New Delhi, August 27 – In response to a sharp increase in import duties on Indian textile products, the government is preparing to launch a special outreach initiative across 40 key markets to strengthen exports and offset potential losses. As per agency report, the plan includes major destinations such as the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Belgium, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
Officials explained that the initiative aims to position India as a reliable supplier of quality, sustainable, and innovative textile products. Indian missions abroad and export promotion councils (EPCs) will play a central role in this exercise. While India already exports textiles to over 220 countries, these 40 markets collectively import textiles and apparel worth about 590 billion dollars, of which India currently accounts for only five to six percent. The government views this step as a crucial move toward diversifying markets and reducing dependence on the United States.
The announcement comes just as the United States imposed an additional 25 percent duty on Indian goods, effective August 27. This doubles the tariff on certain products to 50 percent, a measure expected to impact sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, leather, fish, chemicals, and machinery. For the textile industry alone, losses from the American market could reach 10.3 billion dollars.
Industry experts have voiced concern over competitiveness. According to the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Indian exporters now face a 30 to 31 percent disadvantage compared to suppliers from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Indonesia. AEPC has urged the government for immediate financial relief and emphasized the need to explore new opportunities through trade agreements with the UK and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations.
As part of the strategy, EPCs will analyze export markets, identify high-demand products, and connect textile hubs such as Surat, Tiruppur, and Bhadohi with global opportunities. Participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs will also be promoted under the Brand India campaign. Free trade agreements and bilateral trade deals are expected to play a key role in restoring competitiveness, and experts believe that this initiative could help India strengthen its presence in the global textile export market despite current challenges.
