Recent monthly export data by Textilebeacon suggests, the share of fabric exports in total exports of basic textiles increased to 39 per cent in 2019-20 from 31 per cent in 2017-18. The country’s exports of basic textile products, including all types of fabrics, dropped by 39 per cent in March 2020 ending the year 2019-20 with total exports of Rs 74,400 crore.

Among fabrics, the major material to be shipped was plain cloth, while denim, shirting, suiting and saree followed at a distant. Women suits and furnishing fabrics were also among the top ten types of fabrics exported in 2019-20.

Bangladesh has been the major market for Indian fabrics over the years. In 2019-20, India exported $720 million worth of fabrics to Bangladesh. Nearly 760 million sq m of fabric was exported during the year. Its absorption of such a large volume along with those also coming from China and other suppliers explains its robust manufacturing activity which is largely driven by garment making and export. Bangladesh is also a major market for Indian spun yarns. The other major markets for Indian fabrics are the US, Sri Lanka and UAE, with fifth position held either by Senegal or Afghanistan.