India’s textile and clothing (T&C) goods grew 39.6 per cent to $41,469.20 million in 2021 over previous year. Compared to 2019, India’s T&C exports grew 16.9 per cent, says a Textile Excellence report. Cotton was the most exported commodity during the year with exports growing 67.11 per cent to $10,026.99 million in 2021 compared to 2019. Most of India’s cotton exports were destined to the United States during the year.

US tops cotton textile exports

US emerged the top destination for India’s T&C exports. Most of India’s T&C exports to the US were dominated by cotton. India exported $3736.54 million worth of cotton textiles to the US during the year. The second largest export market for Indian cotton textiles was China, exports which grew 61.5 per cent to $1,686.83 million in 2021 over 2019 exports. Amongst other growing export destinations, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, Guatemala and Nigeria witnessed 147.7 per cent, 178 per cent, 136.1 per cent, 179.8 and 198 per cent growth in exports respectively.

Yarn exports rise

The most exported commodity in cotton was cotton yarn which grew 68.8 per cent to $ 4,919.76 million. Exports of raw cotton also increased 150 per cent to $2854.41 million during the year while exports of woven cotton fabric grew 15.7 per cent to $2,251.52 million.

Apparel exports decline

India’s apparel exports declined 6.4 per cent to $15,205.91 million in 2021 over 2019 exports. The dip was mostly in knitted apparels whose exports declined 0.16 per cent to $7,869.08 million. The US emerged top market for India’s knitted apparels with exports growing 22.4 per cent to $2,504.67 million. Exports to other markets UAE, UK, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and Spain dropped in 2021 compared to 2019 exports. Exports of knitted cotton T-shirts dropped 13.2 per cent to $1698.16 million in 2021. On the other hand, exports of cotton baby garments exports rose 11.5 per cent to $790.54 million. Exports of woven apparel dropped 12.33 per cent to $7,336.83 million during the year with the US emerging the largest destination. Woven apparel exports to the country dropped marginally by 0.9 per cent from 2019 to $2,277.02 million. On the other hand, exports UK, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arab, Japan and Italy registered a huge drop. In woven apparels category, exports of men’s and boy’s cotton shirts dropped 31.2 per cent to $570.78 million while exports of cotton dresses grew 8.26 per cent to $624.74 million.

Carpet exports grow

Indian’s carpet exports grew 32.09 per cent in 2021 to $2,263.99 million. Once again the US emerged as top destination with exports growing 33.34 per cent to $1, 287.11 million. India’s carpet exports to Germany, UK, Australia, Sweden and France are also growing at a steady rate.

Textile fabrics register maximum growth

Textile and knitted fabrics witnessed maximum growth of 172.4 per cent and 166.9 per cent respectively during the year. Export of made-ups textiles grew 39.7 per cent to $3,459.22 million while knitted apparels rose 22.41 per cent to $2,504.51 million. Woven apparel exports declined 0.9 per cent to $ 2,276.79 million while export of carpets increased to $1.286.98 million.

Bangladesh dominates T&C exports

Bangladesh remains the second largest export destination for India’s T&C goods. Exports to the country grew 107.2 per cent in 2021 to $4,259.53 million. Cotton exports to Bangladesh rose 141.7 per cent to $3,735.03 million in 2021 over the 2019 exports.

India’s T&C exports to China grew 46.5 per cent to $2055.03 million in 2021 over 2019. Cotton exports to China also rose 61.53 per cent to $1 686.83 million. On the other hand, exports to UK, Germany, France and Spain declined 19.1 per cent, 3.4 per cent, 2 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively.