The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has expressed concern over recent media reports indicating that the United States has placed several countries, including India, on a list for investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act for potential unfair trade practices.

Reacting to the development, Ashwin Chandran, Chairman of CITI, stated that the industry body is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting greater clarity on the scope and implications of the investigation. He noted that the development adds to the prevailing uncertainty faced by the textiles and apparel sector.

According to Chandran, the sector is already navigating a challenging environment marked by geopolitical instability, particularly the turbulent developments in West Asia, along with ongoing ambiguity surrounding tariff policies in the United States, one of the most significant export destinations for Indian textiles and apparel.

Despite the uncertainty, CITI expressed confidence that the Government of India will take appropriate steps to safeguard the interests of the domestic textiles and apparel industry. The sector remains a critical pillar of the country’s economy, being one of India’s largest exporting industries and the second-largest employer after agriculture.

CITI reiterated that it will continue to engage with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of the industry are addressed and that Indian exporters remain competitive in the evolving global trade landscape.