Woven fabric export surges to touch 2-year high in September
Finally, woven fabric shipments recovered sharply in September hitting almost two-year high. Volumes increased 17% to 394 million sq mtr worth US$352 million or INR2,235 crore, the levels last recorded in September 2015. Thus, cumulative export in the first six months of 2017-18, was 2,115 million sq mtr, down 2% compared with same period a year ago. In terms of value, woven fabric export was worth US$1,715 million or INR10,900 crore.
In September 2017, 139 countries imported woven fabrics from India, with Bangladesh the largest importer, followed by UAE and Sri Lanka. The three together accounted for 26% of total woven fabrics export during the month. 12 countries did not import any fabric from India as they did last year. However, they were replaced by 19 countries which imported fabric worth US$5.50 million this September.
Paraguay, Afghanistan, Uganda, Kyrgyzstan and Brunei were the fastest growing markets for woven fabrics, and accounted for 4.6% of total export value in September.
About 44% of woven fabrics exported were made of 100% cotton worth US$155 million (INR975 crore) with volumes at 162 million sq mtr. The average unit price realization was at US$0.94 a sq mtr, about US cents 7 more than a year ago.
Plain fabrics accounted for 65% of all kinds of woven fabrics exported in September 2017, up 13% in volume on year on year comparison. Shipment totaled 298 million sq mtr worth US$230 million. United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan were the top markets for plain fabric.
Denim was the second largest woven fabric exported in September (US$32 million), increasing by 15% year on year. They were mainly imported by Bangladesh with Egypt and Guatemala following at a distance. Denim exports to these markets were worth US$20 million.
Shirting/suiting and sarees were the other top fabrics exported from India in September this September.
About 78% of all woven fabrics exported were of medium weight (>136 <281 GSM) worth US$277 million while light weight (<136 GSM) were valued at US$47 million (13%). Medium weight fabrics were mainly exported to UAE, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while light weight fabrics were exported mainly Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and UAE.
A sharp rise in export of furnishing fabric continued into September with UK and USA the largest markets during September.
The data relate to woven fabric shipments from 53 ports across India in September. It does not include consignments valued less than US$500 and samples and gifts. Complete details are available in “Woven Fabric Export Statistics – India” reports of September 2017 released by Textilebeacon.com
