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.

— Filed Tue, 9 Jun, 2026, 10:44 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

NYU Stern report finds India's garment factories supplying Uniqlo, M&S and Tesco face up to 10% productivity losses from extreme heat, threatening the $39 billion apparel export industry. Most global buyers don't monitor factory temperatures or share cooling costs.