CMAI Festive Survey: 52% of Members Expect Higher Sales in 2026

09 September 2026: The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has reported positive expectations for India’s 2026 festive apparel season. Its member survey, covered by The Economic Times on 7 September 2026, found that 52% expected higher sales than last year, although rising raw material costs could prevent stronger demand from improving profitability.

CMAI festive survey points to stronger sales expectations

According to The Economic Times’ report on the survey, another 30% of respondents expected sales to match the previous festive season, while fewer than 20% anticipated a decline. These figures measure business expectations, not completed sales or confirmed market growth.

The reported outlook linked confidence to improving macroeconomic conditions, a reasonable monsoon and positive consumer sentiment. Strong retailer order bookings at CMAI’s recently concluded National Garment Fairs also supported expectations.

Screen Print India’s earlier National Garment Fair coverage explains how exhibitors use enquiries and bookings to assess retail demand. That report concerns the January 2024 edition, not the fairs referenced in the latest survey.

Higher sales may not mean higher profits

Around 54% of respondents said they were absorbing increased raw material costs through lower margins. About 35% had raised product prices, according to the reported findings.

The distinction matters for manufacturers and brands: selling more clothing does not automatically improve profitability if each sale earns a smaller margin. The survey does not quantify the size of the cost increases or the resulting margin reductions.

For background on the industry’s sourcing concerns, Screen Print India’s FAB Show 2026 preview covered CMAI’s focus on fabric suppliers, accessories and procurement.

Indian wear leads category expectations

About 45% of respondents identified Indian wear, including salwar suits, churidars and kurtas, as the strongest prospective festive performer. Western casual wear, such as T-shirts and denims, followed.

Respondents also expected online apparel purchases to gain momentum. The Economic Times report put online channels at around 12% of apparel sales, but did not specify that estimate’s measurement period or methodology. It should therefore remain an attributed estimate, not a confirmed market benchmark.

The positive expectations differ from Screen Print India’s 2023 festive survey report, which recorded widespread expectations of declining sales. This is historical context rather than a like-for-like comparison: the latest report does not disclose the sample size or fieldwork dates needed to assess comparability.