The apparel industry is one of India's largest foreign exchange earners, accounting for nearly 16% of the country's total exports. The 1996 Indian textile exports approximately amounted to Rs.35,000 crores of which apparel occupied over Rs14,000 crores.
He textile and garment industry in India is one of the oldest manufacturing sectors in the country and is currently its largest.
Indian readymade garments and textiles are extremely popular the world over. In fact, exports of readymade garments registered a 6.4% increase in dollar terms and an 11.6% increase in rupee terms during the period April-December 1999-2000, despite a sluggish growth in income both at home and abroad. Indian Garment export growth during April-June 1998 for woolen ready made garments was a phenomenal 150%, for ready made garments made of silk it was 58%, and for other ready made garments it was 39%, in dollar terms. The industry covers a wide range of activities. These include the production of natural raw materials such as cotton, jute, silk and wool, as well as synthetic filament and spun yarn. In addition an extensive range of finished products are made.