India’s technical textile exports recorded a modest contraction during the first seven months of FY26, reflecting mounting pressure from higher tariffs in the United States and uneven demand across key overseas markets.
According to data released by the Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council, exports of technical textile products declined by 1.2 per cent year-on-year to USD 1.95 billion during April–October 2025, compared with USD 1.97 billion in the same period of the previous financial year. Despite the marginal dip in dollar terms, exports showed 2.3 per cent growth in rupee value, supported by currency movements.
Shipments demonstrated steady month-on-month improvement between April and September, before witnessing a sharp reversal in October 2025. Exports during the month dropped to USD 249.7 million, down from USD 305.5 million in October 2024, as reported by The Hindu.
Product Mix and Market Dynamics
Geo-textiles, medical textiles, and packaging materials continued to anchor India’s export basket. Products such as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) bags, slings, ropes, gauze and wipes together accounted for nearly 60 per cent of total technical textile exports during the seven-month period. Technical fabrics contributed an additional 27.7 per cent, highlighting the sector’s reliance on application-driven textile segments.
The United States remained India’s largest export destination, accounting for 25.9 per cent of total technical textile shipments, followed by Germany (6 per cent) and the United Kingdom (5 per cent). However, exports to the US declined by 15 per cent during April–October 2025, reflecting the adverse impact of higher import tariffs.
Industry sources noted that subdued demand in traditional sourcing hubs such as Vietnam and Bangladesh further constrained the ability of exporters to redirect shipments to alternative markets.
Challenges in Market Diversification
“Goods produced for customers in one country cannot be easily diverted to another market,” an official from the Council said, adding that unresolved tariff-related issues could further weigh on export performance.
While exports to Canada, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Oman, Japan and Russia are registering incremental growth, industry officials cautioned that establishing scale and long-term market presence in these regions will require sustained engagement and time.