Textile dyeing and printing mills in Surat have turned to processing high-end mercerized cotton fabrics. These fabrics are in high demand in the southern and northern parts of the country and have a strong export potential. Surat has a good potential for manufacturing and processing cotton fabrics. It wants to shed its image of being a traditional center for polyester fabrics. Textile processors feel mercerized cotton fabric processing helps them stay relevant and become tuned to market demands and trends and tide over tough days, like a recession. Also, while polyester fabrics see many ups and downs, the demand for cotton fabrics remains steady.

Power loom units in Surat use traditional or water jet looms, which are not compatible with manufacturing of cotton fabrics. So some power loom units, which use high-end rapier looms, have started manufacturing cotton fabrics. Surat has traditionally been a hub of manmade fabrics. Right now cotton fabric processing is at a nascent stage in Surat but it is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Surat’s textile mills offer competitive rates for job work and have a range of color choices as well.

More than 20 lakh meters of unfinished cotton fabrics from Bhiwandi and Ahmedabad wind up daily in the textile processing mills of Surat’s industrial areas for mercerization.