Surat's Textile Industry Faces Crisis Amid West Asia Conflict

Surat's textile hub is struggling due to rising input costs amid the West Asia conflict, with units reducing operation days. Losses are estimated at Rs 100 crore daily, compounded by a 35% labor shortage. The industry hopes for relief during the wedding season despite a significant downturn in production.

Surat's textile industry, one of India's largest for man-made fabrics, is reeling from escalating input costs due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Faced with the challenge, multiple units have reduced operational days to five each week, as confirmed by Jitendra Vaktania, president of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association.

The crisis has worsened with the industry dealing with losses around Rs 100 crore daily, according to Ashok Jirawala of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Efforts to curb expenditures have resulted in reduced production cycles, compounded by a 35% labor shortage stemming from migrant worker departures.

Despite the industry's downturn, the upcoming wedding season may offer some solace. While production has nearly halved, authorities remain hopeful for recovery once global tensions ease and stability in raw material costs and labor availability returns. Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister is actively engaging with industry leaders for interim solutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)