Surat, Gujarat's bustling textile hub, is quickly emerging as a major beneficiary of a changing global trade dynamic triggered by the recent announcement of a steep 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi garment exports by former US President Donald Trump. With the new duty set to take effect from August 1, textile manufacturers in Surat are seeing this as a rare and timely opportunity to step into the global supply vacuum left by Bangladesh.

The move by Washington, coupled with ongoing political unrest in Dhaka, has unsettled many garment importers from the United States and United Kingdom. These buyers, in a bid to diversify their sourcing bases, are now looking toward Indian cities like Surat, traditionally known for synthetic yarns such as rayon and viscose, and affordable readymade garments.

Recognising the shift, textile units in Surat responded swiftly. Within hours of the US announcement on July 8, local manufacturers began ramping up production. Traders have started investing in new power looms specifically to handle cotton fabrics a segment previously less explored in the city. Some have even sent their workers to train in cotton weaving techniques to adapt quickly.

“Earlier, we mainly worked with rayon due to cost-effectiveness. But now I’ve started sourcing cotton yarn too, as buyers are increasingly demanding it,” said one textile entrepreneur.

Despite optimism, there is some caution. A few traders remain wary about the sustainability of this global demand surge, noting that setting up for high-grade cotton production involves higher capital, especially if switching to costlier air-jet looms.

Even so, the sentiment in Surat is hopeful. With the global garment map evolving rapidly, the city is preparing itself to weave a new narrative one that could redefine its position not just in India but across global apparel corridors.