🧵 Tariffs & Tensions: How Trump’s Trade Policies Reshaped India’s Apparel Industry – And What It Means for Your Brand

📌 Why You Should Read This

If you're a brand owner or sourcing professional reevaluating your apparel production strategy in a post-tariff world, this article is for you.

We’ll show you:

✅ What changed in the global apparel landscape due to U.S. tariffs

✅ Why many brands shifted sourcing from China to India

✅ How India adapted and scaled its apparel capabilities

✅ What you, as a brand, can gain by working with Indian manufacturers

✅ Real steps you can take to improve your sourcing decisions

🔍 What Happened: U.S. Tariff Shifts Under Trump

In 2018–2020, the U.S. government imposed new tariffs on a wide range of goods imported from China, including garments and textiles. This prompted brands to:

• Face increased costs and shipping risks

• Reconsider overreliance on one supplier country

• Seek alternative production bases with proven capacity and compliance

  
  

India entered this conversation with strength—but also with humility and readiness to serve.

🇮🇳 India’s Response: Not Just Available, But Evolving

India didn't just absorb orders—it rethought the way it served global brands. Here's how:

✅ 1. Infrastructure Upgrades

• Adoption of modern production technologies (CAD, automated cutting, ERP systems)

• Expansion in vertical integration, reducing lead times and dependency on imports

  
  

✅ 2. Compliance & Transparency

• Alignment with Western audit standards (BSCI, Sedex, WRAP)

• Stronger focus on traceability, child-labor-free certification, and zero-discharge dyeing, especially in clusters like Tirupur

✅ 3. Diversification of Product Offering

• Knitwear, activewear, sustainable basics, organic babywear, and premium cotton garments

• Increased ability to handle customizations for DTC brands and boutique labels

💡 How You Benefit: Real Advantages for Western Apparel Brands

Working with Indian manufacturers now offers more than just competitive pricing. Here's what you can actually gain:

🌍 Case-in-Point: Why Many Western Brands Are Shifting to India

📌 Scenario: A mid-sized U.S. brand sourcing basics from East Asia

📈 Issue: Tariff hikes caused 15–20% increase in landed cost

🔁 Transition: Moved production to India for cotton-based t-shirts and loungewear

🎯 Result:

• 12% cost savings

• Shorter lead times

• Better communication with the factory

• Easier brand storytelling due to ethical and sustainable sourcing

  
  

This isn’t just a trend. It’s a strategic sourcing evolution.

🚧 Common Concerns (and How India is Addressing Them)

🧵 How to Get Started with Indian Apparel Manufacturing

Whether you're starting fresh or planning to shift part of your supply chain, here’s what to do:

1. Define your product needs clearly (MOQ, fabric, prints, timeline)

2. Vet manufacturers with proven export experience & certifications

3. Start with sampling and assess speed, quality, and responsiveness

4. Ask for transparency in fabric sourcing, dyeing, and labor practices

5. Build relationships, not just contracts—India thrives on trust-based business

🔚 Final Word: A Stronger Global Apparel Strategy Starts in India

Today’s sourcing isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about sustainability, ethics, and long-term value. India’s apparel industry is ready to partner with forward-looking brands to deliver exactly that.

At LEMURA KNITWEAR, we take pride in being part of this evolution. Our focus is not just on delivering garments but on building lasting trust through excellence, transparency, and sustainability. Contact Us Today