Hindustan varta : ✍️ Puran Chand Dawar
“The Government of India is proactively pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including with the United States. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is working with great seriousness and commitment. While some challenges remain—particularly around agricultural products and political considerations—the opposition’s approach, unfortunately, seems more anti-India than constructive. As a result, the trade deal with the U.S. has not yet been finalized.
The recent announcement of a 25% tariff by the U.S.,and the possibility of additional penal duties, may have a temporary impact. However, we are confident that such measures are not sustainable in the long term. The U.S. simply cannot manufacture labour-intensive consumer goods like footwear domestically at competitive costs. Any tariff increase is ultimately a burden on their own consumers.
We believe this matter will be resolved diplomatically in due course. Even with current duties, Indian footwear remains competitively priced—and in many cases, superior to offerings from other exporting nations. We remain optimistic that the final tariffs will not exceed 15%, and India’s strength as a reliable, quality-driven supplier will continue to shine through.”
✍️ Puran Chand Dawar 'Chairman'
Development Council For Footwear And Leather Industry (DCFLI) GOI
Regional Chairman (North)
Council For Leather Exports (CLE)
' Convenor '
Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber ( AFMEC)
