India apparel exports rise 3% in 2025, but trail Bangladesh’s 10.1% growth
India’s apparel exports across five tracked categories increased from US$9.44 billion to US$9.72 billion in 2025. Bangladesh reached US$31.92 billion after 10.1% growth, underscoring the sourcing gaps India must close.
What happened
India apparel export sector · India’s apparel exports in five tracked categories rose 3% year-on-year to US$9.72 billion in 2025, trailing Bangladesh’s 10.1%
Key facts
- India's apparel exports across five tracked categories grew 3% year-on-year in 2025, from US$9.44 billion to US$9.72 billion
- Bangladesh's exports grew 10.1% to US$31.92 billion
Why this matters
The gap with Bangladesh may create partnership, capacity-investment, and consolidation opportunities for companies seeking to strengthen India-based apparel sourcing platforms.
What to watch
- India apparel export growth versus Bangladesh over the next two reporting quarters.
- Indian investment in MMF, integrated manufacturing parks, ports and factory-scale consolidation.
- Changes in EU or US trade preferences, tariffs, rules of origin or Bangladesh LDC-transition treatment.
- Buyer order-book shifts in cotton apparel, denim, knit basics and synthetic activewear.
- Lead-time, freight-rate and power-cost differentials between India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Compliance, labor-safety or political disruptions affecting Bangladesh production continuity.
- Maintain Bangladesh as the core source for high-volume basic apparel and replenishment programs.
- Use India for higher-margin cotton, artisanal, embellished and supplier-diversification capsules rather than broad volume migration.
- Audit Indian vendor lead times, MMF capability, duty exposure and compliance readiness before committing seasonal volume.
- Build dual-country sourcing plans for categories exposed to Bangladesh capacity constraints or geopolitical and climate disruption.
- Negotiate capacity options with Indian suppliers now, as retailer diversification demand may tighten available compliant capacity.