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US tariff cut a lifeline for TN textile industry, says association.The rollback of the 50% US tariff is a lifeline for the Indian textile industry, said the Tamil Nadu based Southern India Mills’ Association, (SIMA) on Tuesday.The sudden imposition of the 50% US tariff had posed an unprecedented challenge to the textile and clothing industry largely spread across Tamil Nadu’s districts of Coimbatore and Tirupur. Indian textile accounts for nearly 29% of total US textile and apparel imports.The abrupt tariff hike had not only disrupted India’s manufacturing value chain but has also adversely impacted US consumers and importers through higher costs and supply uncertainties, said exporters. Textile and clothing (T&C) exports to the US, amounting to around USD 11 billion, account for nearly 29% of India’s total T&C exports, underscoring the market’s critical importance to the sector.Exporters predominantly dependent on the US market, particularly those in Tamil Nadu, faced a severe crisis following the tariff hike, said chairman of SIMA, Durai Palanisamy on Tuesday. “Production levels declined by 30–70% across several units, rendering around 10 lakh workers jobless and prompting the Government to announce a relief package to mitigate the unforeseen disruption,” said Palanisamy.US buyers began shifting their sourcing to competing countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam, posing a serious threat to India’s export competitiveness and market share in the US textile and apparel segment, exporters said.The SIMA chairman said that the 18% tariff is the lowest rate negotiated by any T&C export competing country with the United States, reflecting the Indian government’s strong diplomatic and trade efforts. He noted that India has successfully concluded trade agreements with three major global economies and markets – the US, the UK and European Union, apart from several other countries and is steadily moving towards securing preferential or free market access across most key international markets. Palanisamy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union minister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal for successfully concluding two landmark trade deals within a week, in addition to announcing “game-changing policy measures” for the textile industry in the recent Union Budget 2026–27.As the second-largest employment provider after agriculture, supporting over 110 million livelihoods, particularly the rural communities and women, the sector has traditionally depended heavily on the US market and was anticipating the early conclusion of a Bilateral Trade Agreement between the two Nations, which had been progressing on a fast track, said SIMA’s secretary general K Selvaraju. “The industry is now poised to achieve a sustained double-digit growth rate in the coming years, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Selvaraju said. “With strong policy support, enhanced market access and continued investments, the textile and clothing sector aims to expand to a domestic market size of $1.8 Trillion and achieve export earnings of $600 Billion, positioning India as a global leader in the textile value chain.”read more :- Rupee opens 15 paise down at 90.41

The Rupee opened 15 paise lower at 90.41 against the US dollar.Indian rupee opened lower at 90.41 per dollar on Wednesday versus previous close of 90.26.read more :- Rupee higher 04 paise to close at 90.26 per dollar

The Indian rupee higher 04 paise to close at 90.26  per dollar on Tuesday, compared to 90.30 in the morning.At close, the BSE Sensex stood at 83,739.13, up 2,072.67 points or 2.54 per cent, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled at 25,727.55, up 639.15 points or 2.55 per cent.read more :- Relief to textile sector due to removal of American tariff

Trump’s Tariff Removal: Major Impacts on Indian Textiles✅ Tariffs reduced — U.S. import duty on Indian goods (including textiles) cut to ~18% from higher levels (25–50%).✅ Boost to exports — Indian textiles now more price-competitive in the U.S. market.✅ Stock surge — Shares of Gokaldas Exports, KPR Mill, Welspun, and Trident jumped 10–20% after the announcement.✅ Higher U.S. orders expected — Lower tariffs likely to revive demand and export volumes from American buyers.✅ Industry relief — Textile associations say this move restores competitiveness and saves jobs in export hubs.✅ Positive investor sentiment — The deal signals improved India-U.S. trade relations, boosting market confidence.✅ Still not duty-free — Tariffs are lowered, not eliminated — India still faces competition from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and EU-FTA countries.✅ Overall effect: Strongly positive — Expected to lift textile exports, profits, and employment in the coming quarters.read more :- Boost to textile sector in Budget 2026, focus on cotton mission

