Indian exporters across textiles, apparel, leather goods and other sectors are accelerating shipments to the United States amid concerns that President Donald Trump may raise the recently announced 15% tariff once the current 150-day window expires.
Industry officials said exporters are in active discussions with US buyers to maximise consignments within the permitted timeframe and are working through holidays to expedite dispatches.
The development follows a ruling by the US Supreme Court on Friday invalidating President Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed under an international emergency law. Shortly thereafter, the President announced a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, which was subsequently raised to 15% on Saturday. The levy has been implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and will remain in force for a maximum of 150 days unless extended by Congress.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) stated that it is assessing the implications of the latest tariff measures and their potential impact on India’s textile and apparel exports. In a statement, the organisation said the recent developments had introduced a renewed phase of uncertainty. It added that greater clarity from the authorities, particularly regarding the status of terms agreed under the interim trade arrangement between India and the United States, would be helpful.
Lalit Thukral, Chairman of the Noida Apparel Export Cluster, said exporters would seek to push shipments to the US during the 150-day window. However, he noted that significant uncertainty persisted in the US market, especially over whether importers would receive refunds on tariffs already paid.
India’s performance in the US textiles and apparel market in 2025 has remained largely flat, with imports rising by just 0.9% to US $ 9.68 billion.
Ramesh Juneja, Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports, said US buyers were in close contact with Indian exporters. He stated that shipments would be executed within the 150-day window but emphasised the need for clearer guidance on the tariff regime to support leather exports. India exports leather goods worth approximately Rs. 18,000 crore (US $ 1.98 billion) annually to the United States.
Exporters have also expressed concern that President Trump could invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the US Trade Representative to investigate and impose trade measures if a country is deemed to have engaged in ‘unfair trading practices’. Such a move, industry representatives warned, could introduce further volatility into bilateral trade.
