Latest provisional data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) shows, import of MMF yarn, fabrics and made-up together increased 27 per cent and import of made-up staple fibres increased 19 per cent from April to July, 2018.The import of MMF textile has increased by almost 26 per cent in value terms at $869 million compared to $711 million in the previous year. The highest import growth was recorded in the remade garment (RMG) segment, which represented 47 per cent increase at $784 million during April-July, 2018 compared to $535 million in the same period in previous year.

The MMF sector has been demanding an increase in basic customs duty (BCD) on the import of MMF textiles to provide level-playing field to the indigenous manufacturers. Synthetic and Rayon Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) has also recommended increase in effective rates of BCDs on MMF, MMF yarns and all the left over tariff lines of MMF knitted fabrics falling under chapter 60. The effective rates of BCD on man-made fibres and MMF yarns such as polyester, viscose and others need to be increased to 10 per cent and on nylon fibres and yarns the effective rates of BCD need to be increased to 15 per cent.