The Textile Industry is Concerned About Finishing Export Orders

As the pandemic continues to create havoc on the economy, the textile industry. Which has never had it so well in terms of export orders, has issued a statement of support to the federal government and state governors.

Because of geopolitical trends, the market is at a crossroads with significant growth opportunities. It has gained from allegations in the last 6-8 months that China is using Uighurs as slave labor in Xinjiang province. As a result, many of the world’s largest apparel companies have shifted their orders to Indian suppliers.

“I believe that most Western countries have prohibited sourcing from China. T Kannan, Chairman and Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills, told BusinessLine, “India is getting a decent offer.”

Optimistic approach

The Indian Texpreneurs Federation’s Convenor, Prabhu Dhamodharan, agreed. “Export orders expect to increase, and current customers and brands are predicting well. Retail sales in the United States are on the rise, owing to lower inventory levels among retailers, which has resulted in strong demand for apparel and home textiles. With the easing of the lockout after mass vaccination, the UK has opened its retail market,” he added, adding that the sector is on the verge of regaining its mojo.

However, the growing number of Covid cases is putting this dream run in danger. “While the increase in Covid cases is concerning, we have been informing Western clients. That there is no big lockdown and that textile unit operations are running smoothly. Because the majority of units is located in rural areas,” he said.

Effect of the lockdown on Textile Industry

Kannan believes that with government funding, the industry will be able to fulfill the burgeoning orders. And develop India as a viable alternative to China as a sourcing base. However, the industry is concerned with incidents of states declaring lockdowns.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has already written to various Union Ministries. As well as the Chief Ministers of several States, requesting assistance in maintaining uninterrupted production.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, A Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said that a complete lockdown at this stage would rip apart the hard work put in by the apparel export sector over the last year to reclaim its place on the global map.