Published: May 16, 2025
Category: In the News | Global Trade
We are honored to share that Jyoti Jaiswal, Founder & CEO of OMSutra, was recently featured in The New York Times in an article titled:
"A Shipping Change Might Help Small Businesses if Not for Trump’s Trade Wars"
(Published May 11, 2025)
The article explores the shifting global trade policies, particularly around U.S. tariffs, and how these changes are impacting small businesses like OMSutra that rely on fair trade, sustainable supply chains, and ethical sourcing.
Key Highlights from the Article
OMSutra's Challenge with Fast-Fashion Imports
Jyoti Jaiswal shared how competition from ultra-cheap imports by companies like Shein and Temu—powered by the now-altered "de minimis" shipping rule—has forced OMSutra to discontinue certain handcrafted product lines. These fast-fashion platforms flooded the U.S. market with mass-produced items at prices no artisan-led brand could match.
“Customers have opted for similar products, despite lower quality, offered at a fraction of her prices,” the article notes.
Rising Tariffs on Indian Imports
Further compounding the challenge is a 10% tariff on Indian imports already in effect, with threats of a 26% hike looming. This has prompted Jyoti to pause key business activities, including the release of a new collection of scarves and travel products, which are handcrafted by artisans in India.
“It’s very hard for us to plan things and say what would be the pricing for those products, whether we would be able to market them or not,” Jyoti Jaiswal said.
She also called the recent closure of the de minimis loophole for China a “fair trade policy,” highlighting the need for equity and transparency in global trade practices that currently favor high-volume exporters over sustainable businesses.
Why This Matters
OMSutra is more than a business—we are a movement for conscious commerce, artisan empowerment, and cultural preservation. This feature amplifies our call to:
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Support fair trade legislation
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Advocate for transparent import policies
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Champion the voice of women-led, artisan-first businesses
Read the Full Article
To read the full story, visit:
🗞️ New York Times Article Link