Gujarat’s textile sector is seeing a rise in the dumping of Chinese cloth, prompting leaders of the sector to bring up the matter with the union minister of textiles. According to insiders, domestic manufacturers are being impacted by China’s supply of cotton-like fabric, which is available for about half the price of Indian cotton materials. India’s polyester textile sector is led by Surat, whereas Ahmedabad is regarded as the centre for cotton textiles.
Gaurang Bhagat, president, Maskati Cloth Market Association said, “China has been dumping fabrics for a long time and the last few months have seen increased imports from the country. Ahead of last Diwali, there was a significant increase in Chinese fabric imports. There have even been instances of Chinese suppliers sending goods at lower invoices and pay less duties. This is hurting the domestic textiles. We demand restrictions on fabric imports from China.”
This matter was also raised when industry members met with Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh last week.
Sandeep Shah, co-chairman, textile task force of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said, “China is dumping polyester and synthetic fabrics in the Indian market. It supplies cotton-like fabrics at almost half the price which is affecting the market badly. The demand for cotton textiles is shrinking due to higher prices and domestic manufacturers are being forced to blend in polyester to stay in the competition. Restrictions on Chinese imports are required.”
