Coronavirus: Amid Export-import restrictions, Banarasi silk saree trade affected

As a result of export-import restrictions imposed amid Coronavirus outbreak in China, many industries in India, including trade of famous 'Banarasi silk saree' have gone for a toss.

Silk industries have been affected after temporary trade restriction by government, as China is one of major suppliers of silk in Banaras.

Speaking of crisis, General Secretary of Banarasi cloth industry Association, Rajan Behel said, "We are using raw material which has already been imported but re is a chance of hardship in future. Banaras consumes 90 per cent of silk imported from China."

Rajan Behel added that  restrictions have affected  international market of Banarasi sarees. He said that twenty per cent of  business has already been affected. At such rate, pure silk might vanish from market.

READ |  World's Most Productive Factory Shuts Down Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

READ | WHO: World Facing Chronic Short Of Protective Equipment Amid Coronavirus Dread

Import halted since January

Harshpal Kapoor, member of Silk Trade Association said that re has been shipment from China since January 20 during ir annual holiday. imports were expected to restart on February 4 but due to epidemic, shipment has been halted.

Kapoor said, "Without raw material, we can't weave sarees but as of w we have eugh raw material till end of February. Else, it depends on China how soon it tackles menace of coronavirus and starts to export silk."

READ | Kerala Govt Lifts 'state Disaster' Status To Coronavirus, Alert Continues

Coronavirus, which originated from China's Wuhan city in December 2018 has wreaked havoc all over  world, with a rapid increase in number of deaths each day. 

Several countries including India hurried evacuation process of ir citizens in Wuhan after World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus outbreak as a 'global health crisis'.

As of February 7, Coronavirus has claimed at least 636 lives in China, as per latest Chinese government reported. number of people infected has soared to 30,000 across country.

READ | Maharashtra Intensifies Screening At Ports For Coronavirus, Restricts Entry From China

(With inputs from ANI)

(Representative im)