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Indian exporters fear ‘washout’ of US orders as elusive trade deal prolongs tariff pain

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2026年1月7日
2 min read
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Indian exporters fear ‘washout’ of US orders as elusive trade deal prolongs tariff pain插图

Indian exporters of products ranging from home decor to leather shoes are worried about missing the US summer shopping season if they are unable to lock in orders in January as trade deal talks drag on between New Delhi and Washington.

This will be the decisive month for sealing the trade pact so contracts can be secured for the first half of 2026, according to half a dozen local exporters. The punitive 50 per cent US tariffs since August already hurt the exporters’ order volumes in the typically busy winter and Christmas season in 2025.

One of the steepest levies imposed by the Donald Trump administration continues to deal a heavy blow to India’s labour-intensive sectors, especially textiles, handicrafts, apparel, gems and leather. Despite multiple rounds of talks, including four conversations between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since August, the slow progress in the trade deal has pressured the rupee and forced Delhi to dole out US$5 billion to protect Indian exporters.

Rafeeque Ahmed, chairman of Farida Group that is one of the largest shoemakers in India, said January 15 is the cut-off date for securing bulk orders from the US to ensure stable revenue for the summer and autumn seasons. The Tamil Nadu-based company derives about 60 per cent of its export revenue from American markets.

“I have cut down production by 20 per cent-25 per cent and laid off workers,” said Ahmed, who supplies to international brands like Cole Haan and Clarks. “How long can we sustain this and keep giving discounts?”

Trump, meanwhile, continues to send mixed signals. He told reporters on Sunday that high tariffs had pushed Delhi to reduce Russian oil imports.

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