From textiles to jewellery: Indian sectors in Trump’s tariff crosshairs
India, which exported over $120 billion worth of goods to the US last year, risks losing its competitive edge across sectors that have long thrived under relatively low US duties.
Textiles and apparel are among India’s top exports to the US, worth about $10.3 billion a year. The new tariffs will hit hard, especially on knitted clothes (63.9%), woven garments (60.3%), and home textiles like bedsheets and towels (59%).
2/7
India exported nearly $12 billion worth of gems and jewellery to the U.S. last fiscal year. Under the new tariff structure, items like diamonds, gold jewellery, and other ornaments will face effective duties of 52.1%, making them far less attractive in the price-sensitive U.S. retail market.
3/7
Leather and footwear exports, valued at around $1.18 billion, are heavily dependent on the American market.
4/7
India’s $2.24 billion seafood exports to the US, especially shrimp, are already burdened with multiple trade barriers like anti-dumping (2.49%) and countervailing duties (5.77%).
India’s chemical exports to the US, valued at $2.34 billion, now face tariffs of up to 54%, with organic chemicals among the worst hit.
6/7
India exports approximately $9 billion worth of engineering goods, machinery, and electrical equipment to the US annually. With the new tariff push, mechanical appliances now face 51.3% duties, making even mid-level equipment unaffordable for American buyers.
7/7
India’s steel exports to the US stand at $6.2 billion, with aluminium contributing $860 million. While not explicitly targeted in the current tariff list, these sectors may face secondary trade restrictions, including under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act.
