Spike in Covid-19 cases halts revival of Surat's synthetic textile industry

Business activity across value chain is at 5-10% of the pre-pandemic level

The recent spike in Covid-19 cases has halted the revival in Surat’s synthetic textiles hub. With roughly 215 fresh daily cases and the tally at 6,313 (with 200 deaths), business activity across the textile value chain — right from spinning yarn to making garments — has come to a near-standstill.

In addition, despite the rupee depreciating to Rs 76.97 a dollar between April and June, the industry has not been able to leverage it in terms of exports. Surat commands a 45 per cent share in total man-made fibre/synthetic textiles produced, as well as synthetic textile yarn, fibre, fabrics and