Leading apparel buying houses Triburg and Impulse believe that Indian manmade fibre (MMF) apparel exporters can aspire to grab US $ 20 billion business in global MMF apparel trade even as the domestic apparel industry works at resolving its limitations.
Sanjay Shukla of Triburg believes, “MMF globally is a US $ 200 billion opportunity. If we come together as a country and create a supply chain that starts with design, product development, fabric development, and, of course, garmenting, we can target 10 per cent of the US $ 200 billion. We are talking of a US $ 20 billion opportunity sitting right there.” Triburg is India’s topmost buying houses.
He was addressing a discussion on ‘Improving MMF Fabric Options for Indian Apparel Exporters’ in which MMF apparel exporters, buying houses and fabric suppliers shared their views.
The event was organised by Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
Similarly, Impulse also is of the opinion that there is a huge opportunity for MMF garments and that they have already identified major buyers and markets, and will make sure that MMF garments from India get more importance.
It is pertinent to mention here that MMF garment exporters have huge orders but they are finding it difficult to get proper fabrics, and are forced to import these. The long delivery time and issues of inconsistency in quality of MMF fabrics are the main constraints in increasing apparel exports from India. India has sufficient supply of MMF fibres and yarns, but is in short supply of quality fabrics.
Fabric producers have assured MMF-based apparel manufacturers that they have ample machinery and technology to produce fabrics of international standard, and that they are already supplying to the exporters in a big way.
Ajay Sardana from Birla Group of Companies said that his company, which is mainly into viscose staple fibre (VSF), will do everything possible to produce all types of viscose fabrics, and that he has got a special team to take care of exporters’ needs.
“We have a complete supply chain team which helps to get the fabrics if it is not available. If anybody is facing any problem, they can contact our team and we will make sure that the right quality is available at the right time. If AEPC agrees, we can jointly create a fabric library for those fabrics that are not regularly available but are required in small lots. We are ready to invest,” he said.
Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said that the MMF garment industry in India is poised for fast growth as the Government has agreed to promote the sector.
“The Government has announced Production Linked Incentive scheme for MMF segment and creation of seven mega textile parks in the country. These measures will increase production and export of MMF garments from India,” he said, adding that the AEPC has created a separate cell to promote MMF garments.
