Shortage of polyester fibre, increased prices: APTA

Lahore: All Pakistan Textile Association (APTA) has said that the shortage of polyester fibre and its increased prices was gravely affecting the spinning sector. APTA spokesman, Tanveer Shaikh said many polyester-fibre producing units were at the verge of closure or producing short of their capacities.

The scarcity of polyester-fibre was not only badly affecting the spinning sector but its has also pushed the prices of the fibre from Rs 89 per kg to Rs 92 kg that had added to the miseries of the spinning sectors.

As per available information, currently the biggest polyester fibre-producing unit in Pakistan is at verge of closure, producing polyester only 200 tons daily and may suspend its operation at any time. All other polyester producing units namely Ibrahim fibre ltd, ICI polyester Plant, Pakistan Synthetics ltd, Rupali polyester are in operation of under capacity furthermore ICI PTA plant, a raw material supplying plant to these polyester producing units is running at its 50 percent capacity.

Due to these circumstances, the Spinning mills particularly PC and PV blended yarn producing mills were facing severe problems. He said substantial numbers of spinning units had already closed down and many other have been operating partially, which resulted in besides others, unemployment of thousands of workers.

If the prevailing situation continued for further period of 10/15 days the spinning mills would not be able to maintain its operation. He said currently an import duty at a rate of 6 percent is applicable on imported polyester fiber thus increasing cost of doing business.