China's fabric exports to India shrink with rising domestic demand
While China remains the world's leading textile producer, its grip on India's fabric import market appears to be loosening. Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) shows a shift in recent years. India's fabric imports from China peaked at $6.4 billion in 2022... Read more
Levi's makes big bet on DTC sales, embraces baggy denim trend
Levi Strauss & Co. (Levi's) is experiencing a positive shift in its business strategy, with a strong focus on direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales leading to a 7 per cent increase in after-hours trading and an 11 per cent rise in pre-market trading on Thursday. This success is attributed to a significan... Read more
Fashion InStyle, Home InStyle showcase lifestyle trends and sustainability …
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is hosting a week-long extravaganza of lifestyle products and creative industries, featuring two key fairs: Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle. The events, running from April 20th to 30th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bring together ... Read more
Shenzhen Underwear Fair (SIUF) Wraps Up Showcasing Expanding Focus: Beyond …
The 2024 China (Shenzhen) International Brand Underwear Fair (SIUF) concluded yesterday, April 21st, marking the end of a three-day event brimming with the latest trends and innovations in the intimate apparel industry. Held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center from April 19th to 21st, SIUF ce... Read more
H&M's shift from recycled bottle polyester and what it means for circul…
In a significant move Swedish fashion giant H&M has recently moved away from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles and towards a ‘circular’ solution – recycling textiles from pre-worn clothing and offcuts. H&M's $600 million investment in Syre a startup specializing in te... Read more
China's apparel and textile industry defies expectations with Q1 growth boo…
China's economic performance in the first quarter of 2024 surprised many exceeding expectations with a 5.3 per cent GDP growth. This increase was driven in large part by the robust performance of apparel and textile industry, a sector experiencing unexpected strength in both exports and domestic markets. T... Read more
US trade bodies fight against proposed higher tariffs on garments
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is considering raising tariffs on apparel imports from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Pakistan. However, this proposal faces strong opposition from four major American trade bodies. Import share of targeted countries These five countries account f... Read more
CMAI FAB Show 2024 wraps up successfully, boosting textile industry
The Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond Show 2024 (FAB Show 2024), organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded its fourth edition with resounding success. Held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, from April 15 to April 17, the event surpassed industry expectations, igni... Read more
US retail sales on the rise, but fashion sector growth murky
American consumers are opening their wallets again, with retail sales experiencing a modest uptick in recent months. According to the US Census Bureau, sales rose 0.7 per cent in March 2024 compared to February, and are up 4.0 per ent year-over-year. However, the picture within the fashion sector is less c... Read more
The Fast Fashion Conundrum: Profits soaring, sustainability stalling
The story of Shein's soaring profits in 2023 presents a fascinating paradox. While a growing number of consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, express a desire for sustainable clothing, fast fashion giants like Shein are experiencing tremendous financial success. This raises several key questions. E... Read more
Wall Street and the Seduction of Sexy Calvin Klein Ads: Hype or performance…
The recent Calvin Klein campaign featuring Jeremy Allen White in his skivvies has set the fashion world abuzz. But can a billboard, no matter how eye-catching, truly move the needle on Wall Street? While the risqué Calvin Klein ads undeniably generated massive social media buzz (reportedly five times... Read more
Looming Iran-Israel conflict threatens to unravel global apparel trade
The already fragile global garment industry faces fresh challenges as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. This adds another layer of disruption to a supply chain already strained by the Red Sea crisis and the war in Ukraine. The apparel industry being a complex web, and the Iran-Israel conflict prese... Read more
Asian Apparel Exports: A tale of four tigers, one lagging behind
The apparel industry in Asia presents a fascinating picture of contrasting fortunes. While Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka have seen their garment exports soar in recent years, India, a traditional powerhouse in textiles, struggles to keep pace. This analysis delves into the reasons behind this dis... Read more
Roberto Cavalli: A legacy of bold prints and unbridled glamour
Roberto Cavalli, the iconic Italian designer who passed away on April 12, 2024, leaves behind a rich legacy. Cavalli was more than just a name; it was a brand synonymous with flamboyant sensuality, exotic prints, and a celebration of individuality. Early innovations and rise to fame Born in 1940, Ca... Read more
Candiani & Madh unveil first regenerative cotton jeans
In a move towards sustainable fashion, Swedish denim brand Madh has partnered with Italian producer Candiani Denim to introduce the first-ever jeans collection crafted from Europe-sourced, non-GMO regenerative cotton. This pioneering endeavor utilizes the exclusive Blue Seed cotton variety, developed by Can... Read more
Uniqlo trims China footprint while chasing growth
Uniqlo's story in China is one of explosive growth. Entering the market in 2002, it capitalized on the country's rising middle class and growing demand for high-quality basics at affordable prices. Uniqlo's focus on innovation, like its HeatTech thermal wear, and its commitment to functionality resona... Read more
Chinese Polyester Exports on Shaky Ground: Boom or bust for global market?
Polyester product exports from China, a major global supplier, have dipped in the first two months of 2024, raising concerns about the industry's health. According to customs data, total exports reached nearly 1.803 million tons, down 18,000 tons year-on-year. This decline is primarily driven by significant... Read more
Sustainable Stitches: Shirt industry sews a greener future with eco-fibers
The cotton shirt, a wardrobe staple for generations, is facing a new challenge: man-made fibers (MMF). This shift in the global shirt industry is driven by a confluence of factors – functionality, affordability, and ever-evolving fashion trends. A balancing, cost vs performance Cotton reigns supreme... Read more
FY25 outlook brightens for Indian textiles sector: Systematix
In a recent panel discussion organized by Crisil, titled 'Upstream textiles sector: Threads of promise', industry experts provided insights into the outlook for the cotton yarn and polyester yarn segments of the upstream textiles industry for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). Crisil anticipates moderate revenue ... Read more
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics –March’24
What have been the major changes in market over the years?
