UAE top export destination for fabrics.

SURAT: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the top destination of Indian made fabric (MMF) with its export increasing by almost 35 per cent in April-January 2013-14.

While the Indian MMF export increased by 13 per cent between $4 billion in April and January 2013-14 compared to the same period in previous year, India exported $429 million worth of MMF to the UAE.

According to figures released at the first All India Powerloom Board (AIPB) meeting held in New Delhi recently, the US has emerged as the second largest export destination for MMF with 12 per cent increase at $352 million after the UAE. The export of MMF to Pakistan, mainly contributed by Surat and Maharashtra, increased by 5 per cent at 100 million in April-January 2013-14.

The polyester filament fabric (PFY) was the main fabric exported from India worth $580 million followed by synthetic filament fabric and polyester viscose fabric at $346 million and $241 million respectively.

The Rs 35,000 crore Surat's MMF industry weaves around 3 crore metre of fabric per day with the daily turnover of finished fabric, including sari, dress materials and upholstery pegged at Rs 110 crore. Over eight lakh employees use 6.5 lakh powerloom machines, one lakh embroidery machines and 400 textile processing units in the city.

Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry (FIASWI) president Arun Jariwala told TOI, "Surat contributes around 40 per cent of the nation's demand of polyester fabric. Thus, the city has a major contribution in the increase of MMF export. The direct export of fabric from Surat to various destinations is pegged at Rs 1,200 crore."

Synthetic and Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) regional chairman Narain Agarwal said, "Turkey, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and Spain have emerged as the leading market for MMF fabric export in 2013-14. The trend is likely to continue in 2014-15 as well."

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com