Budget 2026 lifts textiles support with focus on Cotton Mission, technology upgrades.Budget 2026 has raised support for the textile sector, with higher allocation for the Ministry of Textiles and a renewed focus on the Cotton Mission and technology upgrades. The government aims to improve productivity, stabilise raw material supply and support exporters facing tariff pressure through schemes such as ATUFS, technical textile incentives and new textile parks.Textiles get higher Budget support in 2026 as Cotton Mission, technology upgrades take focus. As exporters suffer with new tariff constraints and global uncertainty, the Union Budget 2026 puts textiles back on the table. Higher spending, a renewed Cotton Mission and more support for technology upgrades suggest the government is finally trying to fix long-standing issues in the sector. After months of lobbying by industry bodies and concerns over the impact of US tariff actions under President Donald Trump, the government has chosen to lean on domestic strengths. The focus is clear: raise productivity, improve value addition and help textile manufacturers stay competitive across cotton, man-made fibre apparel and technical textiles. The nearly seven per cent rise in the Textiles Ministry’s allocation underscores that intent.As anticipated, the Budget has increased funding for the Ministry of Textiles by close to seven per cent. For the industry, this matters as much for what it signals as for the absolute number. At a time when global demand remains uneven and cost pressures persist, the higher outlay suggests policy continuity rather than short-term firefighting.Executives say the move offers some reassurance after a tough year marked by volatile cotton prices, weak export orders and thinning margins, particularly in apparel. The expectation now is that this additional spending will translate into smoother implementation of existing schemes rather than new headline announcements.Cotton Mission moves to the centre of policy.The Cotton Mission has emerged as a central pillar of the government’s textile strategy in Budget 2026. The renewed focus makes it clear the government knows raw materials remain one of the textile sector’s biggest problems. For exporters, support that helps them become more efficient may work better in the long run than short-term incentives.ATUFS funding likely to increaseA key positive for manufacturers is the expected rise in funding under ATUFS, the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme. The scheme has played a major role in helping spinning, weaving, processing and garment units modernise.Another push for technical textilesThe Budget also reinforces the long-term bet on technical textiles as a growth driver. Expanded duty exemptions on specialised machinery are expected to lower entry barriers and attract fresh investment. This push is part of India’s bigger plan to cut import dependence and build strength in exports where global demand is growing.For states and local economies, especially tier-2 and tier-3 cities where textiles are already strong, this could bring fresh investment and more jobs.Why this Budget matters for textiles?Budget 2026 positions textiles as a long-term manufacturing priority, not a sector getting temporary support. The focus is on stronger raw material access, better technology and solid infrastructure - the basics needed to compete globally.read more :- Announcement of establishment of textile mills in Odisha cotton belt

Odisha To Set Up Textile Mills In Cotton Belt, Announces CM Mohan Majhi.Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will set up textile mills in the State’s cotton-producing districts, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Sunday. The CM’s announcement signals a policy push to retain value addition and jobs within the state’s agrarian hinterland.Speaking during a visit to Sonepur, Majhi said western Odisha—particularly districts such as Bolangir, Kalahandi and Sonepur—would be prioritised for textile-led industrialisation, addressing a long-pending demand of cotton farmers and local industry.Despite producing lakhs of quintals of cotton annually, Odisha lacks adequate processing capacity, forcing farmers to send raw cotton to other states for ginning and manufacturing. This has resulted in lower returns and limited local employment. Textiles have been identified as one of the state’s 16 priority sectors, the Chief Minister said, adding that industrialisation would be expanded across all 30 districts. “Roadshows have been conducted and investors have shown interest. Textile mills will be set up in cotton-producing regions through a transparent process,” he said.The move is part of the government’s ‘Field to Fashion’ initiative, aimed at integrating cotton cultivation with garment manufacturing within the state. Officials said the plan is expected to generate large-scale employment, curb migration from western Odisha and strengthen farmer incomes. Currently, thousands of tonnes of cotton from Odisha are exported to other states and overseas markets, including Bangladesh. The proposed mills are expected to anchor a local textile value chain and give a significant boost to the State’s industrial landscape.read more :- The rupee opened 01 rupee 21 paise higher at 90.30 against the dollar.

Rupee opened 01 rupee 21 paise higher at 90.30/USDIndian rupee opened higher at 90.30 per dollar on Tuesday versus previous close of 91.51after blockbuster Modi-Trump dealread more :- Tamil Nadu: Textile industry gets relief from budget, import duty becomes cause for concern

Tamil Nadu textile industry welcomes budget reforms, raises concerns over import dutyChennai, Feb 2: Tamil Nadu's textile and apparel industry, the cornerstone of India's export sector, has widely welcomed the initiatives in the Union Budget to emphasize infrastructure, skill development and export facilitation. The industry appreciated schemes like National Fiber Scheme, Mega Textile Park and Samarth 2.0, which were considered important for modernizing and upgrading the textile skills ecosystem.However, the industry has warned that if the 11 per cent import duty on cotton is maintained, the impact of these reforms may be limited. Industry leaders from Tamil Nadu and other major textile manufacturing centers say timely availability of quality cotton is extremely essential to secure export orders and maintain employment in the value chain.South India Mills Association President Durai Palanisamy said it is necessary to remove import duty on all types of cotton to overcome the shortage of quality cotton and meet export commitments. He pointed out that domestic cotton prices in India are already about five per cent higher than international levels, while 15 per cent higher than Brazilian cotton.He also said that this price gap could widen in the coming months and seriously impact the financial viability of the entire textile value chain. Durai pointed out that the textile and apparel sector provides direct employment to about 35 million people and about 75 percent of India's total exports come from Tamil Nadu.M. Jaipal, President of Recycled Textile Federation, also expressed disappointment over the import duty and high GST rate (18 percent), which needs to be reduced to 5 percent. He said that without these measures, the availability of raw materials at globally competitive prices will be limited.Meanwhile, Apparel Export Promotion Council Chairman A. Sakthivel appreciated the emphasis on liquidity and business convenience in the budget. He said customs reforms and simplified documentation will reduce transaction costs and increase operational efficiency. He suggested that combining these steps with the review of cotton import duty would strengthen India and Tamil Nadu's position as a global textile hub.read more :- CITI: FY27 budget to boost textile exports

