Knitwear exporters in Tiruppur are pleased with the United States’ decision to lower import tariffs, seeing it as a significant relief for the export-focused industry and a key step towards revitalized growth.
The Tiruppur knitwear sector, responsible for about 40% of its exports to the US, had been struggling due to a high 50% tariff, leading many exporters to seek other markets, causing delays, increased costs, and operational challenges.
Exporters faced difficulties in replacing the US market due to its size and established trade ties, resulting in a notable drop in exports to the US over the past few months, raising concerns of a permanent shift by American importers to other countries.
The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to reduce the tariff to 18% has brought optimism to the Tiruppur cluster, with industry representatives viewing it as a positive development that will aid in the sector’s recovery.
Kumar Duraisamy, Joint Secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters Association, emphasized the relief felt by the industry due to the tariff reduction, highlighting the potential loss of business if the reduction had been further delayed.
Sakthivel, President of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, echoed these sentiments, stating that the tariff reduction will boost confidence among US buyers and help revitalize trade volumes, leading to a positive outlook for Tiruppur’s future.
Exporters are optimistic that with improved trade conditions, Tiruppur, once known as the knitwear capital of India, will regain its former status and resume its growth trajectory in the upcoming months.
