SP MLA Rais Shaikh Seeks Action Plan from CM to Mitigate US Tariff Impact on Powerloom Sector

Mumbai: Days after the United States imposed 50% tariffs—hitting India’s textile sector the hardest—Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh (Bhiwandi East) has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking a clear state action plan to safeguard the powerloom industry. The sector contributes nearly 60% of India’s export fabrics and is central to the country’s textile economy.

In his letter, Shaikh welcomed the government’s move to set up a committee to study the tariff’s impact on major industries but warned of grave risks ahead. “Powerlooms account for 58.4% of India’s total cloth production. Already strained by rising costs and shrinking competitiveness, the industry now faces collapsing export orders and the threat of shutdowns. Without timely intervention, thousands of families dependent on this sector will face severe hardship,” he said.

Shaikh cautioned that the tariffs could trigger widespread closures in key textile clusters, a sharp fall in exports, and large-scale job losses. “If immediate remedial steps are not taken, thousands of households may be pushed into deeper economic distress. The government must present a clear action plan to mitigate the crisis, protect employment, and ensure the sector’s sustainability,” he added.

Key Facts:
• Maharashtra accounts for 10.4% of India’s textile production and 10.2% of sectoral employment.
• The state produces about 272 million kg of yarn annually, or 12% of the national output.
• Powerlooms, producing 60% of India’s export fabrics, are largely concentrated in Maharashtra.
• The state hosts nearly 12.7 lakh powerlooms—almost half of the country’s total—supporting the livelihoods of around 30 lakh people.