Tamil Nadu Tops India’s Textile Exports in FY 2024–25: A Rising Leader in the Industry

Tamil Nadu Leads in Textile Exports Yet Again

Tamil Nadu Tops India’s Textile Exports in FY 2024–25: A Rising Leader in the Industry: Tamil Nadu has once again cemented its position as India’s top textile exporting state for the financial year 2024–25. With textile goods worth $7.99 billion exported between April 2024 and March 2025, the state alone contributed a remarkable 26.8% share to India’s total textile exports. This figure not only puts Tamil Nadu ahead of all other states but also marks a significant jump from the $7.15 billion it exported in 2023–24.To put that in perspective, Tamil Nadu’s textile exports have grown by nearly 12% year-on-year, indicating strong industrial performance, effective logistics, and sustained global demand for its textile products.

India’s Textile Export Scene: Big Numbers and Bigger Growth

India exported textile goods worth $36.61 billion in FY25, up from $34.43 billion the previous year. This marks an encouraging upward trend despite global economic challenges and shifting trade patterns. Tamil Nadu was followed by Gujarat, which exported $5.65 billion in textiles and secured an 18.9% share. Maharashtra came in third with $3.83 billion, accounting for 12.8%.What sets Tamil Nadu apart is not just the volume but the consistency of its export performance. In March 2025 alone, the state shipped out $687 million worth of textile goods—again topping the monthly charts.

What Makes Tamil Nadu a Textile Powerhouse?

Tamil Nadu’s dominance in textiles is not accidental. The state has long been home to major textile hubs like Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Karur, known for spinning mills, garment manufacturing, and dyeing units. The presence of skilled labour, well-established infrastructure, and export-friendly policies make it the go-to state for global buyers.For example, Tiruppur alone exports nearly 50% of India’s cotton knitwear, catering to brands across Europe and the US. This regional specialization plays a crucial role in driving up the state’s overall numbers.

Other States in the Race

While Tamil Nadu retained the top spot, Gujarat is not far behind. Known for its cotton fields and modern manufacturing units in places like Surat and Ahmedabad, Gujarat accounted for nearly $516 million in exports just in March 2025.Maharashtra continues to contribute significantly through cities like Mumbai and Nagpur, especially in spinning and dyeing. Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka also featured among the top 5 exporters, with $3.68 billion and $2.73 billion in annual textile exports respectively.

Why This Matters for Competitive Exams

Understanding such export data gives insight into India’s economic geography—a common topic in UPSC, TNPSC, and Banking exams. It also helps decode state-level industrial policies, economic performance, and sectoral dominance.

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Tamil Nadu Tops India’s Textile Exports in FY 2024–25: A Rising Leader in the Industry: