Now PPE mask manufacturers seek permission to export

Ludhiana: Two days after the central government allowed PPE (personal protective equipment) suit manufacturers to export PPE under quota system, the mask manufacturers too are demanding lifting of ban on the surgical masks, specially the three-ply masks.
According to the businessmen, due to entry of large number of manufacturers, they have a huge number of unsold masks lying with them now and like PPE suit manufacturers they too are facing the problem of huge fall in the rates of masks.
Dinesh Kalra, president of Ludhiana Business Forums, said. “With no scope left in garment business, in the wake of lockdowns, most of the garment manufacturers started to make three-ply masks as an alternative to survive these turbulent times. But entry of too many players made this item uncompetitive and, due to over supply, rates have fallen drastically. Now, we are facing another big problem of unsold stock worth several lakhs lying with each manufacturer. The only solution to our problem is allowing export of the surplus. The government should promptly take a decision. There is no harm in allowing export of the mask at least three-ply masks under quota system.”
Harish Kairpal, finance secretary of Knitwear Club and manufacturer of masks and PPE suits said, “There is a ban on export of surgical masks and as of now only cloth mask is allowed to be exported from India. If government does not want to lift ban on export of surgical masks, at least the three-ply masks should be exempted from the ban as there is a huge oversupply. In the last one month, hundreds of new businessmen entered this field. The three-ply masks, which were earlier sold to wholesalers for Rs 6 now got no buyers even at half their rate”
Kairpal also added, "The fall in rates has resulted in dozens of manufacturers calling it quits already, but they too have huge quantity of unsold stock lying with them. Considering the situation, there is no other alternative than to export these to other countries. We already are getting offers at better rates outside India.”
According to Ashwani Garg, a N95 mask manufacturer from the city, “If export of PPE suit can be allowed, then surgical masks too should be allowed to be exported. We do not have any problems if the government puts any kind of restrictions or guidelines for systematic export of masks. The position of mask manufacturers, specially the three-ply mask makers, is very critical now and allowing them to export their products would ease pressure on them and allow them to avert the danger of incurring huge losses.”