India: Silk imports up 32%, exports dip 6.7%
Author:
admin
PublishDate:
2005-08-01 10:59:00
Hit:
473
NEW DELHI: The import of silk-fabric and yarn into India has increased by 32.5% to Rs 1,336 crore in 2004-05 over the previous year, even as exports declined by 6.7%.
According to the textile ministry officials, there is an increasing concern over the indigenous silk-weavers getting adversely affected. "Growing silk-fabric and silk-yarn imports are harming the interests of powerloom weavers, especially in the Benaras region," said BP Singh, joint secretary.
Indian silk-fabric producers claim that the onslaught of imports has resulted in significant decline in domestic production. Capacity utilisation, sales, employment and profits of Indian silk industry too, have been adversely affected, they say. Several powerlooms have already been closed in many parts of the country.
Silk-fabric producers claim they have suffered a loss in the marketshare, because of price undercutting by Chinese exporters. The Central Silk Board (CSB), along with five other bodies of powerloom silk-fabric producers, had filed a petition in May, to directorate general of anti-dumping and allied activities, alleging dumping of Chinese silk-fabrics of weight 20-100 gms/meter. They requested for investigations and levy of anti-dumping duties.