Ms. Ananya Tiwari, Post-Graduate Academic Scholar in Fashion Management, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Daman campus
Dr Vidhu Sekhar P, Assistant Professor, Department of Fashion Management Studies, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Daman campus
Introduction
Many perceive threats when international trade barriers increase. However, the recent increases in U.S. tariffs might be the catalyst for change in India’s fashion sector. With Donald Trump’s trade policies once again in the news, Indian exports, particularly those in clothing, jewellery, and textiles, are subject to up to 27% higher duties. Although this puts pressure on India in the short term, it also gives it the opportunity to rethink its production, positioning, and image in the international fashion market.
Embracing the Conscious Consumer
The emergence of the conscientious consumer is one of the most significant changes in the retail environment in the United States. American consumers are shifting toward purpose-driven purchases because of tariffs that make fast fashion somewhat less “fast” and more costly. India’s heritage is on full display here. Handcraft, sustainability, and storytelling are the foundations of our fashion, and they perfectly match the values that contemporary consumers are looking for. Indian fashion is about more than just style, it is about ethics, from khadi and organic cotton to handcrafted jewellery and naturally dyed silks. Tariffs may result in higher prices, but they also make room for goods with greater value. Indian brands now can reposition themselves as the most significant, rather than the cheapest.
Scaling Sustainably
Indian manufacturers will need to boost productivity and scale without sacrificing authenticity to stay competitive in the face of higher tariffs. There is a great chance for innovation with this challenge. India can create a sustainable and scalable fashion supply chain by promoting zero-waste fashion initiatives, modernizing artisan clusters, and incorporating smart manufacturing technologies like AI and IoT. A fragmented industry can be brought together by the drive for scale. Global brands prioritize design innovation, improved logistics, robust compliance systems, and digital visibility in their sourcing strategies. This is an invitation to invest in these vital components.
Many perceive threats when international trade barriers increase. However, the recent increases in U.S. tariffs might be the catalyst for change in India’s fashion sector. With Donald Trump’s trade policies once again in the news, Indian exports, particularly those in clothing, jewellery, and textiles, are subject to up to 27% higher duties. Although this puts pressure on India in the short term, it also gives it the opportunity to rethink its production, positioning, and image in the international fashion market.
Conscious Consumer mind set
The emergence of the conscientious consumer is one of the most significant changes in the retail environment in the United States. American consumers are shifting toward purpose-driven purchases because of tariffs that make fast fashion somewhat less “fast” and more costly. India’s heritage is on full display here. Handcraft, sustainability, and storytelling are the foundations of our fashion, and they perfectly match the values that contemporary consumers are looking for. Indian fashion is evolved from khadi and organic cotton to handcrafted jewellery and naturally dyed silks. Tariffs may result in higher prices, but they also make room for goods with greater value. Indian brands now can reposition themselves as the most significant, rather than the cheapest.
Scaling Sustainably
Indian manufacturers will need to boost productivity and scale without sacrificing authenticity to stay competitive in the face of higher tariffs. There is a great chance for innovation with this challenge. India can create a sustainable and scalable fashion supply chain by promoting zero-waste fashion initiatives, modernizing artisan clusters, and incorporating smart manufacturing technologies like AI and IoT. A fragmented industry can be brought together by the drive for scale. Global brands prioritize design innovation, improved logistics, robust compliance systems, and digital visibility in their sourcing strategies. This is an invitation to invest in these vital components.
Design the Victory
Even though the Trump tariffs pose difficulties, they also give India a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fortify its foundations and improve its reputation internationally. The industry is being called upon to innovate, work together, and boldly convey India’s value. Stitches of strategy are more important than seams of fear in the fashion and trade industries. In addition to overcoming the tariff wave, India can spearhead the global fashion economy’s transition to a more thoughtful, interconnected, and innovative one by turning pressure into advancement.
