New Delhi, April 23 -- India's textile exports, including those of handicrafts, increased by 2.1% to Rs.3.16 lakh crore in the financial year ended March 2026 from Rs.3.09 lakh crore a year ago, the textile ministry said on Wednesday. The growth comes despite the sector facing steep tariffs imposed by the US, its largest export destination, for most of the financial year. The reciprocal tariff regime began with 10 per cent on April 2, 2025 and was rapidly escalated. Rates for India rose to 25 per cent by August 7, 2025 and to 50% by August 28, remaining at that level until early February 2026. Following the US Supreme Court's decision against the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on a number of countries, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on all countries from February 24 for 150 days. This performance reflects steady global demand for Indian textile products and the continued competitiveness of the sector across major product categories, the textile ministry stated. Export growth was registered in more than 120 destinations during April 2025 to February 2026 over the corresponding period of the previous year, indicating broad-based geographical expansion in India's textile export basket. A notable growth has been observed in key markets such as the UAE (22.3%), UK (7.8%), Germany (9.9%), Spain (15.5%), Japan (20.6%), Egypt (38.3%), Nigeria (21.4%), Senegal (54.4%), and Sudan (205.6%), etc. Among the major segments, ready-made garments (RMG) of all textiles remained the largest contributor to textile exports, increasing from Rs.1.35 lakh crore to Rs.1.39 lakh crore, up 2.9% year-on-year. Shipments of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups and handloom products remained flat, recording 0.4% growth at Rs.1.02 lakh crore in FY2025-26. Man-made yarn, fabrics and made-ups posted a stronger growth of 3.6%, with exports increasing from Rs.41,196 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal to Rs.42,687.8 crore during 2025-26. Among value-added segments, handicrafts, excluding handmade carpets, recorded the highest growth among major categories, rising by 6.1% from Rs.14,945.5 crore in FY25 to Rs.15,855.1 crore during FY26. "The steady growth in India's textile exports, particularly in the ready-made garments segment, reflects the resilience of the industry despite a challenging global environment. The expansion across a wide range of markets indicates gradual stabilisation in demand and the adaptability of Indian exporters," Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A. Sakthivel told PTI. Going forward, Sakthivel said, upcoming Free Trade Agreements with key markets such as the UK and European Union are expected to provide a significant boost by enhancing competitiveness and market access. At the same time, continued policy support through schemes will remain key to address cost pressures and sustain export momentum. The sector is well-positioned for stronger growth in the coming year, he added. The government has continued to support the sector through key export facilitation and remission measures, including the extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies Scheme and the RoDTEP Scheme beyond March 2026....