Indian apparel makers want duty slapped on Bangladeshi clothes

[Black_cats]

Indian apparel makers want duty slapped on Bangladeshi clothes
File Photo: Mumit M/TBS

File Photo: Mumit M/TBS

Indian apparel makers want additional Covid Duty on imports of readymade garments from Bangladesh and other countries with whom India has free trade agreements.

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), that represents leading firms including Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle, Arvind Fashions, Future Group, Shoppers Stop, Raymond, has urged the Indian government to consider levying a temporary duty for a period of 12 months.

"The additional duty will result in a level-playing field for domestic manufacturers, and help them compete with the Bangladesh garment industry, which has currently at least 15% cheaper production cost," said The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), reported India Retailing.

According to the submission made to the textile ministry and ministry of commerce and industry, the apex body has suggested a short-term duty on imports of both readymade garments and fabrics from all countries, including those with who India has zero-duty agreements. This move comes as the domestic garment manufacturing industry anticipates a slowdown of demand for a year severely impacting business.

"The additional duty will result in a level-playing field for domestic manufacturers, and help them compete with the Bangladesh garment industry, which has currently at least 15% cheaper production cost," said CMAI in a press statement.

"Additionally, the levy will enable the government to collect approximately USD 100 – 150 million for its fight against Covid-19 (depending on the quantum of duty imposed)," the statement added.

A recent study by CMAI estimates that there will be about 40% drop in domestic demand of apparel due to lockdown and reduced demand as a result of the pandemic. Over 20% of the domestic units may face closure, being unable to survive the current crisis. The reduction in demand and revenue levels will lead to downsizing of operations, closure of units and job losses in Indian textile and apparel industry to the tune of 1 crore across the entire textile value chain.

CMAI had been engaging in dialogues with the government over the challenges and impact of duty-free imports of garments from Bangladesh, and back-door entry of Chinese fabrics on the MSME-dominated domestic garment industry for some time now.

https://tbsnews.net/economy/rmg/indian-apparel-makers-want-duty-slapped-bangladeshi-clothes-85723

 

[Samlee]

After CAA Now This.Hmm Interesting

 

[Destranator]

Just diversify imports away from this country. We can never balance trade deficit with such a large third world country by exporting low value added goods that they can produce themselves with larger economies of scale.

 

[Turingsage]

I hope this does not come to pass. Trade between BIMSTEC countries should be aiming for duty free trade.

 

[Bilal9]

I don't get the logic. How is it going to 'level' the playing field because Indian mfrs. want temporary Corona tariffs slapped on Bangladesh imports to India??

Bangladesh exporters are suffering under Corona as well.

 

[Stannis Baratheon]

Would've zero impact. Almost 90% of RMG exports are Europe and NA.

 

[fallstuff]

The next time around the Indian manufacturers will say we need a " We can't compete with Bangladesh" tax. It ain't too far fetched, keep your fingers crossed !

 

[Bilal9]

The next time around the Indian manufacturers will say we need a " We can't compete with Bangladesh" tax. It ain't too far fetched, keep your fingers crossed !

Well said.

 

[JohnWick]

Would've zero impact. Almost 90% of RMG exports are Europe and NA.

Europe wear BD clothes .WOW!

 

[bluesky]

Would've zero impact. Almost 90% of RMG exports are Europe and NA.

A trader would never say, Indian negative attitude has zero impact on BD economy. For an exporter any market is good to conduct business. India is our neighbor and we import probably $9.5 billion (?) worth of goods from it. So, India must reciprocate it by importing textiles from BD.