While the second wave damaged Surat’s economy, the diamond business has recovered, with shipments returning to pre-Covid levels. The textile industry, on the other hand, is still suffering from slow demand.
After the second wave of the Ramzaan epidemic, textile dealers in Surat are battling to clear their order books. The sector anticipated for a rebirth as business improved, but orders have plummeted and dealers are opening their doors solely to follow up with customers to settle past payments. “We are not receiving any clients because the wedding season is ended,” said Champalal Bothra, general secretary.
Weavers are claiming that output has been cut in half due to decreased sales, while many embroidery unit owners have just closed their doors. “There is no certainty when things will change for the better because lockdown remains in many areas and there is fear of a third wave,” said Ashok Jirawala, head of the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association.
