Apparel consumers shun China; Factories improve operations

As consumers are likely to shun China post COVID-19, Sri Lankan apparel exporters believe it’s the right time to fast-track the Eravur fabric park in the East and set up polyester fabric mills of at least four confirmed companies.

Currently Sri Lanka retains about 60 per cent on average of the value addition within the country and if this park is established this could increase to about 95 per cent and market the product as ‘Made in Sri Lanka’.

“We are betting on the fabric park and we are already committing and speeding the process – we are very confident that we will not only boost our export value of the apparel but also increase value addition to up to 95 per cent within Sri Lanka,” Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association President Rehan Lakhany told the Business Times on Thursday.

He noted that currently about four Chinese fabric mill companies have confirmed and are looking at relocating from China and more and more consumers are willing to buy goods manufactured outside of China.

“We have to take advantage of that,” he said adding that we need to attract the best suppliers as currently most consumers too want to move away from Chinese purchases.

Most western nations and particularly the US have constantly led the blame game against China over the spread of the COVID–19 pandemic.

This park would be an opportunity for Sri Lanka to export fine polyester fabric to India as well, he said.

Meanwhile, apparel factories are now resuming operations as previous orders for clothes are now coming back in addition to orders for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Moreover, worker payments have been tough for April, May and June but with orders resuming going forward companies would be in position to pay workers and provide work as well, Mr. Lakhany said. (SD)