Textile exporters stitch up an edge over key competitors

• New levy applied on top of extant rate of 12-14%

- NARAYANAN V

US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump's decision to impose universal reciprocal tariffs on imports has given India's textile industry — especially apparel exporters — an edge over competitors like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China, which face even higher tariffs.

The Trump administration on Thursday announced a flat 27% tariff on Indian goods with some exemptions. In comparison, India's main competitors — Vietnam (46% tariff), Bangladesh (37% tariff) and Sri Lanka (44% tariff) — face significantly higher tariffs under the new structure.

To be sure, Indian apparel exports to the US currently face a tariff of 12-14%, with the new 27% tariff applied on top of that. So far, apparel from Bangladesh and Vietnam has also carried a 12-14% tariff.