AEPC Discusses US Tariff Concerns with Commerce Minister

The Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Shri Sudhir Sekhri, along with Shri Vijay Agarwal, Chairman of TEXPROCIL, met with Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi to address pressing concerns surrounding the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.

The meeting took place amid reports suggesting that reciprocal tariffs of up to 26% could be imposed following the July 9 deadline, posing a significant threat to India’s textile and apparel exports to the US. Both chairmen conveyed serious apprehensions regarding the impact such tariffs could have on this labor-intensive sector, which plays a crucial role in India's export earnings and employment, especially within MSMEs and rural job markets.

They pointed out that apparel and home textiles are top export categories to the United States, and would bear the brunt of any potential tariff increases. The discussion emphasized the risk of export decline and job losses if higher tariffs are implemented.

Minister Goyal gave a considerate hearing to the concerns presented and assured the industry leaders that the government is committed to defending sectors like textiles and apparel during ongoing trade negotiations. He reiterated that necessary steps would be taken to ensure India’s core interests, particularly those of employment-generating sectors, are protected.

This meeting highlights the government’s responsive engagement with industry stakeholders and its continued efforts to uphold the global competitiveness and sustainability of India's textile and apparel sector.