Overview

• Regional parties in the Secular Progressive Alliance announced a mass demonstration in Tiruppur on September 2 to condemn the Union government’s response to new U.S. tariffs.
• The alliance estimates nearly ₹3,000 crore in knitwear exports are at risk and says close to 30 lakh workers could face job losses.
• SPA leaders are seeking immediate relief for the sector through tax concessions, subsidies for exporters, and comprehensive support packages.
• The alliance wants the Centre to initiate talks with the U.S. for tariff relaxation, with their statement citing a 50% duty on Indian knitwear as the trigger.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 16 and again on August 28 seeking intervention, and the SPA says no substantive relief has been announced as it prepares to mobilize thousands.