The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the government to exempt apparel exporting units from lockdowns and declare apparel exports as essential services. A Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC said most apparel exports are season and fashion sensitive, and their salvage value becomes zero if the production and shipment are not done in time

Many neighboring and competing countries have already accorded apparel exports the status of essential services, he added. Exports units are unable to execute orders due to lockdowns resulting in loss of export earnings and buyers. Sakthivel also urged buying houses and agents to convince international clients that the situation in India is getting better by the day. Buyers should be urged not to cancel orders as India is likely to bounce back by mid-June, Sakthivel added.