Fabric export hits US$350 m in March but from low base

Fabric export rose 36% to 420 million sq mtrs (YoY) worth US$350 million or INR2,240 crore.  Thus, cumulative export during the fiscal year 2017-18, was 4,360 million sq mtr, up 2% compared with previous year. In terms of value, woven fabric export was worth US$3,435 million or INR21,825 crore.

During March, 140 countries imported woven fabrics from India, topped by Bangladesh and followed by UAE and Sri Lanka. The three together accounted for 32% of total woven fabric shipped during the month. During the month only 10 countries did not import any fabric as last year. How-ever, they were replaced by 18 other countries which imported fabric worth US$0.7 million this March.

Nepal, Uruguay and Jordan were the fastest growing large markets for woven fabrics, and ac-counted for close to 1% of total export value in March.

Cotton made fabric continued to dominate the basket of woven fabric export in March accounting for over 51% total export. 100% cotton made fabric was worth US$180 million (INR1,160 crore) with volumes at 200 million sq mtr. The average unit price realization was at US$0.90 a sq mtr, 2 cents higher than a year ago.

Plain fabric exports accounted for 62% of all types of woven fabrics exported in March 2018, up 33% in volume year on year with shipment totaling 311 million sq mtr worth US$217 million. Bangladesh, UAE and USA were the top markets for plain fabrics.

Denim was the second largest woven fabric exported in March, with volumes increasing 60% year on year and value up 48% to US$40 million. They were mainly imported by Bangladesh, followed by Egypt and Colombia at a distant. Denim exports to Bangladesh alone was worth US$18 million.

Shirting/suiting volumes surged 36% while lungies and dhoties export jumped 21%, after a recovery in previous month.

Furnishing fabric continued its doubling trend in March with UK on the top followed by USA and UAE.

Denim fabric exports jumps 40pc in February, furnishing doubles

Source: Textile Beacon’s Woven Fabric Export Statistics – India report