With Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, chemicals and textile industries in Gujarat are anticipating a surge in exports to the US in the coming years. Industry experts believe that the Trump administration will prioritise reducing imports from China, potentially benefiting Indian exporters.
According to Chemexcil data, India’s chemical exports to the US, the biggest buyer of Indian chemicals, stood at $2,863 million in 2023-24, a 26% decrease from $3,853 million in 2022-23. However, despite the possibility of increased duties on Indian products under Trump’s “America First” agenda, industry leaders expect India to gain a competitive edge over China.
Ankit Patel, chairman, northern region, Chemexcil, stated, “Gujarat has around a 70% share in India’s dyes manufacturing, and the US is the biggest market. We believe the Trump administration will avoid imports from China, greatly benefiting Gujarat’s chemicals industry. We also hope for more technology transfers from US companies, helping us increase our share in the global supply chain.”
A director of a leading chemical manufacturing firm added that global supply chain disruptions are expected in the coming years, with India’s share in global trade increasing significantly as the Trump administration imposes higher tariff restrictions on China.
The textile industry also anticipates higher sales of home textiles to the US. Rahul Shah, co-chairman of the Textile Taskforce of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said, “Trump’s win will benefit Indian textile exports, especially because many US companies will set up base in India, avoiding China.”
An exporter noted that the strengthening of the US dollar due to Trump’s victory will increase competitiveness in global markets, further boosting India’s share in the global chemicals and textiles business.