India's Rank in Textile Production: Where Does It Stand?

Did you know that when it comes to textile production, India is a serious heavyweight? It ranks as the second largest producer in the world, right behind China. Whether you’re wearing cotton t-shirts or silk sarees, there’s a good chance those threads were spun somewhere in India.

This isn’t just about numbers. The Indian textile industry supports millions of jobs and feeds countless families. If you’ve ever searched for quality fabric at a smart price, you’ve probably come across Indian manufacturers. They don’t just cater to local markets, either; their goods reach every corner of the globe—from Milan runways to budget-friendly street markets in Africa and Latin America.

Numbers from recent government reports put India at the Number 2 spot for both textile fiber production and textile exports. But that’s not all. India is actually the world’s largest producer of cotton and jute, and the second-largest for silk and polyester. So, if you work in fashion, upholstery, or even industrial textiles, you need to know what’s happening in India’s manufacturing landscape.

• India’s Position in Global Textile Production
• Why India Dominates the Textile Scene
• Key Textile Hubs in India
• Tips for Choosing Indian Textile Manufacturers

India’s Position in Global Textile Production

If you ask anyone in the fabric trade about the top textile producers, India always comes up in the first breath. As of 2025, India holds its ground as the world’s second-largest textile manufacturer, trailing only China. This isn’t a fluke or a short-lived trend—India's industry has grown for decades, mixing tradition with massive-scale modern factories.

Globally, India produces more than 6% of the total textiles and garments exported each year. Walk through any major textile expo, and you’ll see the “Made in India” tag everywhere—from yarns and fibers to finished garments. Indian manufacturers are known for their volume and variety. We're talking dozens of natural and synthetic fiber types produced at a scale that most countries can't match.

• Cotton: India leads the world in cotton production, pushing out over 6 million tons each year. It’s a lifeline for millions of small farmers and powers entire ecosystems of spinning mills and weavers.
• Silk: After China, India stands at number two globally, famous for raw silk and handwoven beauties like Banarasi or Kanchipuram sarees.
• Jute: If you’ve used a strong “gunny” bag, odds are it was made from Indian jute—India is the largest global supplier.
• Man-made fibers: The country has a booming polyester and viscose industry, steadily catching up with traditional fiber giants.

On the export front, Indian textiles end up in over 100 countries. In 2024, textiles and apparel made up about $42 billion in exports, with big destinations including the US, Europe, and the Middle East. This hard data highlights not just the country’s output, but its ability to meet the world’s changing needs for fast, reliable, and diverse textile supplies.

Want to see the scale in action? Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu each churn out more textiles yearly than some entire countries. This vast reach keeps India locked in among the top choices for anyone serious about sourcing or manufacturing textiles.

Why India Dominates the Textile Scene

So, what makes India such a powerhouse when it comes to textiles? It’s a combo of history, the right resources, and simply massive output. India hasn’t just joined the global textile race—it’s been in it for centuries. Think about the famous cotton muslin from Bengal or the vibrant silks from Varanasi—these aren’t just old stories, they kickstarted India’s place on the world textile map.

The India textile rank stays near the very top thanks to a unique mix of factors. First up: raw materials. India is the world’s biggest source for cotton and jute, and it’s up there for silk and synthetics, too. That means less importing and lower costs for manufacturers. Plus, there’s a workforce—millions strong—skilled in everything from weaving to designing trendy prints. Labor is affordable, yet packed with years of know-how passed down through families.

Check out these must-know stats that really tell the story:

It’s not just about volume, either—the government helps out with schemes for skill training, easier financing, and setting up textile parks. These parks basically group big and small manufacturers together, which cuts costs for everyone. Bonus: India is close to big international markets like Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Shipping Indian fabric is generally faster and cheaper than you’d think, especially compared to countries farther from key trade routes.

If you’re a buyer or designer, here’s what all this means for you:

• It’s easier to find the kind of fabric you need, from basic cotton to intricate silk blends, without enormous minimum orders.
• There are loads of suppliers competing on price and quality, so you’re not stuck with one option.
• Indian manufacturers can scale up or down based on your needs, and they’re usually quick to adapt to fresh trends.

Key Textile Hubs in India

If you want to understand how India grabbed its top spot in the global textile market, it helps to know where all the action happens. The country isn’t just about one big factory or city—there are specific hubs driving production, each with its own specialty.

Here are the main textile powerhouses you’ll find in India:

• Mumbai and Ahmedabad: Both cities are major centers for cotton textiles. Mumbai, sometimes called the “Manchester of India,” is full of spinning and weaving mills, while Ahmedabad keeps the legacy going strong with its own set of large-scale mills and a solid export culture.
• Tiruppur: This small city in Tamil Nadu is a global t-shirt and knitwear hotspot. If you’ve ever worn a plain cotton tee made in India, it likely came from Tiruppur, which exports billions of dollars’ worth of garments every year.
• Surat: The city is famous for synthetics and man-made fibers, especially polyester. Surat’s dyeing and printing units are legendary—they can churn out crazy volumes to meet huge export orders, especially for women’s clothing and saris.
• Ludhiana: When winter hits, Ludhiana shines. It’s the main hub for woolen and acrylic knitwear, sweaters, and sportswear. Loads of school uniforms and winter apparel brands source from here.
• Bengaluru and Coimbatore: Both cities are all-rounders in the textile world, but Coimbatore, in particular, is nicknamed the "Manchester of South India" for its focus on cotton spinning and textile machinery.
• Varanasi (Benares): If you love silk, Varanasi is the place to look. The city’s silk sarees are exported all over the globe and are a huge deal in the wedding season.

To get a better sense of just how big these hubs are, check out this quick table:

If sourcing from the India textile rank powerhouses, look up each hub’s specialty and main suppliers before jumping in. Knowing the right city for your type of textile can save you a lot of time and money—and help you avoid the “wrong supplier, wrong city” headache.

Tips for Choosing Indian Textile Manufacturers

Picking the right Indian supplier isn’t just about finding the lowest price. Trust me, it can make or break your business, especially with so many India textile rank companies out there. Here’s what’s proven to work if you want reliability and top-notch fabric:

• Check certifications and compliance: India’s best manufacturers carry recognized certifications like OEKO-TEX, GOTS (for organic cotton), or ISO. These badges aren’t just for show. They prove the company follows quality and environmental standards.
• Visit production sites if possible: If you’re placing big orders, try to visit or ask for video tours. This helps you spot their real capacity and working conditions. Seeing rows of modern looms or automated dyeing units? That’s a good sign.
• Ask for samples first: Always request fabric samples. Reputable Indian manufacturers send out swatches for review, so you aren’t surprised by poor color or weird textures later.
• Scrutinize turnaround and delivery times: India is famous for quick deliveries compared to many other Asian producers. Ask for actual timelines plus what happens if they miss a deadline. Reliable firms are clear about what’s realistic.
• Look for industry experience: Established exporters—like Arvind, Vardhman, or Welspun—usually have track records you can verify online. Check if they’ve supplied brands you know. You can even ask for references.
• Understand payment and contracts: Insist on transparent payment terms and clear order contracts. Don’t just rely on WhatsApp chats—get everything on official letterheads or email. It protects both sides if anything goes sideways.

One more tip: India’s textile world covers everything—cotton, silk, synthetics, you name it. So get specific about your needs, like thread count, weave, or finishing type, right at the start. The more details you share, the better your chances of getting exactly what you want.