Rama Krishna Sangem
India in its first countermeasure to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods, announced dedicated outreach programmes in 40 key markets, including the UK, Japan, and South Korea, to boost textile exports, an official said on August 27, Wednesday.
The targeted push will also cover Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Belgium, Turkiye, the UAE, and Australia.
“In each of these 40 markets, this is proposed to pursue a targeted approach, positioning itself as a reliable supplier of quality, sustainable, and innovative textile products with the lead role of the Indian industry, including EPCs and Indian Missions in these countries,” the official told news agency PTI.
The plan aims to position India as a reliable supplier of sustainable and innovative textile products, with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Indian missions playing a lead role, officials added. The 50% tariff effective on August 27, is set to hit major sectors including textiles, gems and jewellery, shrimp, leather, footwear, chemicals, and machinery.
Now our textiles exported to 220 countries
Currently, India exports to more than 220 countries, but officials say 40 select markets, including the UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and Australia—hold the real key to diversification. These nations together import over $590 billion worth of textiles and apparel annually, offering vast opportunities for India to enhance its market share, which currently stands at only around 5-6%, the official said.
“Recognising this, the government is planning dedicated outreach programmes in each of these 40 countries, with a focus on both traditional markets and emerging markets,” he added.
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) will play a central role in India’s diversification push. They will carry out market mapping, identify high-demand products, and connect specialised clusters, such as Surat, Panipat, Tirupur, and Bhadohi, to opportunities in the top 40 target countries. EPCs will also drive India’s presence at international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets, while running sector-specific campaigns under a unified Brand India identity.
In addition, they will guide exporters on leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs), meeting global sustainability standards, and obtaining required certifications. “FTAs and negotiations with several of these geographies will help make Indian exports competitive, and there is a huge potential for growth in these areas,” the official added.
