During FY25 (April-August 2024), MMF Fabrics were the largest exported commodity, representing 35.6% of the exports share.
Source: Ministry of Textiles
Last updated: Aug, 2026
Introduction
The textile industry of India is one of the top contributors to the country's economy. The Man-made Fiber (MMF) industry contributes 16% of India's textile exports, and the country is the world's sixth-largest exporter of MMF textiles. MMFs are generally of two types - synthetic and cellulosic. Cellulosic fibers are made from wood pulp, and synthetic fibers are made from crude oil. The key types of synthetic fiber are polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene. The manufacturing cost of textiles is among the lowest in the world, making it a popular destination for investment. The Indian textile industry expects India’s exports of man-made fiber (MMF) textiles to increase by 75% to reach US$ 11.4 billion in 2030, up from approximately US$ 6.5 billion in 2021-22.
The MMF industry in India has been growing rapidly. The country ranks second in the production of cellulose fiber/yarn and third in synthetic fiber production worldwide. As of date, India produces all types of synthetic fibers.
Segment-wise share of India's MMF textile exports FY26
Source: The Synthetic and Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)
India produces fiber, yarn, fabrics, made ups, and home textiles. The MMF fabrics hold a majority share in the segment exports, followed by made ups and yarn. India is completely self-dependent across the value chain, from raw materials to garments. The industry constitutes of two types-polyester and viscose which account for ~94% (in volume terms). In this, polyester accounts for around 77.5%, and viscose has the remaining share. During FY26, Manmade Yarn, Fabrics, and Made-ups dominated exports with a 61.72% share, followed by RMG Manmade Fibre at 33.13%. In comparison, Manmade Staple Fibre accounted for a relatively smaller share of 5.15%.
India exports polyester, viscose, and other types of fibers, polyester yarns, spun filaments, rope, blankets, bed linen, fishing nets, motifs, and furnishing articles. India’s exports of manmade textiles during April–February FY26 reached US$ 7.83 billion, reflecting a diversified product mix led by value-added segments. Among product categories, manmade yarn, fabrics, and made-ups dominated exports with a 61.72% share, followed by RMG manmade fibres at 33.13%, while manmade staple fibre accounted for a relatively smaller share of 5.15%.
The export structure indicates a clear shift toward higher value-added downstream products, particularly fabrics and made-ups, which continue to drive overall export performance. Readymade garments of manmade fibres also maintain a strong position, highlighting sustained global demand for synthetic apparel. In contrast, exports of raw materials such as staple fibre remain limited, reinforcing India’s positioning as a value-added exporter rather than a raw material supplier in the manmade textile segment.
The demand for MMFs will be further boosted by factors like evolving consumer trends, including a growing focus on fitness and hygiene, rising brand consciousness, rapidly changing fashion trends, and increasing women's participation in the workforce. These trends will work positively for the Indian synthetic and rayon textiles industry.
Export Destinations
The USA remained the largest destination for India’s man-made textiles exports in FY26 (April 2025–March 2026), with exports valued at US$ 1.45 billion, accounting for 18.5% of total exports. The UAE ranked second with imports worth US$ 614.8 million (7.9%), followed by the UK at US$ 437.1 million (5.6%). Germany (US$ 326.3 million; 4.2%) and Spain (US$ 307.1 million; 3.9%) completed the top five export destinations, reflecting strong demand for Indian man-made textile products across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Other significant export markets included Turkey (US$ 303.5 million), Bangladesh (US$ 287.7 million), the Netherlands (US$ 236.9 million), Brazil (US$ 214.5 million) and Italy (US$ 208.1 million). Additional demand was generated from Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Belgium, highlighting the broad geographic spread of India’s man-made textile exports.
Country-wise share of India's MMF products exports (FY26)
Source: Man-made and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL)
Government Initiatives
The Synthetic and Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council of India provides financial assistance to exporters under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme. Under the Market Access Initiative (MAI), financial aid is provided to the exporters for marketing, capacity building, research, and project development.
Export Promotion Programmes
The Government is doing its best to promote the exports of MMF textiles through benefits and incentives. To promote exports to international markets, CCEA launched a scheme (in January 2021) for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP). This would make the exported products cost-competitive in global markets and generate better employment prospects in export-oriented manufacturing industries.
Efforts to support the industry
India has withdrawn the anti-dumping duty on Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), the primary raw material for manufacturing man-made fiber and yarn. India has also abolished the anti-dumping duty on viscose staple fibers and key raw materials for man-made fiber.
PLI Scheme for Textiles is another step (launched in 2021) taken by the Government to bolster the MMF industry. It specifically focuses on expanding the textiles value chain's MMF and technical textiles segments. Incentives worth Rs. 10,683 crore (US$ 1.34 billion) will be offered over five years for manufacturing notified products of MMF fabrics and MMF apparel.
Governing Body
Man-made and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL)
Formed in 1954, the Man-made and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL) formerly known as The Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) is one of India's oldest export promotion councils. The main roles of the council are to inculcate export culture and promote the exporters of Indian manmade fiber and textiles. The services of SRTEPC are to introduce buyers to exporters, information dissemination, undertake export promotion programs, conduct market studies, provide financial subsidies, create and maintain data banks, and advise the government. The council provides various services to Indian exporters such as introducing exporters to appropriate overseas buyers, providing the latest information & market entry service by sponsoring delegations, conducting market studies and surveys, etc.