Md Shafiqul Islam Sarker, Managing Director, Purbani Group and Director, BTMA
Post US Tariff Impact :
What we expected from America’s new tariff has not yet materialized. Right now, it’s the summer season, so most buyers are on vacation, and they might place their orders later. We don’t do much business in the U.S. market, so we don’t have much insight there. However, in my opinion, if buyers can find alternatives in the U.S. now, they will place their orders there, and only if they don’t, they will place orders here.
Key challenges on Product Diversification :
We are ready for product diversification, but we have certain limitations when it comes to fabrics. We cannot produce many types of fabrics, so we are compelled to import from China because, in terms of price, we are far behind China. We can produce the same fabrics, but in that case, our costing increases, and it costs us $1–2 more per kilogram. At the same time, we are still weak in man-made fibers and blended fibers. If we can build capacity in yarns and fabrics, it will play a very significant role in our industry. No competitive country has yet been able to match China’s fabric prices. Therefore, in my opinion, if we can collaborate with China for product diversification, it will be beneficial for us.
Key obstacle for primary Textile Sector Investment :
On the other hand, the biggest obstacle in our country is the lack of timely gas and electricity supply, and whatever we do get is at a high cost. Our port facilities have issues, there are some problems with customs, and now political instability has been added to the list. Overall, in my view, the main problem is utilities—until that is resolved, we won’t be able to move forward. On the other hand, the banking problem is largely under control now, so we are facing fewer difficulties with LCs. If the new government provides proper support, we may be able to overcome these problems. Both setting the right policies and sustaining them are equally important—from both buyers and manufacturers.
