Jetpur based dyeing and printing industry expects exports to dip by around 30 per cent this fiscal as the global slowdown has impacted business growth.
Industry sources say as Jetpur primarily exports to African nations, the current economic situation in these countries has impacted exports in a big way. Also, the overall business growth has slowed down by almost 50 per cent this year.
"In normal conditions our exports is around Rs 1,200 crore every year but this year it will be about Rs 800-850 crore as export orders from African countries are down by around 50 percent. We are exporting mainly to European and African countries and at present both Europe and Africa's economies are not doing too well. This has directly affected our exports”, said Rajubhai Patel, president of Jetpur Dyeing, Printing Association.
Jetpur exports sarees, dupattas, khangas and other textile materials to Kenya, Nigeria, Kongo, and other African countries. Mansukhbhai Khachariya, past president of the Association said, "At present cotton prices in India are higher compared to China which is offering cotton at a 15 per cent lower price compared to India. A lot of business is getting diverted to China." Dyeing units have already cut down their production by 30-35 per cent and have asked many workers to go home. At present all the units are running part time due to water shortage.
There are more than 1,000 units of dyeing and printing in Jetpur and surrounding areas with a turnover of around Rs 2,000 crore per year.