FY27 Budget to Boost Textile Exports, Improve Global Competitiveness: CITINew Delhi: The Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) has welcomed the Union Budget for FY27, stating that it will play a crucial role in enhancing the global competitiveness of India’s textile and apparel sector, boosting exports, and safeguarding employment.CITI said the Budget reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector against global uncertainties and economic challenges.Commenting on the Budget, CITI Chairman Ashwin Chandran said the measures announced will help “future-proof” the textile and apparel industry and strengthen its contribution to the Grow India mission. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and the Ministry of Textiles, noting that the initiatives will drive innovation, sustainable production, and employment generation.The Budget includes several key initiatives such as the National Fibre Mission, Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative, Tex-Eco Initiative, Mega Textile Parks under a challenge mode, Modernisation of Traditional Clusters, Textile Expansion and Employment Programme, National Handloom and Handicraft Programme, and Samarth 2.0 Skill Development Scheme. According to Chandran, these programmes will improve efficiency, encourage innovation, and promote sustainability across the sector, thereby strengthening India’s position in global markets.However, he noted that the Budget did not announce any direct reduction in import duties on cotton-based products, which remains important for improving cost competitiveness. These products account for nearly 60% of India’s textile and apparel market. He also highlighted the need for a dedicated scheme to support MSMEs in adopting sustainable production practices, which would help India benefit from the upcoming India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).CITI also welcomed measures such as extending the export realisation period from six months to one year, logistics reforms through freight corridors, simplification of export-import procedures, and the formation of a high-level banking committee aimed at supporting a developed India.Chandran said the industry body will continue working closely with the government to achieve a $350 billion textile and apparel industry size and a $100 billion export target by 2030.The textile and apparel sector remains India’s second-largest employment generator and contributes significantly to GDP and overall exports. However, the industry has been impacted by a 50% US tariff effective from August 27, 2025, as the United States is India’s largest textile export market. India’s textile and apparel exports to the US stood at around $11 billion in FY2024–25, accounting for nearly 28% of total sector exports.read more :- Rupee higher 25 paise to close at 91.51 per dollar

The Indian rupee on Monday higher 25  paise to close at 91.51 per dollar, while it opened at 91.76 in the morning.At close, the Sensex was up 943.52 points or 1.17 percent at 81,666.46, and the Nifty was up 262.95 points or 1.06 percent at 25,088.40. About 1919 shares advanced, 2166 shares declined, and 159 shares unchanged.read more :- New schemes for textile sector and MSME

Labour-intensive textile sector, MSMEs to get new schemesM. Soundariya PreethaCOIMBATORELabour-intensive textile and apparel and Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprise (MSME) sector impacted by geopolitical developments in the last two years received a boost from the Budget with new schemes and higher allocations.Jump in allocationThe textile sector will see almost a 25% jump in budgetary allocation for 2026-2027 from the current financial year while the MSME sector will see doubling of allocation.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Central Public Sector Enterprises would establish high technology tool rooms in two locations as digitally enabled automated service bureaux that locally design, test and manufacture high-precision components at scale and at lower cost.A Scheme for Enhancement of Construction and Infrastructure Equipment would be introduced to boost local manufacturing of high-value and technologically-advanced equipment.A sum of ₹10,000 crore would be allocated during the next five years for a scheme for container manufacturing.For the ‘labour-intensive textile sector’, the government proposed comprehensive measures that would include a special programme to promote sports goods, a National Fibre Scheme for man-made fibre, silk, wool, etc., mega textile parks developed on challenge mode for value addition to technical textiles, a Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme to modernise traditional clusters with capital support for machinery, technology upgradation and common testing and certification centres.A National Handloom and Handicraft programme would ensure targeted support for weavers and artisans. Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj initiative would boost khadi, handloom and handicraft, Tex-Eco Initiative would promote globally competitive and sustainable textiles and apparel and Samarth 2.0 would upgrade the textile skilling ecosystem.Under rejuvenation of legacy industrial clusters, the budget proposed a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters, create dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future champions and top up the Self-Reliant India Fund set up in 2021 with ₹2,000 crore to enable micro units access risk capital.Settlement platformThe TReDS (Trade receivables discounting scheme) would be a mandatory transaction settlement platform for all purchases from MSMEs by CPSEs. A credit guarantee support mechanism would be introduced through CGTMSE for invoice discounting on TReDS platform; GeM would be linked with TReDS and TReDS receivables would be introduced as asset-backed securities, helping develop a secondary market.read more :- Budget relief for textile sector of South Gujarat