New Delhi, August 28, 2025 – India’s job market is under strain after the United States imposed steep 50% tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports. The move, targeting goods like textiles, jewellery, seafood, and auto components, threatens lakhs of jobs in export-oriented sectors.
Industry bodies estimate that 200,000–300,000 jobs could be at risk in the coming months. Textile hubs in Tiruppur and Surat face potential layoffs of nearly 200,000 workers, while the gems and jewellery sector may see over 100,000 jobs vanish. Shrimp farmers and auto-parts makers are also bracing for losses as U.S. orders dry up.
The pressure is already visible in white-collar hiring, with job openings dropping by nearly 80,000 this quarter as companies freeze expansion plans.
Yet, amid the turbulence, new opportunities are surfacing. India is rapidly working to diversify trade by expanding exports to the U.K., Australia, and UAE, while also strengthening regional partnerships. Economists argue that India’s domestic consumption-driven economy offers a cushion, with demand in FMCG, e-commerce, financial services, and premium goods expected to stay strong.
Experts also see the crisis as a push for reskilling and diversification. Workers displaced from export industries may find opportunities in IT services, renewable energy, logistics, and start-ups, which continue to grow. MSMEs, though hit hardest by tariffs, could benefit from fresh government support in the form of tax reliefs, subsidies, and easier credit.
“The tariff shock is real, but it can also be a turning point,” said an industry analyst. “If India leverages its domestic market and accelerates trade diversification, this could shift the economy towards more resilient and future-ready jobs.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on currently available reports, industry estimates, and expert opinions. Job loss figures and sectoral impacts are projections and may vary depending on future government policies, global trade negotiations, and market responses. Readers are advised to consider this as general information and not as financial or career advice.
