Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with representatives from the Tamil Nadu textile export industry in Chennai to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on the sector.
Representing the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) at the meeting were Padma Shri Sakthivel, Honorary Chairman, and Subramanian, President of the Association.
During the meeting, Sakthivel presented a detailed representation to the Finance Minister, outlining the current challenges faced by the Tiruppur knitwear hub. He specifically requested relief measures, including the introduction of a Focused Market Incentive Scheme and the restoration of the Interest Equalisation Scheme, to help the industry navigate this difficult period.
In response, the Finance Minister assured the delegation that the Central Government is closely monitoring the impact of the U.S. tariffs on the industry. She emphasised that the government would provide the necessary guidance and support, and promised to coordinate with relevant ministries to ensure that affected companies could continue operations without disruption.
Subramanian highlighted that Tiruppur is an environmentally conscious manufacturing hub. He noted that in the 2024–25 financial year, the city recorded exports worth approximately ₹44,747 crore, along with ₹30,000 crore in domestic business. He also mentioned that 30%–35% of exports go to the U.S. market.
Recalling the critical support extended by the Finance Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, Subramanian appealed for a similar support package to safeguard Tiruppur’s businesses from the current crisis.
The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association extended its gratitude to Vanathi Srinivasan, National President of the BJP Women’s Wing and MLA, and Nainar Nagendran, BJP Tamil Nadu State President, for facilitating this crucial meeting.
