NEW DELHI: According to government figures issued on Thursday, India’s exports of textiles and clothing, including handicrafts, increased by 7% during the April–October period of FY24, hitting $21.35 billion, up from $20 billion during the same period last year.

According to the textile ministry, ready-made clothing accounted for 41% of total exports during the April–October period, with exports totaling $8,733 million. Cotton textiles (33%, $7,082 million) and man-made textiles (15 percent, $3,105 million) came next.

The ministry added that exports have a bright future because nearly all major commodities are growing, with the exception of wool and handloom goods, which saw declines of 19% and 6%, respectively.

In terms of imports, imports of clothing and textiles, including handicrafts, decreased by a meager 1% to $5.43 billion over the same time period, from $5.46 billion the year before.