Irani urges fabrics industry to give data on dumping

The textile industry should come forward with market intelligence and evidence to fight anti-dumping in the apparel segment, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has said. .

Speaking at an event organised by the Chennai Citizens Forum today, Irani said that while dumping of fabrics from China has always been a challenge, the industry should provide the Commerce Ministry with market intelligence and port-wise details of dumping so that the Ministry can prepare a clear case in line with WTO norms.

“It is unfortunate that despite my continuous appeals, I never had the industry come forth with the paper work,” she added. She urged the apparel industry to bring enough evidence and information so that a definitive case of anti-dumping could be filed.

Irani said handlooms and handicrafts are another focus area for the Centre. “It could be a niche market in the world,” she said. However, the lack of quality in the sector has been a major challenge. “The industry and the government should work together to bring in quality control so that we can create a handloom brand,” Irani said.