Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with key exporters from the leather and footwear sector in New Delhi on Monday, August 4. The urgent meeting came in the wake of new US tariffs that are starting to affect India’s export-driven industries.

This was one in a series of meetings held by the Minister with exporters from various sectors that are considered labour-intensive and likely to be hit hard. These include agriculture, textiles, seafood, food processing and even some high-value sectors such as engineering goods, metallurgical coke and steel.

During the meeting, leather and footwear exporters expressed their concerns and asked the government for help to deal with the rising challenges caused by the US tariffs.

“Held a meeting with stakeholders from the Leather & Footwear sector to discuss strategies for accelerating growth and unlocking greater export potential. Received valuable insights on our target to spur innovation, value addition and enhance global competitiveness.”

Piyush Goyal
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India

According to CNBC-TV18, the industry is asking for a 5% duty credit scrip or some form of incentives to balance out the higher US import duties.

Exporters also requested interest subvention to help them manage their costs as they face growing global trade uncertainties.

Exporters further appealed for short-term relief for goods that are already prepared for shipment and called on Indian officials to urge the US to exempt leather and footwear items from the new tariffs.

Industry data shows that nearly half of India’s total leather and footwear exports in FY25 were sent to the United States. In just the first quarter of FY26, this trend has continued, which is why exporters believe quick action is needed.

Source – CNBC-TV18