No 'one-size-fits-all' as exporters brace for fragmented pricing

"There's uncertainty at the moment. Buyers are calculating their liquidity position in view of the tariff hike.

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They will also need to assess whether their buying volume will remain the same or be reduced. This assessment will have to be made across all countries," Sahai said.

Overall, every country's exports to the US will slow down as a result of this drastic step, dampening demand for at least the next few weeks.

Chandrima Chatterjee, secretary general of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, said some buyers were asking for discounts, although the full picture would emerge in a couple of weeks.

Chatterjee further noted that India's neighbouring rivals, such as Vietnam, had already offered zero-duty access to the US. If accepted, it would impact India's competitiveness in the textile sector. The US has announced a 46 per cent reciprocal tariff on Vietnam. Two Gujarat-based midsized exporters said that no negotiations had begun with buyers yet, as clarity is still to emerge on the implications.