Imports from China hit local knitwear units

The Knit Cloth Manufacturers Association (KNITMA), Tirupur, has voiced its concern over the import of knit fabrics from China and its impact on knitwear industries in the region. In this regard, KNITMA has submitted a plea to the secretary of the Union ministry of textiles urging the ministry to take immediate steps.

Speaking to Business Standard, Ahill S Rathnaswamy, president of the association, said due to better quality and prompt delivery besides cost competitiveness by 16 per cent for cotton fabrics and 35 per cent for polyester fabrics, many exporters in the region go for large quantity of imports from China.

"As of now, it is estimated that fabrics in 40 feet containers numbering 75 are being imported from China to Tirupur per month. This will lead to unemployment and loss in exports from this region in the long run," he added.

According to Rathnaswamy, Tirupur is lagging behind in terms of low productivity due to unskilled labour, inadequate infrastructure facilities and continual closure of dyeing and bleaching units owing to effluent disposal problems. Due to these factors, the units are unable to meet the delivery schedule.

Tirupur houses about 3,000 knitwear factories manufacturing vests and briefs with over 500 export units and other ancillary units.