When we talk about garment exports, the sale of finished clothing and textiles from one country to another. Also known as apparel exports, it’s one of India’s most reliable sources of foreign income, supporting millions of jobs and powering factories from Surat to Tiruppur. India doesn’t just make clothes—it ships them. In 2023, the country exported over $40 billion worth of garments, making it the second-largest apparel supplier to the U.S. and a top choice for European brands looking for quality at competitive prices.
Behind those numbers are real players. Arvind Limited, India’s biggest garment exporter, shipping over $1.8 billion in apparel annually. They don’t just sew shirts—they manage entire supply chains, from cotton sourcing to dyeing, cutting, and shipping. But Arvind isn’t alone. Companies like Welspun, Raymond, and many smaller units in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are quietly filling global shelves with jeans, T-shirts, and home textiles. What makes India special isn’t just scale—it’s flexibility. While China focuses on massive volumes, Indian manufacturers thrive on small orders, quick turnarounds, and custom designs that big factories can’t match.
It’s not just about who makes the clothes—it’s about what’s driving demand. Global brands are shifting away from single-source production. They want suppliers who can adapt fast, meet ethical standards, and deliver without long delays. That’s where India wins. With government schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for textiles, factories are upgrading machinery, cutting waste, and training workers in modern techniques. Even small workshops are getting access to digital tools that help them quote prices, track orders, and export directly.
And it’s not just the U.S. or Europe buying. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are turning to Indian textiles because they’re affordable, durable, and culturally familiar. A simple cotton kurta made in Tiruppur might end up in a market stall in Lagos or a boutique in Dubai. The real story of garment exports isn’t in the headlines—it’s in the quiet efficiency of thousands of small factories doing the work big brands rely on.
What you’ll find below is a collection of real insights—from who leads the export game, to how small manufacturers compete, to why India’s textile sector keeps growing even when global markets shake. No fluff. Just facts, names, and numbers that matter if you’re in the business, thinking about entering it, or just curious how your T-shirt ended up halfway across the world.
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