IMPRESSIONS from a Cross-section

Topic

Have you quantified your projected losses?

Indian apparel industry looks poised for slow death

US and EU – the two major markets of Indian exporters are in turmoil due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Fibre2Fashion spoke to few exporters to understand the kind of losses they are staring at.

Nilesh Mehta
Managing Director, India Fashions Pvt Ltd

We have not been able to quantify the exact losses yet, as we are still discussing with buyers how many orders they are cancelling or moving to the nextyear which will impact our current sales. We will know more later on as the business resumes. Currently, we are shut down and the business is at a standstill—from our suppliers to our buyers.

Rahul Mehta
Immediate Past President & Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India

Hundred per cent of the domestic retail as well as exports have been wiped out during the lockdown period, which appears to be extending again.

With regards to the export business, it’s a scary scene. Our major markets— US and EU—are in turmoil. Retailers and brands are cancelling orders and even if they do accept deliveries, it will be at a huge discount. So, exporters need to be prepared for a major shakedown.

Ashok G Rajani
Chairman, Midas Touch Exports Pvt Ltd

I have not got the exact figures but given the unshipped goods, fabrics in stock and salaries and wages already paid for March plus the fixed overheads, the approximate loss of fixed overheads should be in the region of$7,200,000 up to April 7. Right now our factories are shut. When we can open,honestly, it depends on the situation in the buyer’s country.

Neerav Akar
Proprietor, Akar Overseas

We have quantified all the losses till date and also been hit hard by the economic fallout. The Indian apparel industry looks poised for a slow death, and if the situation does not improve, many companies will be shuttered. India’s exporters also face a crunch as Covid-19 pummels the economy. Many of our known apparel exporters have suggested that an industry relief package is urgently needed to prevent millions becoming jobless.

Published on: 18/05/2020

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.

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