The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) convened an interactive session on 23rd August 2025 to address the challenges faced by exporters due to the recent increase in U.S. tariffs. The session was attended by members of the Executive Committee, Advisory Committee, special invitees, and exporters.
Welcoming the gathering, N. Thirukkumaran, General Secretary, TEA, stated that a representation concerning the impact of the U.S. tariff had been submitted to the Minister of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Textiles by Honorary Chairman Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel. The General Secretary added that he and Kumar Duraiswamy, Joint Secretary, had also met in person with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin and the Minister of Industries and submits the representation.
Kumar Duraiswamy, Joint Secretary, TEA, he address outlined that Tiruppur’s export trade to the U.S. falls into three categories: CORE trade (round the year), seasonal trade and direct trade with brands and buyers. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the various challenges exporters are facing due to the U.S. tariff hike.
In his keynote, R. Gopalakrishnan, Treasurer, TEA, stated that TEA would request that Extension of the deadline for the Emergency Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) in account-holding banks and credit rating agencies refrain from temporarily lowering exporters’ ratings when examining their accounts. He also emphasized that these institutions should not impose penalties on exporters involved in U.S. trade if payments are delayed.
During the discussion, exporters detailed the problems they have been encountering. Kumar Duraisamy, Joint Secretary TEA, stated that a decision would be made on how to handle these issues, which include requests for discounts of 5% to 25% on goods subject to higher taxes, instructions to temporarily suspend pending orders, and the cancellation of many orders. These decisions will be communicated to the members shortly.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by R.K. Sivasubramaniam, Chairman, Membership SubCommittee, TEA.
The discussion was attended by members of the Executive Committee, Advisory Committee members, special invitees, and members.
