The textile and chemical sectors are expecting a spike in exports to the US in the coming years following Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election. Industry analysts predict that the Trump administration would make cutting Chinese imports a top priority, which might help Indian exporters. This spark of hope has been felt across the textile industry in India, especially in a state like Gujarat which is a hub for textiles in India.
India’s chemical exports to the United States, which is the largest importer of Indian chemicals, totalled US $ 2,863 million in 2023–2024, a 26 per cent drop from US $ 3,853 million in 2022–2023, according to data from Chemexcil. Industry leaders anticipate that India will outperform China in the market, even though Trump’s “America First” strategy may result in higher tariffs on Indian goods.
“Gujarat has about a 70 per cent share in India’s dye manufacturing, with the US being the largest market” said Ankit Patel, chairman of Chemexcil’s northern area. “We think Gujarat’s chemicals industry will gain a great deal from the Trump administration’s decision to forgo imports from China. In order to expand our position in the global supply chain, we also anticipate further technology transfers from US businesses.”
Additionally, the textile industry expects home textile sales to the US to increase. The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Textile Taskforce co-chairman Rahul Shah stated, “Indian textile exports will gain from Trump’s victory, particularly as many US businesses will establish offices in India rather than China.”
It has been observed that Trump’s election will strengthen the US dollar, making it more competitive in international markets and increasing India’s market share in the global textile and chemical industries.
However, experts have also noted that Trump’s protectionist policies, which prioritise lowering imports and boosting American industry, may present difficulties for India. Indian garments may become less competitive in the US market as a result of higher tariffs and trade restrictions, especially if the US Government decides to impose tougher trade restrictions in an effort to defend home industries.
Yet it has been felt that there is a potential upside. India may benefit from Trump’s persistent efforts to confront China, its strategic rival. Since China is the main focus of American trade restrictions and tariffs, American businesses may look to India as a more stable and dependable option for sourcing garments.
