Chinese scrap imports threaten Ludhiana's sewing machine industry
Ludhiana: The local sewing machine industry has faced significant challenges due to the influx of Chinese sewing machines. Despite these obstacles, the industry has competed effectively. However, the progress and hard work of the industry are now threatened by
unfair trade practices
, such as the dumping of scrap material, which could undermine their achievements.
Although Ludhiana has primarily been producing traditional black sewing machines, there has been a significant influx of advanced and sophisticated white sewing machines from countries like Taiwan, and especially China. This influx has allowed China to dominate majority of the segment in India, putting the local industry on the backfoot.
In response to the rise of Chinese machines and the resulting loss of market share, Ludhiana manufacturers rose to the occasion. Through sheer hard work and grit, and without government grants, they managed to create a superior quality white sewing machine. Remarkably, they introduced this advanced machine at a lower price in the market, a feat that initially seemed impossible.
Over the period of five years, the industry associations worked hard without any government aid. "We didn't receive any monetary help from the government. However, we coordinated with the R&D centre, District Industries Centre, Central Control Room, and MSME centre in developing and refining the machines to achieve international quality, which cost crores. Together, we were able to create a superior quality white sewing machine at a lower price," says Gurmukh Singh Rupal, general secretary of the United Sewing Machines and Parts Manufacturers Association.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The Highest Earning College Majors—2025 Edition
Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
"The Chinese machines were priced at Rs 24,000, while we priced ours at Rs 17,000. Our machines were of much superior quality. However, the problem began when, in the past couple of years, scrap from Chinese second-hand machines started arriving without any bills. These machines are reassembled here and sold at just Rs 9,000," Rupal said.
"And it is not a small number. About 2-3 containers of such scrap machinery are arriving here without any bills. Even though our quality is much superior, those setting up new factories opt for the cheaper version, available at half the price," he said. "We put in the effort, invested crores over these years, and achieved great quality, yet the influx of second-hand machines is robbing us," he said.
"The only solution now lies with the government," says Rupal. "The government must impose stringent measures to stop the import of second-hand sewing machine scrap and plug all avenues for smuggling. We have no solution against the influx of scrap second-hand machinery from China. If it is not stopped, it will derail all the efforts and progress we have made. The government must actively intervene and halt these imports," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
43 minutes ago
- Hans India
Singareni to construct 500 MW pumped storage plant
Kothagudem: As part of its business expansion activities, Singareni Company will undertake construction of a pumped storage power plant based on the closed Medipalli open cast mine water reservoir in Ramagundam-1 area. During a review meetingon Saturday, CMD N Balaram said, 'The company, which has completed the preliminary studies related to this, has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing a complete project report and has presented a letter of award to a public sector undertaking named Vyapcos Limited.' He said that the Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu has already visited the Medipalli open cast mine and the construction site. Explaining the details of the project, he said, 'The plant works like a hydroelectric project in a way. A reservoir dam of about 2,350 m long and 23 m deep will be constructed for water storage on the funds. This reservoir will store 9.64 million cubic meters of water and 8 million cubic meters of water will be used for pumping.' The project cost is estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
BRICS summit to focus on local currency trade
Weeks before top BRICS leaders converge in Rio de Janeiro for summit talks, envoys of leading member nations of the grouping hinted that it could focus on greater use of national currencies for trade in the face of uncertainties over Trump administration's aggressive policy on tariff. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov reaffirmed Moscow's strong support for trade in local currency among BRICS member nations and described the grouping as 'a serious platform for discussing joint soluti'ons to big challenges'. The summit is unlikely to make any significant progress on the proposed BRICS currency as it will need significant structural changes and reforms. In the last few months, President Donald Trump has cautioned BRICS member nations against rolling out a BRICS currency to replace the US dollar. 'BRICS is not a counter-bloc. It is a centre of gravity for countries seeking mutual respect and non-interference,' Alipov said at a conference titled 'BRICS in Rio: Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable World Order' that was co-organised by the Embassy of Brazil in India and Centre for Global India Insights (CGII), a leading think tank focused on global affairs. The 17th BRICS ((Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7. Brazil is hosting the summit in its capacity as the chair of the influential bloc. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and several other leaders of the member nations of the grouping are expected to attend the summit. Enhancing the use of national currencies in settling intra-BRICS trade figured prominently in discussions, with all panellists backing the proposal, which is already being implemented by BRICS countries. However, the panellists found the idea of a BRICS common currency impractical. Besides Alipov, India's BRICS sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Dammu Ravi, Brazil's Ambassador to India Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Indonesia Ambassador Ina Hagniningtyas Krisnamurthi and Egypt's envoy Kamel Zayed Kamel Galal attended the conference. In his remarks, Ravi clarified that discussions around a BRICS common currency are still at a very early stage. 'Today, for now, we are only looking at trade settlement in national currencies. Harmonisation of fiscal and monetary policies is very, very difficult to achieve, he said. Nobrega and Ravi both reiterated that a common currency would require far deeper policy harmonisation -- something the EU struggled with despite far more economic alignment.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Dhenkanal on path of progress: Swain
Dhenkanal: Dhenkanal district is now on the path of progress as a development roadmap has been put in place for the last one year. Projects worth Rs 50,000 crore will be invested in the district. This was stated by Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain while addressing a gathering during the closing ceremony of 7-day Vikas Mela at Pallishree Mela ground. Swain said a sports complex and Mahima Gadi development projects to attract tourists will be set up in Dhenkanal. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the Chief Minister has already announced setting up of a medical college, Rs 120 crore for Baji Rout sports complex and Rs 30,000 crore for solar projects. The government has issued new ration cards for 15,144 people, he said, adding that this year the district has procured 17.25 lakh quintals of paddy, which is surplus. In the Vikas Mela, 40 stalls were erected. The Mela focused on Dokra products, food processing , clothes and indigenous products. The ministers gave away prizes for traditional and indigenous products. Vikas Mela souvenir was released on the occasion. Parjang MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Hindol MLA Simarani Nayak, Kamakshyanagar MLA Satrughan Jena, Municipality chairperson Jayanti Patra and Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay were present.
