The demand for woolen sweaters has gone up considerably in the last few years. It has been noticed that the demand is more than the supply. At present very few manufacturers make woolen sweaters, especially in ladies designs. Thus the retail prices are quite steep. This is a perfect textbook example of what is normally termed as "sellers market".

The present position in this country is that the manufacturers of woolen sweaters, especially for ladies, are enjoying an enviable position. There is a clear-cut mark-up of nearly 300 percent for these manufacturers. It is for this very reason you see a deluge of TV commercials for their sweaters. It is also a well-known fact that the retailers have to pay money about six months in advance to the sweater manufacturers or else they would miss the boat. In effect, this is the only apparel item that is not only sold at a premium but is a cash-before-delivery item.

There is then this need to provide the woolen sweaters at a pocket-book friendly price. Since there is more than ample protection to the very few manufacturers, especially in ladies sweaters, the Government is requested to allow duty-free imports of sweaters from abroad. This will go a long way in meeting the demand of the consumers and will also induce local manufacturers to introduce comparable products to meet the desires of the discerning consumer. I am sure that the retailers will also concur with my suggestion since they are already selling a few smuggled items. A legal import-base will be much more beneficial to the market mechanism.