Textile exports decline in 2000<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's textile export revenue this year is
\nestimated to reach only US$7.3 billion, down from last year's
\n$7.5 billion and well short of the $8 billion target, according
\nthe Indonesian Textile Association (API) on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Outgoing general secretary Irwandy Muslim Amin attributed the
\ndecline to falling orders from the United States and Europe,
\nwhich are also Indonesia's largest export markets.<\/p>\n
In contrast, exports to the so-called non-quota markets
\nincreased during the year by 20 percent, with the biggest demand
\ncoming from the Middle East and North Africa.<\/p>\n
\"Exporters must penetrate these markets more aggressively to
\nanticipate the declining trend in the U.S. and Europe next year,\"
\nIrwandy stressed.<\/p>\n
He said exports next year would remain stagnant because of the
\ntrends in the U.S. and Europe, and also because of the impact of
\nthe unstable political situation in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The unfavorable economic conditions at home contributed to
\nthis year's falling exports, Irwandy said.<\/p>\n
He cited the difficulties experienced by companies obtaining
\nloans because banks were insisting that they must have zero debts
\nto qualify for credits.<\/p>\n
Even if companies were able to obtain loans, the interest
\nrates were prohibitively high, especially compared to those in
\nChina, one of Indonesia's main competitors in the international
\ntextile trade, he said.<\/p>\n
He also blamed the 30 percent hike in shipping rates this year
\nfor the decline in exports.<\/p>\n
\"The economic conditions at home must be improved if we want
\nto compete with others,\" Irwandy said.<\/p>\n
The Central Bureau of Statistics reported earlier this month a
\n30 percent increase in total exports in the January to October
\nperiod to US$51.59 billion. (05)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/textile-exports-decline-in-2000-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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