Indian Apparel Exports Grow 20 Percent in October on Rupee Decline

Indian apparel exports rose by 20.33 percent in dollar terms during October 2026 compared to the same month last year. Exporters noted that this growth was largely driven by the depreciation of the rupee.

Export Performance

Garment shipments reached $1.2 billion in October, and total exports touched $8.5 billion for the period from April to October. In rupee terms, the October growth rate was 30 percent. This followed a 13.7 percent year-on-year growth recorded in September.

Market Demand

A. Sakthivel, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, stated that ready-made garment exports showed an encouraging trend. He added that this performance points to a gradual recovery in the sector and higher demand for Indian garments globally. Major export destinations remained the U.S., the UK, and the UAE. Meanwhile, shipments to countries with free trade agreements declined between April and August, with Oman being the only exception.

Industry Concerns

Despite the jump in export value, growth in the actual volume of shipped garments remained subdued. A leading Coimbatore-based garment exporter mentioned that strong orders provided a good outlook, but noted that the rise in export value likely did not match the increase in physical shipment volumes.

Context

Currency depreciation makes a country's products cheaper for overseas buyers, which can boost export earnings even when physical sales volumes do not grow at the same pace. The Apparel Export Promotion Council operates to support and promote the export of ready-made garments from India to international markets.