The Karur Textile Manufacturers and Exporters Association (KTMEA) has raised concerns over the severe crisis in the textile sector, urging the Union and State governments to support the industry amid challenges arising from the conflict in West Asia. 

Due to geopolitical tensions  involving  the United States, Israel, and Iran the prices of several essential materials required for textile manufacturing including petroleum-based products such as polyester, chemicals used in dyeing industries, polythene, and packing materials have witnessed sudden and steep increases. 

KTMEA president P Gopalakrishnan told reporters that  raw material prices used in textile production had surged between 30% and 60% in recent months.

According to the association, prices of recycled cotton and polyester-blended yarn, which are widely used in the Karur textile sector, had increased by 10% to 20%. If this situation continues, it could severely affect the operations of the Karur textile industry and have a major negative impact on export growth and employment opportunities.

It urged the Union and State governments to introduce support schemes for the industry and take steps to ensure stability in raw material prices.

Addressing the issue of labour scarcity, KTMEA joint secretary A Sethupathi said the shortage had become one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. He noted that many migrant workers had returned to their native places due to elections and other reasons, while participation from local workers had also declined considerably.

Highlighting that the textile industry in Karur provides employment to thousands of people, the association urged both the State and Central governments to announce immediate relief measures and demand interest subsidies and financial assistance for export companies, along with special schemes to address the prevailing labour shortage.