India’s home textile exports showed a modest recovery in 2025, with shipments rising marginally in the first nine months of the year but remaining significantly below the peaks seen during the COVID-19 period.
According to data compiled for January–September 2025, home textile exports reached around $6.09 billion, marking a slight year-on-year increase but still trailing levels recorded during the COVID boom. The United States continued to be the dominant market, accounting for more than half of total shipments, highlighting ongoing concentration risks for exporters.
Industry insiders note that higher freight costs, more cautious consumer spending in key Western markets, and intense competition from other Asian suppliers have tempered growth. Key destinations beyond the US included the UK, Germany, Australia and the UAE, according to trade data sources.
Floor coverings, such as rugs and carpets, remained the largest export segment, supported by steady renovation and housing-related demand abroad.
Despite the headwinds, India’s overall textile and apparel export sector has shown resilience. Broader data indicates a 9.4% rise in total textile and apparel shipments in November 2025, driven by strong performances in garments, man-made fibres and handicrafts—underscoring diversified export strength beyond home textiles.
However, officials and industry analysts caution that challenges persist, including tariff barriers in major markets and the need for expanded market access and diversification to reduce reliance on mature destinations.