(a) whether the export of Indian attires has been adversely affected following the short term ban imposed by America on the import of Indian items of Textile, Handloom and Handicrafts;
(b) if so, whether the exporters have sought Government’s assistance in this regard;
(c) if so, whether the Government has considered of their demands; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES ( SHRI SHANKERSINH VAGHELA )
(a) to (d): The consignments of some exporters of categories 340/640, 369(S) and Group-II are held up in US ports due to excess shipments over the 2004 quota limits prescribed under the India-US Textile Agreement. The Government has been making efforts to get the held up consignments cleared and has requested the US authorities to grant a special dispensation of one time inter-category swing of 5% for the three categories for getting the held up goods cleared. However, the US has expressed that they will be unable to effect any additional flexibility since all had been exhausted; and have indicated that these goods would be cleared in February 2005.