With the easing of trade tensions between the US and China, textile-related exports are likely to register a positive growth by the end of this fiscal. Besides handicraft and jute products, exports of all the other textile-related products declined in October. The exports of cotton yarn, made-ups and handloom products declined by 6 per cent while the exports of man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups declined by 5.69 per cent during the seven-month period from April to October.

Textiles and apparels declined by 3.21 per cent. Of this, textile exports slid 4.15 per cent. For the seven-month period, these exports declined by 8.84 per cent. Though apparel exports also declined in October, they moderately rose during the seven-month period over last year.

Production of textiles and clothing in September was down by 2.6 per cent and almost flat for the 6-month period.  Carpets witnessed the steepest decline in percentage terms — 16.87 percent. A saving grace was handicraft exports, which grew by 7.66 per cent. Jute product exports also went up by 9.75 per cent.