The textile sector in India is undergoing a structural shift shaped by global trade dynamics, changing consumer demand, and supply-side constraints. Over the past decade and a half, more than 95 percent of textile growth in the country has been attributed to the man-made fibre (MMF) segment, according to Madhu Sudhan Bhageria, Chairman and Managing Director of Filatex India.

A recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development highlights how MMF has become the backbone of the global fibre economy. Its share in world fibre production rose from 45 percent in 1996 to nearly 73 percent in 2023. Cotton, long considered the king of fibres, has now been overtaken in both production and traded value. Today, it is estimated that over 70 percent of garments worn across the globe are made from MMF.

Bhageria points out that India mirrors this global pattern. While cotton once offered the nation a competitive edge due to surplus supply and lower costs, the scenario has reversed in recent years. Domestic cotton production has declined, raw cotton prices have surged, and capacity in yarn making has expanded, creating a situation where India now imports cotton at higher costs, burdened further by a 10 percent import duty.

In contrast, polyester and other synthetic fibres have fueled expansion, offering affordability, versatility, and consistent quality. MMF is driving growth across apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications, even as traditional natural fibres struggle to maintain momentum.

This transformation signals a decisive moment for India’s textile future. With MMF at the center, the industry is positioning itself to remain competitive in global markets, despite challenges from tariffs, competition, and geopolitical uncertainty.