Tamil Nadu has officially emerged as India’s premier textile and apparel (T&A) export hub for FY24-25, contributing a decisive 21.84 per cent share to the national basket. Total shipments from the state reached US $7.99 billion, marking a robust 29.12 per cent value appreciation over a four-year trajectory. This growth is predominantly fueled by the integrated knitwear ecosystem in Tiruppur and Coimbatore, which collectively account for nearly 69 per cent of India’s knitted garment exports. Industry analysts attribute this performance to the state's New Integrated Textile Policy 2025-26, which incentivizes ESG compliance and technical textile innovation. As global retailers increasingly adopt ‘China Plus One’ sourcing, Tamil Nadu’s consistent monthly export average of US $687 million positions it as a reliable alternative to traditional Southeast Asian competitors.

Haryana outpaces peers in growth velocity

While Tamil Nadu leads in volume, Haryana has secured the title of the fastest-growing major textile state, registering a CAGR of 11.9 per cent between FY21 and FY25. With exports valued at Rs 34,843 crore, the state outperformed the national growth average of 8.2 per cent. This growth is largely driven by the expansion of apparel manufacturing hubs in Gurugram and Panipat, supported by the Haryana AatmaNirbhar Textile Policy. The northern corridor is rapidly narrowing the competitiveness gap through aggressive capital subsidies and proximity to key consumption centers, noted a representative from the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). Despite logistical headwinds and rising input costs, the national T&A sector is trending toward a US $100 billion export target by 2030, with northern states playing an increasingly critical role in diversifying the production base.

Currently valued at US $174 billion, India’s textile industry is a vertically integrated sector spanning from fiber production to high-end apparel. Key growth drivers include the PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks and the PLI scheme for man-made fibers. With a workforce of 45 million, the sector aims to contribute 10 per cent to India’s total merchandise exports by 2030, leveraging free trade agreements with the UAE and Australia.