India’s knitwear sector to anchor global acrylic fiber growth through 2036

The Indian textile industry is positioned to become the primary engine for the global acrylic fiber market, which is projected to touch $9.591 billion by 2036. Seen as a low-cost substitute for wool, acrylic fiber is going through a technical change as domestic knitwear hubs like Ludhiana and Tiruppur integrate advanced gel-dyeing and recycled polymer technologies.

Current market data suggests a steady CAGR of 4.2 per cent starting from a 2026 baseline of $6.356 billion, largely due to the explosive growth of organized retail and middle-class demand for durable, UV-resistant apparel. Industry analysts indicate, the shift toward blended knitwear is no longer just a pricing strategy but a response to functional performance requirements in the athleisure and home textile segments.

The integration of recycled acrylic fibers is becoming a non-negotiable benchmark for Indian exporters aiming to maintain their 5 per cent share of the global trade, reveals Future Market Insights. One example is the adoption of waterless dyeing processes in North Indian spinning clusters, which has reduced chemical effluent by 20 per cent while maintaining the fiber's characteristic vibrancy. As global supply chains prioritize sustainability, India’s ability to scale high-performance, eco-friendly acrylic yarns offers an opportunity to capture high-value export markets over the next decade.

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a premier market intelligence firm providing detailed analysis across the global textile and apparel value chain. Headquartered in Dubai, it serves clients in over 150 countries, focusing on high-growth emerging markets.