India’s textile and apparel exports fell in January compared to the same month last year, primarily due to the high U.S. tariffs that remained in place until February 7.
The tariffs affected the competitiveness of Indian exports, resulting in reduced shipments for the month. Data from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) shows that textile exports in January 2026 dropped by 3.68%, while apparel exports fell by 3.84% compared to January 2025.
Combined textile and apparel exports totaled $3,275.44 million in January 2026, down from $3,403.19 million a year earlier, marking a 3.75% decline. The drop was most evident across major textile categories, with exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products slipping 4.15% to $995.58 million from $1,038.69 million in January 2025.
Carpet exports recorded a sharp decline of 12.05%, falling to $118.99 million, while shipments of jute-manufactured goods, including floor coverings, dropped 18.92% over the same period.
Handicraft exports, excluding handmade carpets, also decreased by 2.70%.
In contrast, exports of man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups demonstrated modest resilience, rising 1.01% to $430.29 million in January 2026, up from $425.97 million in January 2025.
Between April 2025 and January 2026, textile exports fell 2.35%, while apparel exports rose 1.59% compared with the same period of the previous financial year. Despite the growth in apparel, overall textile and apparel exports during this period registered a marginal decline of 0.65% compared with April 2024 to January 2025.
The share of textiles and apparel in India’s overall exports also declined. In January 2026, the sector accounted for 8.96% of total exports, down from 9.37% in January 2025. For the April 2025–January 2026 period, the share stood at 8.13%, lower than the 8.36% recorded during the same period a year earlier.
On the import front, purchases of raw cotton and cotton waste rose notably, increasing by 12.33% in January 2026 and surging 72.36% during the April 2025 to January 2026 period. The rise indicates stronger domestic demand for raw materials or supply adjustments within the textile sector.
The outlook is expected to improve after the United States reduced tariffs on February 7. The move is likely to enhance India’s export competitiveness and aid a recovery in textile and apparel shipments in the months ahead.
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