Tiruppur, India’s leading knitwear hub, is facing a serious labour crunch as thousands of migrant workers have returned to their home states. The shortage is affecting both domestic and export-oriented textile units, especially after U.S. tariffs hit export jobs. Industry leaders reveal that nearly 50% of the workforce in Tiruppur’s knitwear industry are migrants, and their absence is slowing down production.

Manufacturers and associations have urged the Tamil Nadu government to step in with immediate support. They say better housing, direct train facilities, and worker welfare schemes are needed to retain the existing labour force. Competing states like Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are also attracting workers by offering better support for textile manufacturing.

According to the South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association (SIHMA), the shortage puts at risk domestic manufacturing worth Rs. 30,000 crore and exports worth over Rs. 40,000 crore. They also stress the need for skill training and improved infrastructure to ensure workers do not migrate elsewhere.

The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) estimates that around 5-10% of workers are missing from most factories. Textile manufacturers warn that without quick government action, Tiruppur’s knitwear industry, known as the backbone of India’s textile exports,  could face a long-term slowdown.