Gujarat textile industry hit by Chinese fabric dumping.

The Gujarat textile industry is grappling with a surge in fabric imports from China, prompting industry leaders to raise concerns with Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. China is supplying cotton-like fabrics at nearly half the price of Indian counterparts, severely impacting domestic manufacturers. Ahmedabad, known for cotton textiles, and Surat, leading in polyester textiles, are particularly affected. Gaurang Bhagat, President, Maskati Cloth Market Association, highlighted the issue, noting a significant increase in Chinese fabric imports, especially before Diwali. Instances of under-invoicing by Chinese suppliers to reduce duties have exacerbated the situation. Industry representatives, including Bharat Chhajer, former chairman of the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), demanded that the central government set a base price for imports to protect domestic producers. Sandeep Shah, Co-chairman, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry's textile task force, echoed the call for restrictions, stating that the influx of cheap polyester and synthetic fabrics from China is shrinking demand for higher-priced Indian cotton textiles.