President Trump’s Tariffs and Iran Conflict Impact Indian Textile Industry
President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods last August, severely affecting the competitiveness of Indian textile exports. Although there was a brief relief when tariffs were reduced in February, the situation worsened with the onset of the Iran conflict. The war, initiated by the U.S. and Israel's strike on Iran, has disrupted supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased energy and freight costs. This has further strained the Indian textile industry, which is the country's second-largest employer, supporting over 45 million jobs. The conflict has driven up raw material and packaging costs, forcing companies to offer discounts or lose orders. Migrant workers in the industry are also facing challenges, such as securing cooking fuel, prompting some to return to their hometowns.