Market Update. February 2026
The global supply chain hit a reset point. The new India-US Trade Agreement shifts the profit math for bag sourcing.
If you sell bags in the US, landed cost controls margin. The February 2, 2026 agreement puts India in the strongest position on price, compliance, and long term supply stability.
1. The 18% Tariff Edge
The new deal sets effective tariffs on Indian exports at 18%. Compare this with other sourcing hubs and the advantage shows up on every shipment.
| Sourcing Country | Effective US Tariff | Impact on Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| India. Optima Bags | 18% | Lowest landed cost among major hubs |
| Vietnam and Bangladesh | 20% | +2% on every shipment |
| China | 30% to 35% | Heavy margin pressure |
Example. On a 12 dollar FOB bag, a 12% tariff gap saves 1.44 dollars per piece. At 50,000 units, that equals 72,000 dollars back into your margin.
2. Compliance Cuts Risk
US retailers face strict audit pressure. Supply chains with weak oversight create brand exposure. Optima Bags runs on audited systems and documented processes.
- ✔️ ISO 9001. Quality systems you measure.
- ✔️ ISO 14001. Environmental controls buyers expect.
- ✔️ ISO 45001. Workplace safety built into operations.
- ✔️ SEDEX 4-Pillar. Ethical trade and labor standards.
Your compliance team stays comfortable. Your brand avoids supply chain shocks.
3. Communication Saves Time
Delays start with unclear specs. Errors start with missed details. India runs the largest English speaking manufacturing workforce in the world.
Our team in Delhi works directly with your tech packs, samples, and quality standards. You get faster sampling. You get fewer revisions. You get predictable production timelines.
4. Factory Scale That Supports Growth
Optima Bags operates a 30,000 sq ft facility with in-house cutting, stitching, finishing, and packing.
- Capacity of 40,000 to 60,000 bags per month
- New styles in 45 to 50 days
- Repeat styles in 25 to 30 days
- MOQ starts from 100 units per style
- Product range covers backpacks, duffel bags, totes, laptop bags, school bags, and travel bags
You scale volumes without changing suppliers. You keep control over quality and timelines.
Ready to reduce your landed cost
The 2026 India-US Trade Agreement shifts sourcing economics. India now delivers stronger margins, stable compliance, and long term supply security.
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