As India’s apparel industry eyes new markets to expand its global footprint, Saudi Arabia stands out as a strategic, high-potential destination for ready-made garment (RMG) exports. Recent trade data and market trends reveal why Indian manufacturers should prioritise the Saudi market—an opportunity defined by rising demand, a strong base of Indian exports, and a shifting competitive landscape that favours agile exporters.
According to UN Comtrade 2025 data, Saudi Arabia’s total RMG imports reached USD 4.1 billion in 2024, showcasing sustained demand over recent years. Woven garments have emerged as the dominant category, comprising 55.8% of total imports in 2024, while knitted apparel accounted for 44.2%. This growing import appetite signals a significant opening for exporters able to offer competitive pricing, quality, and fast delivery cycles.
While Saudi Arabia’s overall RMG imports grew steadily, India’s own exports to Saudi Arabia have also expanded—from USD 462.9 million in 2020 to USD 550.5 million in 2024. Despite this absolute increase, India’s share of Saudi Arabia’s apparel imports dipped slightly from 15.3% in 2020 to 13.4% in 2024. This trend underscores both the opportunity and urgency for India to strengthen its position in the Saudi market.
Speaking on the competitive landscape, trade analysts note that China remains the top supplier, holding nearly 48.6% share in 2024. India retains its spot as the second largest exporter to Saudi Arabia, ahead of Bangladesh, Turkey, and other countries. However, Bangladesh—a major competitor—faces challenges such as political instability, energy shortages, and inflationary pressures that are currently limiting its production capacity.
“This creates a critical window for Indian manufacturers to step in,” say industry experts. “Saudi buyers will be looking for reliable, quality-focused partners, and Indian exporters can strengthen relationships by demonstrating consistent delivery and a flexible approach to design and pricing.”
Saudi Arabia’s RMG import profile is also evolving, with several product categories emerging as high-potential targets for Indian exporters. UN Comtrade data highlights the following as top focus products:
- Women’s or girls’ cotton and synthetic dresses
- Cotton T-shirts, singlets, and vests (knitted or crocheted)
- Men’s or boys’ cotton trousers and shorts
- Tracksuits and other man-made fibre garments
- Babies’ cotton garments and accessories
- Non-cotton T-shirts and vests
- Men’s or boys’ textile ensembles
- Jerseys, pullovers, and cardigans of cotton
By aligning product development and marketing strategies to these categories, Indian manufacturers can tap into clear and growing demand segments.
Beyond product focus, India’s competitive advantages in Saudi Arabia also include established supply chain ties, cultural affinity, and geographic proximity, enabling faster lead times compared to some competitors. Moreover, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with Saudi Arabia as its largest economy, serves as a gateway for further regional trade, magnifying the potential payoff of strategic market development.
As India’s garment industry navigates a highly competitive global export environment, Saudi Arabia represents one of the most promising near-term markets, with rising apparel consumption, premiumisation trends, and robust import growth.
Industry bodies and trade promotion agencies are already calling on manufacturers to step up engagement, invest in market research, and tailor collections to local tastes—combining traditional silhouettes with modern design cues, ensuring quality consistency, and exploring sustainable materials to appeal to the evolving Saudi consumer.
“Saudi Arabia isn’t just a market with demand—it’s a market with evolving expectations,” say apparel trade experts. “Indian exporters who invest in understanding this market and build lasting partnerships will be well positioned to capture long-term growth.”
The Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo shall take place at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the following dates:
- Venue / City: Jeddah International & Convention Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Set up Day: 24th September, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Fair Days: 25 – 28 September, 2025 (Thursday – Sunday)
- https://www.indian-apparel.com/events-exhibitions/?id=127
For more details please contact to – Apparel Export Promotion Council, Apparel House, Institutional Area, Sector -44, Gurugaram -122 003 (Haryana) India Tel:+91 0124-2708108 (D) Mobile No.+91 9560472244
E-mail: shari@aepcindia.com
We are also releasing Freeman’s Apparel Manufacturers Directory at CMAI’s 81st National Garment Fair start from 14th July. We have our stall in Saudi Fashion Tex Expo held at Jeddah from 25th September. Please contact for Advertisement oppotunity – Freeman Apparel & Lifestyle – +91 8820424365 and WhatsApp – +91 9432606060 Email – apparel.lifestyle@gmail.com Webpage – directory.indian-apparel.com
