Overview of the Indian Synthetic and Man-Made Textile Market

India's synthetic textile market is poised for strong global demand The market is sized at an annual production volume of ~4 million metric tons in 2024. The market is growing steadily backed by continued government assistance, growing export opportunities and rising local demand. 

Artificial textiles such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and polypropylene are becoming popular in India. They have compelling qualities like affordability, durability and resistance to wrinkles. Among them, polyester dominates the segment, generating the maximum revenue, while nylon is the fastest-growing category. This burgeoning growth indicates changing consumer tastes and crucial usage of synthetic fibers in industrial, automotive, home furnishings and clothing materials. 

The synthetic textile is one of the most promising verticals within India's larger textile landscape and is slated to grow at a CAGR of ~7% from 2023 to 2030. The key factors driving the segment are changes in lifestyle, urbanization and the growing need for functional & performance textiles. 

The industry offers investors and entrepreneurs strong potential. Additionally, technological advancements in the fiber processing vertical are further driving the market by producing yarns of higher quality with enhanced tensile strength, sustainability, and customization possibilities. 

Government programs such as PM MITRA and PLI schemes encourage infrastructure development and investment in the textile industry.

This further creates lucrative business and investment opportunities at every stage of the value chain, from the production of raw materials to manufacturing and export.

 India’s Man-Made Fiber Export Landscape:

Being a major contributor to both domestic production and international trade, India is a key participant in the global Man-Made Fiber (MMF) textile sector. The MMF industry accounts for 16% of India's total textile exports, demonstrating the country's ability to produce high-performance, reasonably priced, and adaptable textiles for the international market. 

Two of the primary varieties of MMFs are cellulosic and synthetic fibers. Cellulosic fibers like viscose are made from wood pulp, whereas synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene are made from crude oil. India ranks sixth in the world for MMF textile exports, specializing in polyester-based goods such as yarns, filaments, spun fibers, ropes, blankets and textiles for home furnishings.

India’s MMF textile exports amounted to USD 5.74 billion in 2024, demonstrating a stable performance despite global economic challenges. Polyester Filament Yarn (PFY) topped the list of all MMF exports, accounting for 46% of the total market. Furthermore, Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) Yarn, Polyester Spun Yarn, Poly-Cotton Spun Yarn and Poly-Viscose Yarn are crucial export categories. India's top export destinations are USA, UAE, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. 

The global end-use demand for MMFs is expected to grow at the rate of 3.7% in 2025. This makes India well-positioned to take advantage of changing market trends like growing brand consciousness, rising fitness awareness and fast fashion cycles. For both manufacturers and investors, this presents a thriving export-led growth avenue.

 Key Synthetic Textiles Segments Thriving in the Indian Market:

Ø Polyester: Polyester is the most popular synthetic textile in India because of its strength, affordability and versatility. The textile has various use cases such as fashion clothing, home furnishings (bedsheets, curtains), and technological fabrics like conveyor belts & car interiors. Furthermore, the demand for polyester filament yarn (PFY) in India is expected to rise at a CAGR of 3.24% reaching 3.06 million tonnes by 2030. Major producers such as Reliance Industries, Alok Industries, and Indorama Ventures are modernizing the industry with advanced machinery. For Indian polyester manufacturers, the persistent demand worldwide, especially from the US, China, and Europe, offers attractive export opportunities. This makes the segment an ideal destination for backward integration and strategic investment.

Ø Nylon: Nylon is rapidly developing as a key component of the Indian synthetic textile industry because of its strength, flexibility, and resistance to damage. The Indian nylon market valued at USD 1.62 billion in 2024, is expanding at a CAGR of 7.32%. Additionally, by FY2030, the demand for nylon filament yarn (NFY) is anticipated to reach 1.18 million tonnes. It caters to industries including tire cords, geotextiles, automotive textiles, lingerie, hosiery, and sportswear. The premium variety Nylon 66 is becoming more popular because of its strength and resilience to heat. Fresh B2B opportunities have been developed through its applications in the automotive and technical textiles sectors. The vertical is dominated by Indian firms, which include AYM Syntex, JCT, and Gujarat Polyfilms. Furthermore, nylon constitutes a highly lucrative sector for business owners, particularly those interested in specialized textiles and practical clothing.

 Ø Acrylic: Synthetic alternatives to wool, acrylic fibers, are valued for their resilience to weather, softness, and colour preservation. With applications in paints and coatings, healthcare, construction, and textiles, the acrylic industry in India is expanding. Acrylic polymers vertical is anticipated to jump from USD 24.9 million in 2023 to USD 41.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.67%. Acrylic has applications in technical fabrics, blankets, knitwear, and home décor. Additionally, the popularity of the acrylic sheet is growing in sectors like spas, wellness centers, furniture, and signage. India is steadily increasing its domestic capabilities even though it imports mostly from South Korea, Indonesia, and China. Furthermore, acrylic provides enterprises with multi-sector penetration, which makes it perfect for industrial B2B applications and B2C textile developments.

