New Delhi: India recorded its highest-ever textiles and apparel exports in the financial year 2021-22 at USD 44.4 billion, the government said on Tuesday.

The exports tally, which also includes handicrafts, indicates a substantial increase of 41 percent and 26 percent over corresponding figures in FY'21 and FY'20, respectively.

USA was the top export destination for the country's textiles and apparel shipments accounting for 27 per cent share, followed by the European Union (18 per cent), Bangladesh (12 percent) and UAE (6 percent), the Textiles Ministry said.

"In terms of product categories, the export of cotton textiles was USD 17.2 billion with 39 per cent share registering a growth of 54 percent and 67 percent during 2021-22 over FY'21 and FY'20, respectively," an official statement said.

Export of ready-made garments stood at USD 16 billion with 36 percent share showing a growth of 31 percent and 3 percent during 2021-22 over FY'21 and FY'20, respectively.

Man-made textiles exports were to the tune of USD 6.3 billion with a 14 percent share, which shows a growth of 51 per cent and 18 per cent during 2021-22 over FY21 and FY20, respectively.

The export of handicrafts was USD 2.1 billion with 5 percent share, reporting a growth of 22 percent and 16 percent during 2021-22 over FY'21 and FY'20, respectively, the Textiles Ministry said.

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