synthetic textile hubs like Surat, which specialise in georgette, crepe, chiffon and polyester blends used in sarees, suits and dress materials.
What It Means for Retailers and Importers
- Overseas buyers are ordering more from India. If you sell Indian ethnic wear abroad, demand for Indian fabrics and handmade products is clearly rising, not falling.
- Book festive and wedding orders early. When exports are strong, popular fabrics and catalogs can sell out faster at the manufacturer level, especially in the run-up to Diwali and wedding season.
- Handcrafted styles are in demand. The sharp rise in handicrafts suggests international interest in handmade and traditional work. Block prints, Ajrakh, Bandhani and handloom sarees fit this trend.
If you import Indian clothing, our guide on how to import Indian ethnic wear covers shipping, customs and payment. For festive stock, see the Diwali 2026 wholesale guide.
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Sources: Export figures as reported by Capital Market via JM Financial (17 September 2026) and Corpseed. This article is our own summary and analysis of their reporting.
Image: Victor Volkov on Unsplash
