Tariff Tensions Rise: Indian Exporters Brace for Impact Amid US Policy Shift

Image Source : The Economic Times

Indian textile stocks plunged sharply following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 percent additional tariff on Indian imports, effective August 27, 2025. The move, widely seen as a retaliatory measure over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, has rattled investor sentiment and raised concerns about the future of India’s export-driven textile sector.

Key Highlights from the Announcement

US imposes a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, targeting key export sectors including textiles
The tariff will take effect after a 21-day grace period, starting August 27, 2025
Textile stocks fell between 4 to 11 percent in early trade following the announcement
Companies with high US exposure such as Gokaldas Exports, Welspun Living, Indo Count, and Pearl Global were among the worst hit
Analysts warn of short-term export disruption and margin pressure across the sector

Market Reaction and Stock Performance

The tariff announcement triggered a swift and broad-based sell-off in textile counters:

Gokaldas Exports fell 8 percent, with nearly 70 percent of its revenue tied to the US market
Pearl Global dropped 10.64 percent, citing similar exposure
Welspun Living declined 6.51 percent, Indo Count Industries fell 7.44 percent
KPR Mills, Vardhman Textiles, and Arvind Ltd. saw losses ranging from 3 to 5 percent
Kitex Garments hit a 5 percent lower circuit, while Trident and Vedant Fashions also traded in the red

The BSE Textile Index dipped sharply, reflecting investor concerns over export viability and pricing competitiveness.

Sectoral Exposure and Competitive Landscape

India holds a 6 percent market share in US ready-made garment imports, competing with Vietnam (19 percent) and Bangladesh (9 percent). With Vietnam negotiating a 20 percent tariff and Bangladesh facing a 35 percent levy, India’s new 25 percent rate places it at a disadvantage.

Key concerns include:

Loss of price competitiveness in the US market
Potential order cancellations or renegotiations
Margin compression due to higher landed costs
Shift in sourcing preferences by US retailers toward Southeast Asian suppliers

Companies with manufacturing bases outside India may consider ramping up capacity in tariff-free zones to mitigate impact.

Political and Economic Implications

The tariff is part of a broader geopolitical standoff, with Trump accusing India of “fueling the Russian war machine” through oil purchases. The penalty comes despite ongoing trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington, which had shown signs of progress.
Economic analysts warn that:

India’s GDP growth could be impacted by 25 to 30 basis points in FY26
Export-driven sectors like textiles, auto components, and gems and jewelry face near-term headwinds
Retaliatory tariffs from India could escalate trade tensions further

However, some experts believe the tariff may be temporary and subject to revision depending on diplomatic developments.

Investor Strategy and Outlook

Market strategists advise a cautious approach in the short term:

Avoid overexposure to export-heavy textile stocks until clarity emerges
Monitor trade negotiations for signs of sectoral exemptions or tariff rollback
Long-term investors may consider accumulating quality names on dips, especially if valuations fall below historical averages

Despite the current volatility, the broader economy is expected to remain resilient, with domestic consumption and festive demand offering support.

Conclusion

The imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Indian textile exports by the US has sent shockwaves through the sector, triggering sharp stock declines and raising concerns about trade competitiveness. While the move reflects geopolitical tensions, its long-term impact will depend on how swiftly both nations navigate the diplomatic and economic fallout. For now, India’s textile industry faces a challenging road ahead.

Sources: ThePrint, Financial Express, CNBC TV18, Apparel Resources, The Hindu