Indian apparel exporters race to lock spring 2027 US orders amid tariff uncertainty

India's apparel exporters are accelerating efforts to finalize spring 2027 orders for major US retailers as tariff pressures mount. The sector currently faces 10% tariffs in the United States, with growing concerns over further escalations prompting urgent action across labour-intensive industries.

The scramble reflects broader anxiety in export-dependent sectors even as India's merchandise exports showed a sharp recovery in August. Apparel exports remain a critical component of India's trade portfolio, supplying major American retailers, making tariff policy shifts a significant concern for the industry.