Surat has rightfully earned its reputation as India's textile capital, producing millions of exquisite sarees each year that find their way to markets across the globe. At Ajmera Fashion Limited, we've been at the heart of this thriving export industry since 2008, helping international clients build profitable saree businesses. This comprehensive guide shares everything we've learned about successfully exporting sarees from Surat to worldwide markets.
The saree export business offers tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing global demand for Indian ethnic wear. What makes Surat particularly special is its unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing capabilities. The city's textile ecosystem brings together skilled artisans, advanced production facilities, and efficient logistics networks - all working together to create sarees that appeal to diverse international markets.
Having worked with buyers from over 15 countries, we at Ajmera Fashion can confidently say that Surat offers unparalleled advantages for saree exporters. The city's textile industry produces an astonishing 8 million meters of fabric daily, specializing in every type of saree fabric imaginable - from flowing georgettes and delicate chiffons to luxurious silks and practical cotton blends.
What truly sets Surat apart is its ability to deliver both quality and affordability. The concentrated manufacturing ecosystem means lower production costs that get passed on to exporters. For instance, a beautifully printed georgette saree that might cost ₹800 in other Indian cities can often be sourced for ₹400-₹500 in Surat when buying directly from manufacturers like Ajmera Fashion.
Another key advantage is the incredible design innovation happening here. Our design team at Ajmera Fashion alone creates over 200 new saree patterns every month, carefully curated to match international fashion trends. Whether you're looking for traditional Indian designs, contemporary fusion styles, or sustainable eco-friendly options, Surat's manufacturers have you covered.
Before diving into the export process, it's crucial to understand which international markets offer the best opportunities. Based on our export data at Ajmera Fashion, here are some key insights:
The United States market has shown consistent growth in demand for contemporary saree designs that blend Indian aesthetics with western styling. American customers particularly appreciate easy-to-wear options like pre-stitched sarees and reversible designs that retail between $80-$300. These products typically wholesale for $25-$75, offering healthy margins for exporters.
European markets, especially the UK and Germany, are increasingly interested in sustainable saree options. We've seen growing demand for organic cotton sarees, sarees made with recycled fabrics, and those using natural dyes. These environmentally-conscious products often command premium pricing in European markets.
Middle Eastern countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar continue to be strong markets for luxurious embroidered sarees. The demand is especially high for wedding and festive wear featuring exquisite zari work, sequins, and premium fabrics. These markets are less price-sensitive, allowing for higher profit margins.
African markets present excellent opportunities for affordable daily wear sarees. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya show strong demand for vibrantly printed georgette and chiffon sarees in the $15-$40 wholesale range. These products move quickly in volume, making them ideal for new exporters.
With thousands of manufacturers operating in Surat, finding reliable suppliers is perhaps the most critical step in building your export business. Here's our advice from years of experience at Ajmera Fashion:
First, look for manufacturers with proven export experience. Genuine export-oriented factories will have proper documentation like Import-Export Code (IEC) and familiarity with international shipping procedures. At Ajmera Fashion, we've developed specialized expertise in handling all aspects of saree exports, from documentation to compliance with international standards.
Second, evaluate the supplier's design capabilities. The best manufacturers invest in creative teams that understand global fashion trends. Our design studio at Ajmera Fashion employs 12 full-time designers who create collections specifically tailored for different international markets. We regularly share trend forecasts and design concepts with our export clients.
Third, assess production capacity and quality control systems. Export orders require strict consistency across hundreds or thousands of pieces. Our 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Surat's Pandesara industrial area includes dedicated quality control teams that conduct six-stage inspections to ensure every saree meets our high standards.
When visiting potential suppliers, pay close attention to:
The condition of fabric storage areas
The quality and maintenance of printing/embroidery equipment
Working conditions for artisans and staff
The organization of sample rooms and design archives
Packaging and labeling capabilities
Exporting textiles from India requires several key documents that we at Ajmera Fashion help our clients navigate:
The Packing List accompanies the commercial invoice, specifying contents of each package/carton. This document is crucial for customs clearance. We recommend including:
Detailed carton dimensions and weight
Precise fabric composition percentages
Color and style breakdown
Total number of pieces per carton
Certificate of Origin may be required depending on the destination country and any applicable trade agreements. India has free trade agreements with several countries that can reduce or eliminate import duties for your customers.
