UP Textile Apparel Exports Rise 10% to ₹35,000 Crore in FY26
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s textile, apparel and handicraft exports increased by around 10 per cent to nearly ₹35,000 crore in FY26, compared with more than ₹31,804 crore in FY25, strengthening the state’s ambitions to emerge as a global textile hub.
The growth highlights Uttar Pradesh’s expanding role in India’s textile and apparel sector, supported by its large manufacturing base, traditional textile clusters, skilled workforce and growing export activity.
State Targets Global Textile Hub Status
Uttar Pradesh is currently India’s third-largest manufacturer of fabrics, accounting for approximately 13 per cent of the country’s domestic fabric production.
The textile and apparel sector provides employment to around 1.5 million people across the state. This includes an estimated 200,000 handloom weavers and 500,000 powerloom weavers, highlighting the importance of the sector to the state’s employment and rural economy.
At the recently held UP Textile Conclave 2026 in Lucknow, the state secured memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for investment proposals worth ₹5,196 crore, further strengthening its plans to expand textile manufacturing and infrastructure.
Addressing the conclave, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the state now aims to establish itself as a global textile hub by developing the complete textile value chain.
The strategy covers the entire process — from fibre to yarn, yarn to fabric, fabric to garment, garment to brand and ultimately global markets.
Gautam Buddha Nagar Emerges as a Major Export Centre
The state’s export performance is also being supported by major industrial districts. Gautam Buddha Nagar recorded textile and related exports of around ₹21,000 crore in FY26, placing the district among the leading exporting districts in the country.
The district’s strong manufacturing and industrial ecosystem, combined with its proximity to Delhi and major logistics networks, continues to support export-oriented businesses.
Strong Position in Carpets and Traditional Textiles
Uttar Pradesh also has a significant presence in traditional textile products. The state accounts for approximately 90 per cent of India’s carpet production, with regions such as Bhadohi and Mirzapur serving as important production and export centres.
The state is also home to 17 textile products with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These GI certifications recognise products whose quality, reputation or traditional production methods are closely associated with a particular geographical region.
These products provide Uttar Pradesh with an opportunity to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern branding and international market development.
Focus Shifts Towards Technical Textiles
While traditional textiles remain an important part of the state’s textile economy, Uttar Pradesh is also looking to expand into technical textiles, which are increasingly used in industries such as defence, healthcare, agriculture and sports.
Adityanath emphasised the need for the state to strengthen its technical capabilities and move beyond conventional textile manufacturing.
The expansion into technical textiles could create opportunities for manufacturers to develop higher-value products and participate in specialised global supply chains.
New Textile Projects Across the State
To support future investment, the Uttar Pradesh government has identified land for textile projects in Varanasi, Amroha, Bareilly, Sant Kabir Nagar and Bijnor. Similar land-identification and development processes are also underway in other parts of the state.
The development of new textile clusters is expected to support investment across spinning, weaving, processing, apparel manufacturing, technical textiles and related activities.
Building an Integrated Textile Ecosystem
With rising exports, new investment proposals and a large skilled workforce, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself to strengthen its presence across the textile value chain.
The state’s strategy increasingly focuses not only on manufacturing fabrics and traditional products but also on value-added apparel, branded products, technical textiles and export-oriented manufacturing.
The combination of traditional textile clusters, modern industrial infrastructure and new investment could help Uttar Pradesh deepen its participation in global textile markets.
As the state works towards its goal of becoming a global textile hub, the next phase will depend on how effectively it converts investment proposals into operational projects, strengthens technical capabilities and connects its textile clusters with international buyers and supply chains.
