Ludhiana's hosiery industry faces squeeze from cheap Chinese MMF imports

Ludhiana, India's garment hub is grappling with rising imports of man-made fibers (MMFs) from China, threatening local weavers, spinners, and exporters. Cheap Chinese polyester cloth undercuts domestic prices by 10-15 per cent, raising concerns of job losses and business closures.

As a spinner says, they need, government protection for Ludhiana's hosiery industry against rampant fabric dumping from China. Unchecked imports threaten to cripple the sector, he warns. Ludhiana enjoys advantages like ample skilled labor and accessible raw materials, making it an ideal hosiery destination. However, alleged mislabelling of Chinese polyester as cotton (subject to lower duty) further compounds the issue.

Improving credit access for small hosiery units could also boost the sector, say local entrepreneurs. With its prime location and strong entrepreneurial spirit, Ludhiana's hosiery industry needs urgent support to overcome this critical challenge and preserve its legacy.