Surat textiles flourish despite decline in Indian exports
Textile dyeing and printing mills in Surat, as well as neighbouring areas like Palsana and Kadodara, are running 24/7 to meet the growing demand for textile fabrics in the local market.
While there was a decline in India’s textile and apparel exports, with a decrease of 0.41% and almost 15% respectively from April to October 2023, the Surat textiles industry, the primary hub for man-made fabric (MMF) in the country, is currently enjoying success due to a surge in domestic demand driven by the on-going festive season and upcoming wedding celebrations.
It was noted that textile dyeing and printing mills in Surat, as well as neighbouring areas such as Palsana and Kadodara, are working around the clock to meet the growing demand for textile fabrics in the domestic market. Despite facing a shortage of workers, many of whom have returned to their hometowns for the Diwali vacation, these mills are making efforts to fulfill the increasing printing orders.
Reflecting on the textile sector’s challenging period during the pandemic-induced lockdowns, the difficulties faced when mills and powerloom weaving units were closed due to worker migration. However, with the gradual return of the textile workforce, the industry is witnessing a resurgence, contributing to Surat’s economic vitality.
Reports from the nation’s largest MMF wholesale markets on Ring Road echoed the positive trend, noting improved demand for various textile products compared to recent months. Even during the Diwali vacation, numerous traders are actively dispatching textile goods to various parts of the country from their textile shops.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry’s (CITI) analysis of textile and apparel exports and imports during April-October 2023 revealed a cumulative decrease of 6.67% compared to the previous year, indicating a challenging period for the export segment. In October 2023, the cumulative export of textiles and apparels registered a decrease of 26.55% compared to October 2021.
