Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Exports

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. 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 Apr-Nov 2023, MMF Fabrics were the largest exported commodity, representing 39% of the exports share, followed by MMF Yarns 28%, MMF Made-ups 26% and Man-made Fibers 7%.