The Surat’s textile units are collaborating in order to challenge the order imposed by the Directorate General of Trade and Remedies (DGTR), which advocates for the implementation of anti-dumping duties on imported viscose filament yarn (VFY), according to The Blunt Times.
During the year 2017-18, the powerloom industry observed significant growth after the anti-dumping duties on VFY were lifted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India initiative played a crucial role in empowering power-loom weavers to modernize their facilities and incorporate state-of-the-art technology and high-speed machinery.
However, the reintroduction of anti-dumping duties on VFY now threatens their access to premium imported yarn, potentially forcing weavers to rely on locally produced lower-grade alternatives.
Ashok Jirawala, the president of the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWA), argued that imported yarn delivers superior results despite being more expensive. He added that weavers would not turn to imported yarn if local manufacturers could meet the required quality standards.
Regrettably, local spinners have failed to enhance the quality of their yarn, leading them to seek anti-dumping duties to eliminate competition from foreign yarn.
Notably, several prominent associations, including FOGWA, Surat Autolooms Weavers Association, Surat Viscose Weavers Association, Surat Textile Club-Association, Surat Art Silk Cloth Manufacturers Association (SASCMA), Jolwa Weavers Association, Sachin Industrial Co. Op. Society Ltd., and The Udhana Group Weavers Producers Co-Op. Society has united to protest against the DGTR’s order.
