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**Summary:**

The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) held its 66th annual meeting where new leadership was elected. Durai Palanisamy was elected Chairman. The textile industry is facing challenges due to newly imposed US tariffs and GST on textile machinery. SIMA is urging government support, tax rationalization, and exploration of new markets to maintain growth. The industry also emphasizes innovation and focusing on man-made fibers (MMF).

**News Article:**

**Indian Textile Industry Resilient Despite US Tariffs, Focuses on Domestic Growth and Innovation**

**COIMBATORE, September 11, 2025** – The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) remains optimistic about the future of the Indian textile industry, despite challenges posed by new US tariffs. At the 66th annual meeting of the association held today, newly elected Chairman Durai Palanisamy stated that domestic consumption will be critical to offset the impact of a “temporary dip” in exports caused by the tariffs, which have seen a 50% imposition by the United States.

The U.S. currently accounts for nearly 28% of India’s total textile exports, valued at approximately $11 billion. Mr. Palanisamy, Executive Director of Pallava Textiles, emphasized the industry’s active engagement with the government to diversify its export base and explore new market opportunities.

“With continued policy support, rationalisation of tax structures, and strategic market access initiatives, the industry is confident of sustaining momentum both in domestic and global markets,” Mr. Palanisamy said.

SIMA is particularly concerned about the 18% GST levied on textile machinery, which it argues creates a significant burden on the capital-intensive sector. The association is urging the government to address this issue, as well as challenges stemming from Quality Control Orders on MMF and related products, to enhance the industry’s competitiveness.

In addition to addressing current challenges, SIMA is encouraging next-generation industry leaders to focus on manufacturing innovative products using MMF and explore emerging global markets.

During the meeting, S. Krishnakumar, Managing Director of Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills, Tiruppur, was elected Deputy Chairman, and K. Sivaraj, Managing Director of Sivaraj Spinning Mills, Dindigul, was elected Vice-Chairman. At the SIMA Cotton Development and Research Association (SIMA CDRA) meeting, S.K. Sundararaman, Managing Director of Shiva Texyarn, Coimbatore, was re-elected as Chairman for 2025-2026. Durai Palanisamy and S. Krishnakumar were also re-elected as Deputy Chairman and Vice-Chairman of SIMA CDRA, respectively.

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