Extreme heat threatens 10% productivity hit at Indian factories supplying Uniqlo, M&S, Tesco

NYU Stern warns India's $39B apparel export sector faces up to 10% productivity losses by 2030 as factory temperatures hit 48.2C. Only 35% of global buyers require temperature tracking, and most refuse to share cooling costs—exposing 45M workers, 70% women, and putting 4.5% of GDP at risk.

— Source publishedTue, 9 Jun, 2026, 10:38 IST·First seen Tue, 9 Jun, 2026, 10:43 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Indian apparel exporters · NYU Stern report finds India's garment factories supplying Uniqlo, M&S and Tesco face up to 10% productivity losses from extreme

Key facts

  • 10% productivity loss
  • $39 billion apparel export industry
  • 45 million employees
  • 70% women
  • 45C temperatures
  • 48.2C high
  • 4.5% GDP risk
  • $150-250 billion
  • 35% require temperature tracking

Why this matters

Diversification deals toward Vietnam, Bangladesh, and climate-resilient sourcing platforms become more attractive as India's $39B export base faces structural heat-driven derating.