Indian textiles abroad: How India’s fabric industry is winning global markets

Indian textiles abroad, the global trade of fabrics, garments, and home textiles made in India. Also known as textile exports from India, it’s not just about cotton and silk—it’s about skilled labor, government support, and a supply chain that outmaneuvers big competitors on cost and quality. Every year, over $40 billion worth of Indian textiles leave the country, landing in stores from New York to Berlin. And it’s not just big factories doing this. Small units in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal are shipping handwoven saris, embroidered linens, and organic cotton shirts to customers who care about authenticity, not just price.

Textile export India, the process of selling fabrics and clothing made in India to international buyers has changed dramatically since 2021. The PM MITRA, India’s new seven-textile-park scheme designed to boost manufacturing and exports is giving small players access to modern looms, design labs, and export training. Meanwhile, the garment export to USA, the shipment of Indian-made clothing to American retailers and brands is booming—not because it’s cheap, but because it’s reliable. Brands like Target, Walmart, and even niche eco-labels are shifting orders from Bangladesh and Vietnam to Indian suppliers who can deliver consistent quality, faster turnaround, and ethical labor practices.

What makes Indian textiles stand out? It’s the mix. You’ve got machine-made denim that meets EU safety standards, hand-block printed fabrics that take weeks to complete, and organic dyes that don’t pollute rivers. These aren’t just products—they’re stories. A kurta stitched in Jaipur might use cotton grown in Maharashtra, dyed with indigo from Rajasthan, and sewn by a woman in a co-op near Chennai. That kind of traceability matters now. Buyers don’t just want fabric—they want proof of origin, fair wages, and low environmental impact.

And it’s working. The Indian textiles abroad market isn’t just growing—it’s diversifying. Beyond the usual US and EU buyers, exports to Australia, Canada, and even the Middle East are rising fast. The government’s push for $100 billion in textile exports by 2030 isn’t a dream—it’s a roadmap built on real factories, real workers, and real demand. You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how to ship garments to the USA, what HS codes to use, how to qualify for export subsidies, and which Indian mills are quietly becoming the go-to suppliers for global brands.

Textile Manufacturing

Which Country Has the Highest Demand for Indian Clothes?

The United States has the highest demand for Indian clothes, importing over $3.2 billion in 2024. Driven by cultural appreciation, sustainability, and fashion trends, Indian textiles are now part of everyday American style.