India seeks WTO consultations with Indonesia over proposed duty on cotton fabric

India on Monday sought consultations with Indonesia under the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) safeguard agreement over Jakarta’s proposal to impose import duty on cotton fabric.

New Delhi told the WTO that it has a substantial trade interest in the export of this fabric.

“India would like to propose that consultations mentioned above take place virtually on 23 September

to 26 September 2025 or on a mutually convenient date and time,” India told the multilateral trade watchdog.

The Committee on Safeguards has circulated to WTO members a notification dated September 16, 2025 by Indonesia concerning finding of serious injury or threat thereof to the domestic industries producing cotton fabric and a notification of proposed safeguard measure in the form of specific duty against the importation of these goods.

India exported cotton fabrics worth $8.73 million in 2024 as against $6.73 million in 2023.

In June, India sought consultations with Indonesia under the WTO rules on the extension of its safeguard measures on cotton yarn.