Exports of textile products fell considerably during semester I/2021 on an annual basis (yoy). The decline occurred in exports in the form of clothing units and unfinished textiles.

Based on data from the Industry and Trade Office of the Province of Bali, during the first semester of 2021, the value of textile exports in meters decreased by 32.06 percent yoy, while in units it fell 47.93 percent yoy, in pairs decreased by 92.19 percent yoy, and yards down 30.22 percent yoy.

Head of Foreign Trade at the Bali Province Industry and Trade Office, Ni Wayan Lestari, said the decline in exports was due to falling foreign demand. This decrease in demand was also followed by an increase in ship loading prices due to the scarcity of export containers.

"Yesterday we held a webinar to discuss it, many associations conveyed it [the increase in shipping prices]," he said.

However, Lestari could not reveal the exact amount of the increase in shipping prices because reports from each exporter are different.

Lestari said this problem really needed to get a solution immediately. The central government is expected to provide solutions, for example in the form of subsidies so that exporters are not burdened with shipping costs and do not need to increase prices.

"We hope that from the central government there will be a solution, for example with subsidies, if all local governments are facing financial problems," he said.

Meanwhile, nationally, the textile and textile product industry is still in a difficult condition. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded the performance of the textile and apparel sector in the second quarter of 2021 minus 4.54 percent yoy.

Whereas in the same period, the non-oil and gas processing industry or manufacturing recorded positive growth in the second quarter of 2021 or 6.91 percent yoy.