India exported $2.1 billion worth of T-shirts in 2023, making it the 7th largest exporter globally. Demand is growing in both developed and emerging markets, driven by India’s competitive pricing, cotton leadership, and skilled workforce.
India's Top Exporter
FAQs
Everything you need to know about import-export business, regulations, and international trade
EXPORT EXPERTISE
Comprehensive answers to common questions about starting and running a successful import-export business in India.
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu is known as the “Knitwear Capital of India”. It accounts for over 50% of India’s cotton knitwear exports, with thousands of factories supplying to global brands like H&M, Zara, and Decathlon.
India exports T-shirts mainly to the USA, Germany, UK, UAE, France, Nigeria, and South Africa. While Europe and North America dominate premium demand, Africa and Latin America are rising as price-sensitive destinations.
The major HS codes for T-shirts are: 610910 – Cotton T-shirts; 610990 – Other textile T-shirts; 611020 – Synthetic fiber T-shirts. These codes are mandatory for customs clearance and export documentation.
Yes. Small exporters can compete globally by targeting low minimum order quantities (MOQs), D2C channels, and niche sustainable fabrics. Government schemes and AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council) also support MSME exporters.
Work with registered exporters holding IEC & AEPC membership. Platforms like Fibre2Fashion, TradeIndia, IndiaMART, and LinkedIn help connect with verified suppliers. Visiting Tirupur or Ludhiana trade shows also ensures direct sourcing.
Exporters need: IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT, RCMC from AEPC for incentives, GST registration, and global certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, and ISO 9001 for fabric safety and sustainability.
Use verified trade databases (ExportImportData, Kompass, ImportGenius), B2B marketplaces (Alibaba, Fibre2Fashion), and participate in international trade fairs. Always verify buyers via LCs, bank references, and trade associations.
Margins usually range from 30–60%, depending on scale, buyer requirements, and fabric type. Premium organic cotton or sustainable exports can yield up to 70% margins, while bulk basics are more competitive.
Yes. Indian exports are 15–20% cheaper than European production while maintaining high quality. India also offers flexible order sizes, skilled labor, and a vast cotton supply chain, making it highly competitive.
By sea freight: 20–30 days, depending on the destination. By air freight: 5–10 days. For urgent orders, exporters often combine air + sea shipments for faster delivery.
Using wrong HS codes during customs filing, exporting to unverified buyers without contracts, ignoring duties, shipping costs, and currency risks, and skipping quality checks leading to buyer rejections.
Organic cotton, bamboo blends, recycled polyester (rPET), and Tencel & hemp blends. Sustainability and eco-certifications are key demand drivers worldwide.
Retailers increasingly demand eco-certified fabrics like organic cotton, GOTS-certified textiles, and recycled materials. Exporters with sustainability credentials enjoy premium pricing, brand trust, and faster growth.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, SEDEX / SA8000 (ethical sourcing), WRAP (workplace safety), and ISO 9001 (quality management) are most requested.
Letters of Credit (LCs) are safest for new buyers. Advance Payment is common with trusted buyers. T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) is standard for repeat orders. Avoid open accounts unless working with long-term verified clients.
Yes. Buyers often require ISO, OEKO-TEX, or country-specific labeling (like EU REACH compliance). Skipping quality checks can result in rejected shipments and financial losses.
Sustainability and eco-fabrics will dominate; smart fabrics (UV protection, anti-odor) are gaining traction; licensed kidswear is growing fast; e-commerce private labels are booming; global CAGR is expected at ~4.5–5.5%.
India offers organic cotton leadership, flexible MOQs, skilled workforce, diverse fabrics, and government export incentives. Bangladesh dominates volume, but India leads in value-added and sustainable production.
Yes. Exporters can sell via Amazon Global, Etsy, Shopify D2C, and Flipkart Export Hub. IEC, GST, and customs compliance remain mandatory even for small e-commerce shipments.
India’s T-shirt market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.65% (2024–2029), driven by rising youth fashion, urbanization, and export demand.
Startups can focus on eco-friendly fabrics (organic cotton, bamboo), D2C exports via online platforms, untapped regions (Africa, Latin America), and private label manufacturing for small global brands.
Men: Black, grey, navy. Women: Black, white, pastels. Kids: Bright primaries. Neutrals drive steady replenishment, while seasonal fashion colors create sales spikes.
Men: M/L/XL. Women: S/M. Kids: mid-sizes (age-based). Stock based on local demographics and returns data to reduce stockouts.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) is ideal for small runs, personalization, and fast-changing trends. For bulk evergreen designs, screen printing offers better cost efficiency and color vibrancy.
Yes. Moisture-wicking polyester blends and Dri-FIT alternatives perform well in sportswear and hot climates, and increasingly crossover into casual wear.
Kidswear basics are most price-sensitive due to high replacement needs. Licensed kidswear can command premiums. Men’s and women’s basics are competitive but value-added features improve margins.
Letters of Credit (LCs) are safest. Open accounts carry risk unless the buyer is trusted. For long-term partners, T/T and advance payments are acceptable.
Use ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation) policies to cover payment risks, buyer insolvency, and political instability.
Sustainable cotton and recycled fabrics, smart and functional textiles, D2C private labels via e-commerce, kidswear licensing, and on-demand printing (DTG, sublimation).