Apparel exports surge 20% in October on currency depreciation, but volume growth remains subdued

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Updated - November 14, 2026 10:06 pm IST - COIMBATORE

India’s apparel exports registered a 20.33% year-on-year growth (YoY) in dollar terms in October 2026, largely aided by the depreciation of the rupee, even as growth in the volume of garments shipped remained subdued.

Exporters said orders were strong across geographies, with demand providing an encouraging outlook for the sector.

“If companies had not invested in expansion projects in the last one year, they would be running at full capacity now,” said a leading Coimbatore-based garment exporter.

However, he cautioned that the increase in export value was unlikely to have been matched by a significant rise in shipment volumes.

A.

Sakthivel, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said ready-made garment (RMG) exports recorded an encouraging growth of 20% in October compared with the corresponding month last year.

In rupee terms, the growth was 30%.

“This positive performance signals a gradual recovery in the apparel export sector and reflects the improving demand for Indian garments in international markets,” he said.

AEPC data show that garment exports stood at $1.2 billion in October and $8.5 billion during April-October.

YoY growth in September was 13.7%.

The U.S., the UK and the UAE remained the major export destinations.

However, shipments to India’s free trade agreement partner countries declined between April and August, except for Oman.

business (general) / textile and clothing / fashion / exports / foreign exchange market / international (foreign) trade

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