Leather exports hit by US tariffs: Industry tells Parl panel

New Delhi: Leather industry on Wednesday met the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce in Chennai and flagged issues arising from high US tariffs where they said that the 50% tariffs imposed by the US are hurting exports, industry officials said. The need for addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers through appropriate bilateral engagements was underscored.

They said that the higher US tariffs have adversely impacted the competitiveness of Indian leather exports in the US market, according to the Council for Leather Exports.

Emphasising that the Indian leather sector supports a large workforce, including women and marginalized sections, they said that prolonged trade disruptions could have serious socio-economic consequences.


The delegation also requested the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce to consider taking up the issues related to US tariffs at appropriate policy and diplomatic levels, extending necessary support measures to exporters, and facilitating diversification of export markets to reduce vulnerability arising from trade uncertainties.