US accuses China, India and EU of unfair trade practices as Textile Industry faces major job losses

The United States has openly criticised China, India and the European Union, among other nations, for engaging in what it described as “unfair trade practices” that are harming America’s domestic textiles and apparel sector. In a statement published on social media, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) claimed these actions have contributed to the closure of 28 US textile plants within just under two years, particularly affecting industries in the southeast.

The USTR accused China of enabling its domestic manufacturers to enjoy “unfair competitive advantages” through state-backed, non-market policies. It alleged that these allowed Chinese firms to offer “artificially low prices,” undermining fair competition. According to USTR data, China accounted for 21 per cent of the United States’ USD 79.3 billion apparel imports in 2024. Chinese e-commerce giants were also held responsible for more than 30 per cent of all daily de minimis shipments, which evade standard tariffs and customs checks.

“The influx of cheap apparel has decimated local industries, particularly in the southeast United States,” the USTR stated.

India, meanwhile, was criticised for disadvantaging American exporters through “high tariffs, opaque quality control rules, and a web of unpredictable import licensing requirements.” Washington also objected to India's production-linked incentive schemes, arguing they provide Indian textile manufacturers with an unfair edge on the global stage.