India’s leather industry representatives met the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce in Chennai on Wednesday 7 January 2026 at ITC Grand Chola and raised a clear alarm over US trade tariffs that are hitting exports hard.
Representatives included P. R. Aqeel Ahmed, Former Chairman, Council for Leather Exports, Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman, Council for Leather Exports, R. Selvam, IAS, Executive Director, Council for Leather Exports and Sanjay Kumar Chief Executive Officer, Leather Sector Skill Council.
The interaction was held with the 31 member all party Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce chaired by Hon’ble Ms. Dola Sen.
Industry representatives said the 50% tariffs imposed by the US have weakened the price edge of Indian leather products in one of their biggest markets. They warned that orders are slowing and margins are shrinking.
The Council for Leather Exports told the committee that Indian products are becoming less competitive in the US due to these higher duties. Non tariff barriers were also flagged as a growing concern.
The delegation stressed that the leather sector supports a large workforce across the country. Many jobs are held by women and people from marginalised communities. Long trade disruptions could trigger serious social and economic damage.
They also urged the committee to raise the tariff issue at policy and diplomatic levels. They also asked for support measures for exporters and help to diversify export markets to reduce future risks.
