New Delhi, April 3 -- The universal and reciprocal tariffs that US President Donald Trump announced on 2 April have put the Indian textile sector, especially apparel exports, at a relative advantage vis-a-vis its peers.

That's because the US has levied higher tariffs on India's main competitors. Vietnam will suffer a 46% tariff on all exports while Sri Lanka will have 44% tariffs and Bangladesh 37%. China, the biggest exporter of textiles to the US, will have to pay 54% more (34% reciprocal tariff plus the 20% tariff levied after Trump returned to office in January).

In comparison, Indian exports will face a 26% tariff. The lower tariff will significantly improve India companies' competitiveness in the US market. India's textile exports...