When you think of Indian textiles, you picture handwoven silks, block-printed cottons, and bustling looms that fed the world for centuries. But today, Indian textile decline, the slow erosion of India’s historic dominance in fabric production. Also known as textile manufacturing India, it’s not a collapse—it’s a quiet restructuring. While India still produces more cotton than any country, its share of global exports has dropped as cheaper, faster, and more automated hubs in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China pulled ahead. The truth? It wasn’t one big mistake. It was a mix of outdated machinery, slow adoption of tech, and a reliance on small-scale workshops that couldn’t scale fast enough.
Meanwhile, Surat textiles, the synthetic fabric powerhouse that now churns out 70% of India’s synthetic fibers. Also known as fabric capital of India, it’s the one bright spot holding the industry together. Surat’s factories run 24/7, using cheap labor and imported raw materials to make polyester and nylon at prices no one else can match. But even Surat can’t fix the bigger problem: the loss of traditional craftsmanship. Places like Banaras and Bhavani, once known for intricate handlooms, now struggle to compete with machine-made imports. garment exporter India, companies like Arvind Limited that ship over $1.8 billion in apparel yearly. Also known as biggest garment exporter India, still exists—but they’re mostly sewing together fabric made elsewhere, not weaving it themselves. And while big players adapt, thousands of small-scale manufacturers—once the backbone of the industry—are shutting down. These are the same kinds of businesses that make handmade soap, custom pet tags, or local furniture: small, skilled, and personal. But without investment, training, or access to modern tools, they’re being squeezed out.
What’s left isn’t just factories—it’s a story of transition. India still has the raw materials, the labor, and the heritage. But the system that once made it the world’s textile leader didn’t evolve fast enough. Now, the real opportunity lies not in trying to outdo China in volume, but in reclaiming value through quality, niche markets, and smart small-scale production. The posts below show you exactly where the gaps are, who’s winning now, and how local makers are finding new ways to survive—and even thrive—in a changed world.
Jun
A surprising look at why India's textile sector—the backbone of its economy—is shrinking. Explore key reasons, current stats, and what the future might hold.
Jul 3 2025
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