 Ø Rayon: Rayon serves as a bridge between synthetic and natural fibers. It is made from cellulose and provides the softness & drape of natural fibers with performance like artificial materials. By 2030, the Indian rayon market is expected to expand at a staggering CAGR of 7.6%. Although the market is dominated by viscose rayon, modal rayon is rapidly picking up as it provides softness and environmental friendliness. Commodities such as medical textiles, lingerie, furniture, hygiene goods, and women's clothing all make extensive use of rayon. With the contribution of major companies like Aditya Birla Group, Grasim Industries, and Lenzing AG, the country has transformed into an important manufacturer and exporter of rayon globally. As consumer preferences for eco-friendly and biodegradable textiles grow, rayon creates opportunities for investment in eco-friendly production and fashion-forward firms.

 Ø Spandex (Lycra): Spandex, often known as Lycra, is transforming the performance clothing market in India. The spandex market is expected to reach USD 409.68 million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.62%. The market is driven by rising demand for athleisure, activewear and flexible innerwear. Lycra is known for its remarkable flexibility, making it a popular material for maternity clothes, compression gear and yoga attire. Indorama's INVIYA, based in Himachal Pradesh, is the most prominent domestic manufacturer. India still imports plenty of spandex, which highlights a serious supply shortage. This presents a compelling space for contract manufacturing, import substitution, and product innovation in niche sectors for upcoming firms. Additionally, the spandex industry provides high-margin & quick-moving potential in both urban and Tier II regions as Indian consumers are rapidly adopting functional fashion.

 Ø Polypropylene: Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in technical textiles, automotive components and packaging due to its affordability and toughness. Packaging accounts for generating the most revenue across all the other use cases. Growing demand for geo-textiles, furniture laminates, medicinal applications and construction is further driving the polypropylene market in India. To keep up with the growing demand, major manufacturers such as Reliance Industries, BASF SE, ExxonMobil and Borealis Exploration are expanding their domestic footprint. India has a significant export presence in the Asia-Pacific area as well. Polypropylene presents an opportunity for investors to access non-apparel synthetic textile prospects, particularly in industrial and B2B industries, where growth is steady and demand is less volatile.

 Why Invest in India’s MMF & Synthetic Fiber Sector:

The Indian synthetic and man-made fiber segment is developing into one of the most attractive avenues for entrepreneurship and investment. The industry provides a unique blend of scalability, resilience, and profitability. This trend is particularly driven by growing worldwide demand, export possibilities and customer preferences for affordability, durability, and usefulness. 

From polyester and nylon to acrylic, rayon, spandex, and polypropylene, the landscape serves a variety of high-demand end-use industries. This includes sportswear, industrial textiles, automotive, home décor, clothing, and hygiene goods. India is in a unique position to respond to the global trend because of its low manufacturing costs, modern infrastructure, and robust export connections. 

However, strategic understanding, granular insights & data and market clarity are crucial aspects to be covered by potential investors and businesses before entering the MMF market in India. 

 A specialized market research and consultancy company like The India Watch can be extremely beneficial in this situation. We assist companies in understanding the complex dynamics of the market, identifying promising market niches and developing a data-supported business strategy. 

Additionally, we have solid experience in consumer demand mapping, feasibility research, competition benchmarking and growth forecasting. 

Early entrants stand to benefit the most in an industry that is set for exponential development. The Indian MMF and synthetic fiber industry provides not just an entry, but also a route to long-term success and sustainable returns with the correct market research and execution plan.

How can The India Watch Help?

We at The India Watch provide investors and companies with sector-specific actionable data to help them navigate the highly promising Indian synthetic and man-made fiber (MMF) market. Through our specialized feasibility studies and market research study reports, you can identify the most profitable and scalable prospects. We help you make informed decisions before you invest money. 

Our in-depth analysis includes, but is not limited to:

ü Comprehensive Market Sizing and future demand projections

ü Evolving Industry & Market Trends 

ü Competitive Landscape Mapping

ü Investment Trends and major M&A activities shaping the sector

ü Technology Landscape

ü Customer Segmentation & Evolving Consumption Patterns (including B2B and B2C trends)

ü Distribution Channel & Supply Chain Optimization

ü Sourcing Strategy

ü Go-to-Market & Expansion Strategies

ü Regulatory, Trade & Policy Frameworks

ü Financial Modeling, ROI Forecasting & Risk Analysis

ü Addressable Market Estimation by fiber type, region, and end-user segment

ü Growth Roadmap Development

 To further explore tailored solutions for your business in India’s MMF and synthetic fiber market, reach out to us at info@theindiawatch.com