Tata Group’s Titan Company Ltd is considering shifting part of its production to the Gulf region to maintain low-tariff access to the United States amid escalating India-US trade tensions.
Managing Director CK Venkataraman said the move would help safeguard Titan’s US market presence if President Donald Trump’s administration follows through on threats to “very substantially” raise tariffs on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Strategic Expansion to Gulf Markets
Titan’s potential manufacturing shift aligns with its growing presence in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region. In July 2025, the company’s Dubai-based subsidiary, Titan Holdings International FZCO, signed an agreement to acquire a 67% stake in Damas LLC, the holding company for the iconic Damas jewelry brand in the Middle East.
Industry experts suggest that moving part of the manufacturing base to the Gulf could:
- Mitigate the impact of US tariff hikes
- Strengthen Titan’s access to the GCC jewelry market
- Position Dubai as a regional export hub for the US and Europe
By leveraging Dubai’s free trade zones and favorable logistics infrastructure, Titan could optimize its supply chain while enhancing duty-free access to key international markets.
The US market remains critical for Titan’s luxury and jewelry exports, and trade diversification is seen as a key risk management strategy. Analysts note that establishing Gulf-based production will also boost Damas’ regional operations, support Tata Group’s global ambitions, and reduce exposure to geopolitical trade volatility.
As global trade dynamics shift, Titan’s strategic Gulf expansion highlights the growing importance of regional manufacturing hubs in mitigating tariff risks and driving international growth.
