CITI Raises Concern Over Potential Additional U.S. Tariffs

Textile industry body highlights possible impact on Indian textile and apparel exports

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has expressed concern over the potential impact of additional tariffs on India’s textile and apparel exports to the U.S. The industry body said further tariffs could create challenges for the MSME-dominated Indian textile and apparel sector, which is already facing several pressures.

CITI flags potential impact of additional U.S. tariffs on textiles

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has raised concerns over the potential impact on India’s textile and apparel exports because of the additional tariff planned by the U.S. following the signing of U.S. – Russia Sanctioning Executive Order Act of 2026 by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ashwin Chandran, chairman of CITI, said the U.S. is the single-largest market for India’s textile and apparel exports.

“Any additional tariffs under this will be very difficult to absorb for the MSME-dominated Indian textile and apparel sector that is already under stress due to several factors, including the continuing turmoil in West Asia. It will severely impact our ability to sell in the U.S.,” he said.

“We eagerly look forward to the Union government engaging more closely with the U.S. to ensure Indian exporters are not disadvantaged and remain completely uncompetitive,” he said.

CITI said a balanced and predictable trade framework could strengthen bilateral commercial engagement and support the long-term competitiveness of the textile and apparel sectors in both countries.

The organisation also noted that although the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India would open new markets for Indian exporters, these FTAs could not substitute the U.S. market for the textile and apparel sector.

“The FTAs offer a lot of potential, but the gains from these ... will take time to materialise,” Mr. Ashwin Chandran said.