Tamil Nadu textile industry demands affordable raw materials.

The textile industry in Tamil Nadu, a major employer in the state, is facing challenges due to high raw material costs. SK Sundararaman, chairman of the Southern India Mills' Association (SIMA), met with the new Union Textile Minister, Giriraj Singh, to discuss their concerns.

One key issue is cotton pricing. While Indian cotton prices have remained stable domestically, they are still expensive compared to international markets. This is partly due to the 11 per cent import duty on cotton, recently removed for a specific type but still impacting overall prices. The industry is requesting a complete removal of the import duty on cotton once peak harvest season concludes.

Another concern is the Quality Control Order (QCO) for viscose and polyester fibers used in value-added exports. Recent relaxations on these norms are appreciated, but the industry is seeking complete exemption to improve cost competitiveness.

In the long term, the industry wants govt. help to boost cotton yield through better seeds and planting methods. This would benefit both farmers (higher income) and textile mills (cheaper cotton).

By addressing these concerns, the industry hopes to ensure its competitiveness and continue to be a major source of employment in Tamil Nadu.