In 2025, India–China trade continues to impact global textiles. Both nations lead exports, making supply chains sensitive to tariffs and policies. Exporters and manufacturers need to stay alert.
TexPro by Fibre2Fashion provides that support with real-time data, price tracking, policy insights, and demand forecasts. It enables B2B players to respond faster and with more confidence.
Let’s explore how India–China relations are influencing textile trade in 2025.
India and China in the Global Textile Trade
Both India and China are key to global textiles. China is still the largest exporter of textiles and clothing, while India is a strong player in natural fibres like cotton and is emerging in synthetics and value-added garments.
As per TexPro’s October 2025 data, China leads global textile exports with over 35%, shipping more than $297 billion. India stands at $44.4 billion in exports, smaller but vital in cotton yarn, home furnishings, and ethnic apparel.
India’s imports from China include synthetic yarns, machinery, and specialty fibres. The trad relationship is a great example of strong interdependence which always faces new challenges.
Key Trade Shifts in 2025
India–China textile trade has become more tactical this year, shaped by geopolitics and diversification efforts.
1. Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers
Indian producers continue to import Chinese synthetics and accessories. Rising tensions may lead to higher duties, pushing sourcing toward ASEAN countries.
TexPro tracks tariff changes live, giving teams instant cost insights.
2. China’s Export Slowdown and Its Effects
China is moving toward high-tech industries and domestic demand, slowing textile exports. This creates openings for India in key markets like the EU and the US.
TexPro’s HS-level export data shows India gaining in cotton-based categories, while China keeps its lead in synthetics and blends.
3. Rise of “China Plus One” Sourcing
Global buyers have moved to diversify beyond China. India, along with Bangladesh and Vietnam, has benefited from the “China Plus One” strategy, particularly for garments, innerwear, and home textiles.
TexPro’s export destination analysis helps identify which product categories and markets are shifting away from China and where Indian exporters can fill the gap.
Case in Point: Cotton Yarn Trade Flows
TexPro’s 2025 cotton yarn export analysis highlights China as one of the largest importers of Indian cotton yarn, especially as domestic Chinese mills face rising labor costs and environmental scrutiny.
In Q3 2025:
● India exported over $1.1 billion in cotton yarn
● China accounted for nearly 19% of that demand
● Growth in India’s exports to China rose 6.4% YoY
This shows that despite political tensions, business interdependence remains strong in certain textile verticals, something only granular, real-time tools like TexPro can surface for businesses.
Impact on Indian Manufacturers
Indian manufacturers, especially SMEs, are increasingly turning to TexPro to:
● Track shifts in China’s export prices for categories like synthetic yarns, zippers, and fabric dyes
● Benchmark FOB prices for similar products exported from India to shared markets
● Forecast demand using trend analysis and seasonal projections
● Identify ESG-compliant suppliers in regions outside China when needed
For example, a garment exporter using TexPro can analyse how China’s slowdown in EU shipments for cotton T-shirts (HS 6109) opened up demand gaps. By aligning production with TexPro’s demand forecast module, they can maybe increase exports to Germany in 2025.
China’s Textile Strategy Shift: Risks and Opportunities
By 2025, China is moving its textile industry toward advanced tech, sustainability, and strong brands. Products are higher in value but also more expensive. Price-sensitive markets are now accessible to other Asian producers.
This transition has led to:
● Decline in low-end textile exports from China
● Higher Chinese demand for Indian cotton, jute, and home furnishings
● Pressure on India to upgrade quality to match evolving global standards
TexPro’s trade flow heatmaps and price indices are instrumental for Indian exporters seeking to adjust their sourcing or positioning strategies based on these shifting dynamics.
How TexPro Supports Strategic Planning
TexPro is designed for forward-looking professionals in the textile industry who need more than static data reports. Here’s how it addresses the India–China equation:
1. Real-Time Export-Import Dashboards
Monitor China’s exports and India’s imports in real time across 10,000+ HS codes.
2. Trade Flow Analysis
Visualize which countries are increasing or decreasing their trade reliance on India or China.
3. ESG and Certification Mapping
Shortlist suppliers using sustainability and compliance certifications, particularly beneficial for firms seeking certified substitutes for Chinese raw materials.
4. Demand Forecasting
Leverage AI modules to predict demand in apparel, yarn, and home furnishings. Indian exporters can approach emerging markets with confidence.
5. Tariff and Policy Tracker
Monitor Indian and Chinese trade policies to minimise supply-chain risks.
Bottom Line
In 2025, trade between India and China remains vital, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the textile industry. Political tensions may create uncertainty, but changes in demand, sourcing strategies, and costs ensure it continues to play an important role globally.
For stakeholders, awareness is crucial. TexPro by Fibre2Fashion provides real-time data and analysis. It also helps professionals reduce reliance on Chinese materials and find export opportunities in emerging markets.
Key Takeaways
● India–China textile trade shapes global supply chains, despite political tensions.
● India’s apparel exports are strengthening as China advances into high-tech production.
● TexPro allows continuous tracking of tariffs, price changes, and trade patterns.
● Demand forecasting and ESG supplier mapping in TexPro help reduce sourcing risks.
● India exporters can capitalise on China’s slowdown using TexPro’s export intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is India–China trade shaping textiles in 2025?
China provides machinery and synthetic yarns, and India dominates cotton yarn exports. Trade tensions and diversification efforts are encouraging Indian firms to explore new markets and suppliers. TexPro offers real-time insights on these developments.
- How can Indian exporters profit from China’s move up the value chain?
China is constantly rising in the value chain while prompting global buyers to diversify their textile sourcing. TexPro helps identify trade gaps, track price benchmarks, and spot emerging buyer markets across product categories.
- Can TexPro help me reduce dependency on Chinese textile raw materials?
Yes. TexPro offers supplier country analysis, ESG certification filters, and tariff insights to help you identify and switch to alternative sourcing destinations outside China while maintaining quality and compliance.
