Readymade Garment Exports To US Rise
Himalayan Times, Nepal
THT Online
Kathmandu, July 5:
Export of readymade garments to US has increased by 28 per cent in the month of June worth compared to a drop by 16 per cent in the same period last year. During last year, readymade garments worth $4359945 were exported to US, while this year saw an export worth $5563610.
Uday R Pandey, general secretary of the Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) said that last year, export was worse which registered a little improvement this year. However, in the coming months, there is still uncertainty over the export market, a matter the government must address through the budget and correct the prevalent ills, said Pandey.
Buyers earlier had assured us that if peace is restored, we would increase our orders, Pandey informed. Accordingly, response from buyers has been good following the change in political scenario in recent times. But the environment in the factories is fast deteriorating with employee unions mushrooming at an alarming rate, which has disturbed production in garment units, he said.
There is still a dilemma whether to take orders or not as the production capacity has already gone down despite the good responses from buyers in recent times, Pandey said.
The response to the decline in exports to US in January, March and April by eight per cent, 13 per cent and 59 per cent are attributed to quota phase out and insecurity, according to exporters.
During the month of June in 2004, garment exports have declined by 46 per cent. However, in 2003 garment exports to US had increased by 39 per cent worth $9651829.93, as per the GAN’s report.
Similarly, readymade garment exports to Canada in June increased by 17.34 per cent alone, worth $92496.95 compared to an increment by 267.05 per cent last month.