Quality Certifications like Oeko-Tex or ISO certificates add credibility, especially when exporting to quality-conscious markets like Europe and North America. Ajmera Fashion maintains multiple international certifications that our export clients can leverage to build trust with their buyers.
Shipping Documents include the bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill, along with insurance certificates. We work with trusted logistics partners who understand the specific documentation requirements for textile exports to different countries.
After twelve years of exporting sarees worldwide, we've identified several best practices for shipping:
For smaller orders (under 50kg), air freight is often most practical despite higher costs. A typical 30kg shipment to the US costs ₹15,000-₹20,000 and arrives in 5-7 days. The faster transit time helps maintain cash flow and allows for quicker inventory turnover.
For larger orders, sea freight becomes significantly more economical. A 20ft container can hold 15,000-18,000 sarees (depending on fabric thickness and packaging) at a cost of ₹1.5-₹2 lakh to major international ports. While transit times are longer (30-45 days), the cost savings make this the preferred option for established exporters.
Packaging deserves special attention to ensure sarees arrive in perfect condition. We recommend:
Individual polybags for each saree to prevent friction damage
50-100 pieces per carton (depending on fabric weight)
Moisture-resistant packaging for sea shipments
Clear labeling with style numbers and colors for easy identification
Insurance is absolutely essential - typically costing 1-2% of the goods value. We've seen too many clients learn this lesson the hard way after damage incidents during transit.
Customs clearance can be simplified by:
Ensuring accurate HS code classification
Providing proper commercial invoices with detailed descriptions
Understanding destination country regulations in advance
Being prepared for possible inspections with all documentation
At Ajmera Fashion, we've helped hundreds of clients build successful export businesses, and effective marketing often makes the difference between mediocre and outstanding results.
For B2B marketing, we recommend:
Creating a professional catalog with high-quality images that showcase your products
Building a simple e-commerce website with bulk order functionality
Listing on B2B platforms like IndiaMart and Alibaba to reach international buyers
Attending major international trade shows (we can help prepare samples)
For brand building strategies:
Develop a unique selling proposition that sets you apart (e.g., sustainable sarees, fusion designs)
Create packaging that tells your brand story and enhances perceived value
Build social proof through testimonials and case studies
Consider strategic influencer collaborations in your target markets
When developing your pricing strategy, account for:
Product cost (including shipping and duties)
Your desired position in the market (budget vs premium)
Competitor pricing in your target countries
Reasonable profit margins that allow for business growth
As an established manufacturer and exporter with 12+ years of experience, Ajmera Fashion offers several unique advantages:
Export-Ready Products - All our collections are designed with international markets in mind, meeting global quality and compliance standards.
Complete Documentation Support - From commercial invoices to certificates of origin, we handle all export paperwork to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Customization Options - We offer private labeling, custom packaging, and exclusive designs to help you build a distinctive brand.
Logistics Assistance - Our partnerships with trusted freight forwarders ensure your shipments arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Market Insights - We provide regular updates on international saree trends and demand patterns to help you make informed buying decisions.
The journey to building a successful saree export business begins with small, strategic steps:
Define Your Niche - Identify your target markets and product focus based on demand and competition.
Connect with Ajmera Fashion - Request our export catalog and samples to evaluate quality and designs.
Start Small - Place a trial order (we recommend 200-500 pieces) to test the market.
Develop Your Documentation - Ensure you have all necessary export licenses and paperwork in order.
Ship Your First Order - Work with our logistics team to ensure smooth delivery to your customers.
Gather Feedback - Use customer responses to refine your product selection and marketing.
Scale Up - Gradually increase order quantities as you build your customer base.
For new exporters, we're currently offering free export consultancy services with orders above ₹5 lakhs, including:
Personalized market selection guidance
Product recommendations based on your target markets
Comprehensive documentation checklist
Referrals to reliable logistics partners
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