“The major changes in the China market over the years have included a shift from buying high-quality, high-priced products to more price- conscious options, a transition from formal wear to leisure and outdoor products, and a slowdown in the market due to economic challenges such as high unemployment rates and real estate issues. Additionally, there has been a shift towards functional leisure products, with a small percentage of formal production transitioning to this new trend.”
“The emerging trends in products around the world include a shift towards heavier fabrics, a preference for casual and performance fabrics with stretch, and a focus on more casual and sportswear options. Additionally, there is a trend towards more women's wear tailored clothing and a demand for heavier fabrics in many countries.”
“The world of textiles is changing in terms of focus on ecology and sustainability, with advanced markets like the USA and Europe leading the way. Japanese companies are also trying to promote ecology and sustainability, especially as they enter the China market. Additionally, there is a shift towards using Japanese technical expertise in production facilities in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and China. ”
Sustaining the 1.5°C Goal: The corporate imperative of COP28
“COP28, coined as 'the financial focus COP,' will centre its discussions on vital financial and investment matters, highlighting the pivotal involvement... Read more
The crucial role of mega textile hubs in establishing India’s global leadership
Dr S N Modani, Managing Director, CEO, Sangam India is also the Chairman of the Rajasthan Textile Mills Association. With 33 years of experience in the textil... Read more
Eurecat x Canmartex to develop predictive quality control systems for knitwear t…
Aracne's system uses photonics, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence to predict potential manufacturing defects before the fabric is made. This ... Read more
Growing demand from domestic, foreign players boosts India’s textile machinery b…
Heralding a textile revolution in India, the textile machinery industry is transforming from labor-intensive to a more modern and automated manufacturing ... Read more
Innovation key highlight at ITMA 2023
ITMA has announced it will continue to present and share innovative manufacturing technology and materials with the industry at its 19th edition in Milan.... Read more
Santoni launches new XT intarsia machine
Leading Italian circular knitting machine builder SantoniSpA has launched its new unique XT intarsia machine that combines all of the knitting possibiliti... Read more
Gartex Texprocess to be launched as a hybrid event
In conjunction with MEX Exhibition, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India will hold Gartex Texprocess India as a hybrid event. The event will scheduled alongs... Read more
Rudolf revolutionizes textile industry with innovative solutions
Rudolf, a global leader in textile auxiliaries and construction chemicals, is poised ... Read more
Fashion brands, innovators join forces for Earth Day forest protection
Fifteen prominent companies have made a commitment to cease sourcing from Ancient and... Read more
CHINA INSIGHTS
Contributed by Mr. Zhao Hong & Ms. Xing Rong
Amid unprecedented Non Woven growth, China revises mask quality standards
With the daily output of masks touches over 20 million, China introduces new standards for... Read more
China: Silk city Shengze is pilot zone for the world-class textile cluster
Shengze, home to the largest silk wholesale market known for silk and man-made s... Read more
Vandewiele Sweden unveils cutting-edge e-commerce platform
Vandewiele Sweden, a pioneering member of TMAS (Swedish Textile Machinery Association... Read more
China’s women’s hosiery exports rise 7.5% to 18 billion pairs in 2023
Increasing for seven consecutive years, China’s exports of socks, stockings and... Read more
AGI Denim teams up with Green Story to quantify environmental performance
Vertical denim manufacturer, AGI Denim has teamed up with sustainability analytics pl... Read more
Uniqlo launches new T-shirts range for protection against hot weather
Japanese apparel and lifestyle brand Uniqlo has launched its ‘Airism’ ran... Read more
HKTDC hosts seven lifestyle and creative trade events
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is currently hosting seven lifestyle ... Read more
ITM 2024: Turkey's visa ease makes global impact
Textile industry leaders worldwide are gearing up for the highly anticipated ITM 2024... Read more
Officina39 revolutionizes indigo garment dyeing with Easyndigo
Officina39, the renowned Italian chemical company, unveils a solution set to redefine... Read more
Adidas launches new sports bra range for Olympic runners
Sportswear giant Adidas has introduced a new range of sports bras known as the &lsquo... Read more
Lululemon Athletica to close Washington distribution center
Lululemon Athletica plans to optimise its business operations by closing its distribu... Read more
Birkenstock to open new stores across Austin and Nashville
After opening a store in the Design District, Miami, Birkenstock plans to open new st... Read more
Kenya to launch new clothing company to boost apparel exports
William Ruto, President, Kenya will inaugurate a new clothing company, Nexgen Packagi... Read more
Sales of Korea’s luxury fashion houses decline in 2023
Following a period of robust growth during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, sales... Read more
Interfiliere Shangai to offer unparalleled industry insights
Scheduled for October 15-16 in Shanghai, Interfiliere is poised to offer unparalleled... Read more
H&M halts sourcing from Myanmar over labor abuse allegations in garment…
World's second-largest fashion retailer, H&M has announced its decision to gradua... Read more
Oerlikon’s Polymer Processing Solutions Division to participate in ITM 2024
Oerlikon’s Polymer Processing Solutions Division, alongside its joint venture p... Read more
Indo Count acquires home fashions brand Wamsutta
A prominent bed linen manufacturer and exporter from India, Indo Count has acquired t... Read more