India's textile exports take a big hit as US tariffs bite
India's textile and apparel exports dropped sharply in October 2025, with both sectors seeing nearly 13% declines from last year.
The main reason? The US—India's biggest customer for these goods—slapped on a steep 50% tariff, partly as a penalty for buying Russian oil.
Why does this matter?
With the US making up over a quarter of India's textile and apparel market, the new tariffs have led to canceled orders, shrinking shipments, and pressure for deep discounts.
About one in three exporters say their turnover has plunged by more than half.
The Indian government is trying to help by lowering cotton import duties (which boosted cotton imports by 83%), but so far, it hasn't been enough to stop the slide.
If you care about global trade or how international politics can shake up entire industries—and jobs—this is one to watch.