This is a huge setback to the labour-intensive apparel export industry. There is no way the industry can absorb this. I am sure the government also realizes that this unreasonable increase in tariff will sound the death knell for the Micro and Medium apparel industry, especially those who majorly sell to the US market, unless the Government of India steps in with direct fiscal support to the industry.”
The USA is a key market for Indian RMG exports, with the country holding a share of 33% in India’s total garment exports in 2024. India’s presence in the U.S. garment import market has grown, with its share increasing from 4.5% in 2020 to 5.8% in 2024 and ranks 4th among the top RMG exporters to the United States.