India's textile industry threatened by new US tariffs

India's textile industry is facing a crisis as the United States threatens a 50% tariff on garment imports. Small manufacturers like Ashish Kushwaha and Nitin Pratap, who rely heavily on US export orders, are seeing contracts paused and profits squeezed.

Over $10 billion (€8.5 billion) in exports at stake, and thousands of workers in Noida, a key apparel hub, risk losing their livelihoods. With no backup plans, entrepreneurs fear layoffs and downsizing as their businesses — and livelihoods — hang in the balance.