The trade relationship between India and the United States continues to strengthen, with India consistently ranking among the top global suppliers of textiles and apparel. While China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh lead in overall volume, India carves out a significant niche, particularly in cotton-based goods, home textiles, and garments requiring specialized craftsmanship.
For retailers, sourcing agents, and industry analysts, understanding these import trends is crucial. Below is a breakdown of the top apparel and textile categories the US imports from India, based on recent trade statistics.
(Disclaimer: The following list is prepareed based on search information. Please refer to latest trade data before using these information in your study or report)
Top 10 US Apparel & Textile Imports from India (By Product Group)
US imports of apparel fall primarily into two Harmonized System (HS) chapters: HS Chapter 61 (Knitted/Crocheted) and HS Chapter 62 (Woven/Not Knitted). India maintains a strong presence across both categories, with a notable specialization in cotton and made-up articles (home furnishings).
| Rank (Approx.) | Product Category | HS Chapter Focus | Why India Excels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Made-Up Textile Articles & Home Furnishings | HS 63 (Non-Apparel) | India is a global leader in cotton-based home linen (sheets, towels, curtains, bedspreads). This category contributes significantly to India's overall textile export value to the US. |
| 2 | Woven Cotton Garments | HS 62 (Woven) | Includes a high volume of dresses, blouses, and woven trousers/pants (often cotton or denim) for women and children, utilizing India's abundant cotton supply and weaving capabilities. |
| 3 | Knitted Cotton Garments | HS 61 (Knitted) | Represents a massive category including T-shirts, knitted shirts (polos), and other cotton casual wear. This is a staple in the US market. |
| 4 | Women's and Girls' Woven Dresses and Suits | HS 6204 | High-value segment driven by Indian expertise in detailed finishing, embroidery, and use of decorative fabrics. |
| 5 | Men's and Boys' Woven Trousers and Shorts | HS 6203 | Primarily cotton and cotton-blend woven bottoms, meeting the mass market demand for durable, casual attire. |
| 6 | Man-Made Fiber (MMF) Garments | HS 61 & 62 (MMF blends) | Reflects India's growing efforts to diversify beyond cotton, increasing exports of synthetic and blended shirts, dresses, and trousers. |
| 7 | Brassieres, Girdles, and Undergarments | HS 6212 | A consistent and necessary import category, highlighting India's strong base in intimate apparel manufacturing. |
| 8 | Babies' Garments and Clothing Accessories | HS 6111 / 6209 | High volumes of knit and woven cotton garments for infants and toddlers, leveraging the safety and comfort perception of Indian cotton. |
| 9 | Special Garments and Technical Textiles | HS 6114 / 6210 | Includes professional wear, specialized uniforms, or niche textiles that cater to specific industrial or high-performance markets. |
| 10 | Knit Sweaters, Cardigans, and Pullovers | HS 6110 | Both cotton and wool/MMF blended knit outerwear, meeting seasonal demand in the US. |
Source Reference
The data used to compile this product list is based on analysis of official trade statistics, which are compiled and maintained by government and intergovernmental bodies.
U.S. Government Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce (for detailed textile and apparel trade data).
- U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) (which publishes reports on the competitiveness of Indian apparel exports).
International and Indian Trade Sources:
- UN Comtrade (United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database)
- Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) of India (for industry-specific analysis and export breakdowns by category).
These agencies track trade flows using the Harmonized System (HS) Code—a standardized numerical method of classifying globally traded products. The general categories listed above (e.g., "Woven Cotton Garments") represent aggregations of multiple 6-digit or 8-digit HS codes (e.g., HS 6109 for T-shirts, HS 6204 for women's suits).