Apparel-August 2020 | Page 22

Report Is the Domestic Garment Industry Sinking or Swimming? CMAI attempted to conduct a survey on the drastic decline of the Textile and Apparel Sector during the Covid-19 lockdown situation A Survey conducted by CMAI amongst its Members at the end of May 2020 showed a stunning decline of Sales during the month of May. Compared to the corresponding period of May 2019, the Members surveyed, indicated a drop of 84 per cent over the last year – and that too primarily because some factories had started manufacturing Masks and other PPE products. The Domestic Apparel Business has reported almost Zero production of regular products in May 2020. Only 22 per cent of Factories remain Operational Contrary to what is thought, the situation has hardly improved even after the easing of restrictions and attempts to open up the Economy. Our Survey showed that only 22 per cent of the Garment Factories across India have started functioning by the end of May. Factories are operating at an average of 25 per cent of their capacity. 40 per cent of the factories that have started functioning, are engaged in the manufacture of current essential products like Masks and PPE Products. 20 I APPAREL I August 2020