Apparel-August 2020 | Page 41

Industry Insights Analysis of the survey 1. Drop In Sales: Demand for Apparels may Shrink by Almost 40 per cent this year. More than 1500 CMAI members with sales of about R60,000 crores and employing more than 4,00,000 people have reported that there could be more than 40 per cent drop in demand after the lockdown. Based on this, CMAI which has close to 4000 members primarily in the Domestic Branded Apparel Manufacturing sector, believes that the Domestic Apparel Industry could take a Hit of almost one lakh crores due to the lockdown and the expected significant slowdown in economic growth once the lockdown is lifted. 2. Possible Job Losses: The estimated drop in sales would mean that almost 50 lakh jobs in the Apparel Industry are at risk. With the global slow down, and the cascading effect on other sectors of the Textile Industry, almost one crore jobs may be lost in Textiles and Apparels alone. 3. Down Sizing of Operations: About 80 per cent of the members who participated in the survey have indicated that they will need to down-size their organisation immediately. A minimum 30 per cent reduction in employee count and about 20 per cent reduction in salaries for all continuing employees is the action that CMAI Members are likely to take to ensure survival after the lockdown is lifted. 4. Working Capital Crunch and Losses due to Bad Debts, Extended Credit and Inventory Pile Up: 90 per cent of the Members expect a 30-40 per cent increase in inventory due to Zero sales during the lockdown. Further, 100 per cent of Members are worried of collections coming from trade, post the lockdown. 25 per cent of the collections may become bad-debts and members expect a minimum 90-day additional delay in collections. The choking of working capital, will also lead to a delay in reviving factories and thus 75 per cent of the members expect normalcy in the market only in FY 2021-22. 5. Possible Closure of Units: 20 per cent of the Members have indicated that they may consider closing down their business, as they will not have the required additional resources to pay for costs during lockdown. The survey is the reflection of the bleak future that awaits the Apparel and Textile Industry in India, due to shut-down of economic activity in India. CMAI, has appealed to Hon Prime Minister, Ministry of Textile, Government of India, Finance Ministry, Government of India and various State Governments to provide support to the Domestic Apparel Manufacturers to overcome the impact of lock-down and reduce potential job losses. CMAI’s Appeal to the Government: WAGE SUBSIDY: (A) 50 per cent Wage Subsidy of up to R5,000/- per month for five months from March 2020 to July 2020. (B) PF and ESIC Contribution of Employer and Employee to be done by Government for three months (March to May 2020) for employee drawing wage not more than R15,000 with no cap on number of employees in the company. INTEREST SUBVENTION: All Banks to offer Interest Subvention of five per cent on total borrowings. WORKING CAPITAL: 25 per cent additional Working Capital to be made available on a Mandatory Basis (not to the option of the Bank), subject to available Drawing Power on revised norms.