– The tariffs have increased the cost of Indian goods in U.S. markets, making them less competitive compared to imports from other Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia (which face tariffs under 20%).
– American traders have stopped purchasing Indian-origin products due to higher costs.
– Tamil Nadu’s garment exports worth ₹73,000 crore annually hit hard; over two lakh jobs at risk in Tiruppur as garments tailored for U.S. buyers cannot be redirected easily.- Leather industries in Vellore’s regions and seafood sectors are also facing adverse effects.
– Relief similar to measures introduced during the global recession (2008) and COVID-19 pandemic: moratoriums on loans, interest waivers, emergency credit facilities, tax concessions.
– Tamil Nadu government urged to provide ₹5,000/month assistance for families affected by job losses.
The implications of the steep tariff hikes are severe for India’s export-dependent industries like apparel manufacturing and leather production-particularly concentrated in states such as Tamil Nadu. The sudden halt of garment exports worth ₹73,000 crore highlights not just regional economic vulnerabilities but also India’s exposure to protectionist policies abroad.Immediate governmental intervention is essential to sustain industries directly impacted while cushioning worker families from financial distress.
Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss’ call for stimulus measures resonates wiht past approaches during systemic crises like COVID-19 or global recessions-a tested framework that could provide temporary relief through credit support or loan rescheduling while ensuring long-term sustainability through tax breaks or sector-specific subsidies.
Without prompt responses from policymakers at both state-level (Tamil Nadu) and central levels toward mitigation strategies suggested-such as direct cash aid-India runs the risk of compounding unemployment concerns with weakened industrial growth across export-driven hubs nationwide.
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