Some Indian garment exporters are cutting their dependence on American buyers even after US duties eased—and say a trade deal won’t necessarily bring the old reliance back. Reuters reported on November 11, 2026, that companies are shifting sales toward Britain, Europe and India. Source
At Orient Craft, the US share of sales has fallen from 84% before the tariffs to less than 10%, Reuters reported. The company has redirected sales toward Britain, Europe and, to a lesser extent, India. Its factory in Ranchi makes clothing for British retailers Next and Marks & Spencer. Source
Founder Sudhir Dhingra told Reuters that US buyers cancelled orders or sought discounts after President Donald Trump announced tariff increases in April 2025. Even with duties subsequently lower, he remains wary of depending so heavily on one market. Source
“Even if there is a deal, what is the guarantee that it will hold water?” Dhingra said. Source
Europe gets a bigger slice
Gokaldas Exports aims to lift Europe’s revenue share from 15%–16% to 25%–30% over three to five years, Managing Director Sivaramkrishnan Ganapathi told Reuters. It plans to reduce the US share from 50%–55% to 35%–40%. Source
“It is not a temporary shift,” Ganapathi said. Source
India’s textile, apparel and home-furnishings exports to the US fell 9.8% year-on-year to $4 billion in April–August 2026, while shipments to other markets rose 3.7% to $15.2 billion, according to Global Trade Research Institute figures cited by Reuters. Source
Britain offers a concrete incentive: Reuters reported that Indian clothing receives duty-free access under the India-UK trade deal that took effect in July 2026. A possible EU agreement could eliminate duties of 12%–17%. That second set of savings is still conditional—not money exporters can already count. Source
None of this means American buyers are being shown the door. Exporters told Reuters they would not abandon the US, citing its size and longstanding customer relationships. But they considered a return to its former dominance unlikely, even if duties eased. Source
“The US market remains important, but it can't decide the future of thousands of families who depend on us,” Dhingra said. Source
Comments