In a bustling market in New Delhi, Anuj Gupta, who sources and exports garment accessories to major global brands, faces a significant challenge: his business has been severely impacted by the imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods sold to the US. The White House justified this move by the Trump administration, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil and its support for Moscow in the Ukraine conflict. This uncertainty in the market is disrupting the fashion industry’s production cycle, affecting Gupta’s business which relies on the US market for up to 40 percent of its operations.
Exporter associations warn that the tariffs could affect nearly 55 percent of India’s exports to the US, risking thousands of jobs in sectors such as textiles, seafood, and jewelry. Ajay Sahai of the Federation of Indian Export Organisation expresses concern over the lack of a trade deal between Washington and New Delhi and fears that buyers might look for alternative sources. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s government is advising exporters to prepare for a state support package but remains defiant against US trade policies, aiming for self-reliance amidst growing global economic protectionism.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/8/29/in-a-nightmare-india-braces-for-big-layoffs-as-trumps-tariffs-bite?traffic_source=rss
