Textile Export Business: How India Leads Global Textile Trade

When it comes to the textile export business, the global trade of woven, knitted, or otherwise processed fabrics and garments. Also known as apparel exports, it’s one of India’s oldest and most reliable economic engines, employing over 45 million people and contributing nearly $40 billion to annual exports. This isn’t just about cotton shirts or silk saris—it’s about precision, scale, and centuries of craft meeting modern demand.

At the heart of this trade is Surat, the textile city of India and the world’s largest hub for synthetic fabric production. Also known as India’s fabric capital, Surat churns out over 80% of India’s polyester yarn and handles nearly half of the country’s textile exports. Nearby, cities like Tiruppur and Ludhiana specialize in knitwear and hosiery, turning raw fibers into global fashion staples. Meanwhile, handloom textiles, traditionally woven fabrics made on manual looms, often by rural artisans. Also known as handwoven fabrics, they’ve seen a revival thanks to sustainability trends and government support—thanks in part to pioneers like Kasturi Bai, who trained hundreds of thousands of women to keep the craft alive during British rule. These aren’t relics; they’re premium products now sold in Europe, the U.S., and Japan at premium prices.

What’s driving this growth? India’s new textile policy 2025, a government initiative offering cash incentives, infrastructure support, and tax breaks to boost manufacturing and exports. Also known as PLI scheme for textiles, it’s pushing factories to upgrade, reduce waste, and compete with China on quality—not just cost. The result? More Indian brands are skipping middlemen and selling directly to global retailers. And with rising demand for eco-friendly fabrics, Indian manufacturers are now exporting organic cotton, recycled polyester, and low-water dyes—products that used to be niche but are now mainstream. You’ll find posts here that break down who’s winning in this space, which fabrics are in highest demand abroad, and how small factories are scaling without big loans. Whether you’re a trader, a maker, or just curious how your shirt got made, this collection gives you the real story behind India’s textile empire—no fluff, no hype, just facts from the factory floor.