Hosiery and textile industrialists in Ludhiana recently held a demonstration outside the Knitwear Club Office to protest against the growing threat to the domestic industry. Specifically targeting garments imports from Turkey and Bangladesh, these protestors highlighted the perceived lack of solidarity of these nations with India during its recent conflict with Pakistan.

The anger of these protestors stemmed not only from the economic threat posed by imports but also from Turkey and Bangladesh's stance during the India-Pakistan conflict, despite India having provided humanitarian aid to Turkey during its devastating earthquake in February 2023, said Vinod Thapar, Chairman, Knitwear Club.

Industrialists pointed out, garment imports from Bangladesh are duty-free under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), making them cheaper due to lower labor costs. They also accused many Turkish brands of routing products through Bangladesh to avoid duties, further harming the local industry. This misuse of trade agreements is damaging Ludhiana’s textile ecosystem, where many units are struggling to survive, stated Sudarshan Jain, Knitwear and Apparel Manufacturers Association of Ludhiana (KAMAL).

Large Indian retail chains continue to stock garments from these countries, disregarding their geopolitical stance and the adverse impact on Indian businesses, he added.

With 12,000 textile and hosiery units employing over 500,000 people, Ludhiana's industry contributes an estimated Rs 40,000 crore annually to the domestic market and Rs 5,000 crore in exports. Facing rising imports, industry leaders are not only calling for a boycott of products from Turkey and Bangladesh but also urging citizens to refrain from leisure travel to Turkey and prioritize Indian-made brands.