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India:Cent percent increase noted in cotton textiles import |
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2004-9-24
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In the period April-December 2003 — precisely nine months, cotton textiles imports have recorded increase from $5,977.68 million to $10,794.64 million, over 100% increase as compared to the corresponding period last year, said industry sources.
However, during the same period, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups including handloom were placed at around Rs 13,180 crore, up from around Rs 12,842 crore in the previous year, indicating a growth of 10%.
While addressing the golden jubilee & award distribution function, Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) chairman Lalit P. Desai said: “India is committed to bringing down its tariffs at least to the level of the other developing countries in the Asian region. While, negotiations on tariff reduction among WTO members are in the offing. These changes will pose a big challenge for the Indian textile and clothing industry. India is already facing the threat of being marginalised in the western markets by the growing regional integration and delocalisation of production to nearby countries. The nearby supplying countries not only enjoy the advantage of quick response but also the added benefit of duty free access.”
Significantly, India’s cotton textile exports, currently growing at 10%, are slowly coming under pressure. Industry players said that India is fast loosing its cost advantage, primarily on account of high levels of contamination, poor quality of cotton seeds and low productivity.
However, Mr Desai emphasised: “While the shift in the export base from raw materials to value-added products like made-ups is a positive development, the overall growth in terms of gains in the market share will be driven by the efficiency and speed with which the sector overcomes the challenges of tomorrow.”
Addressing participants, textile secretary Wajahat Habibullah said: “After January 2005, despite tough competition there will be room for niche products in the world market. Hence, Indian exporters should foucs for more value-added and niche products.”
Among the award winners were Arvind Mills fetching the award for highest global exports; Welspun India for special achievements; GTN textile for yarn manufacturer exports; Century Textiles and Industries for fabrics exports and Welspun Terry Towels for made-ups exports. |
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