In November 2023, India exported approximately 63 million sq m of cotton woven fabrics, marking a 4.3 per cent rise from the previous month. Despite this uptick, exports showed a mild overall decrease during the reviewed period. The most rapid growth occurred in December 2022, with a 12 per cent increase month-on-month. However, from February to November 2023, exports remained relatively stagnant, with a peak of 81 million sq m in January 2023.

In terms of value, cotton fabric exports from India sharply declined to $134 million in November 2023, according to IndexBox estimates. Despite fluctuations, exports maintained a relatively flat trend overall. The highest growth rate was recorded in August 2023, with a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous month. However, from April to November 2023, exports failed to regain momentum after reaching a record high of 180 million sq m in March 2023.

Bangladesh emerged as the primary destination for Indian cotton fabric exports, accounting for 28 per cent of total exports, followed by Sri Lanka and South Korea. The average monthly growth rate in volume to Bangladesh was 1.0 per cent, while Sri Lanka experienced a slight decline of 0.8 per cent per month, and South Korea saw an increase of 2.0 per cent per month.

In terms of value, Bangladesh remained the key market, comprising 27 per cent of total exports, followed by Sri Lanka and Nigeria. While exports to Bangladesh saw modest growth, Sri Lanka experienced a slight decline, and Nigeria showed significant monthly growth of 7.0 per cent.

The majority of exports consisted of woven fabrics of cotton containing 85 per cent or more by weight, weighing not more than 200 g/sq m, which constituted 68 per cent of total exports. This type of fabric also dominated in terms of value, comprising 63 per cent of total exports. Woven fabrics of cotton weighing more than 200 g/sq m and mixed fabrics with man-made fibers held smaller shares.