India’s prominent hub for man-made fabric textiles Surat, has experienced a surge in apparel and textile exports driven by ongoing festive seasons and wedding festivities. 

Despite a nationwide decline of 0.41 per cent in textile exports and 15 per cent in apparel exports from April to October 2023, textile mills in Surat, including areas like Palsana and Kadodara, continued operations round the clock. The festive season has led to increased demand, particularly for polyester fabric, with a notable rise in printing orders, says Jitu Vakharia, President of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA). 

Despite challenges such as labor shortages due to workers returning home for Diwali, the industry is resilient, showcasing a rebound to pre-pandemic growth levels after the difficulties faced during lockdowns. India's largest man-made fiber wholesale markets on Ring Road also reported heightened demand for various textile products like saris, lehengas, kurtis, gowns, salwar suits and leggings, with traders exporting goods to different parts of the country. 

Ashish Gujarati, a key figure in the powerloom sector, notes rising domestic demand for polyester fabric, with the industry weaving 3.5 meters daily to meet this surge. However, despite the success, global exports continue to face challenges due to the ongoing global recession. As per Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), India's textile and apparel exports saw a decline of 6.67 per cent during April-October 2023 compared to the previous year, with cumulative exports dropping by 26.55 per cent in October 2023 compared to October 2021.