A prominent apparel manufacturer based in the United States, HanesBrands reported a 9.6 per cent decline in revenue to $5.63 billion during FY23 from $6.23 billion in FY22. 

The company’s sales during Q4 FY23 declined by 12 per cent to $1.3 billion compared to the previous year. On an organic constant currency basis, net sales experienced a decline of approximately 10 per cent.

The global Champion brand, a crucial segment for HanesBrands, faced a 23 per cent decrease in sales on a reported basis in Q4 FY23 and a 24 per cent decline on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year. Sales in the US saw a significant 30 per cent decline, while international sales decreased by 14 per cent on a reported basis and 15 per cent on a constant currency basis. Despite witnessing sales growth in China and Latin America, declines in Europe, Japan, and Canada overshadowed these gains, as stated by HanesBrands in a press release.

In Q4 FY23, gross profit amounted to $494 million, marking a slight decrease of about 2 per cent, while gross margin significantly improved by 400 basis points to 38.1 per cent. Adjusted gross profit stood at $495 million, with an adjusted gross margin of 38.2 per cent, indicating an improvement of nearly 395 basis points compared to the same quarter in 2022.

Operating profit and margin for the fourth quarter improved to $96 million and 7.4 per cent, respectively, up from $60 million and 4.1 per cent in the previous year. Adjusted operating profit increased to $111 million from $83 million in Q4 FY22, with the adjusted operating margin up approximately 295 basis points over the prior year.

In terms of segments, innerwear sales decreased marginally by about 1 per cent, while activewear sales experienced a 24 per cent decline. International sales decreased by 9 per cent, including a $6 million impact from unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

HanesBrands surpassed its 2023 inventory and operating cash flow goals, ending the year with inventory under $1.4 billion, exceeding the company’s $1.5 billion target and marking a 31 per cent year-over-year improvement in inventory management.

Steve Bratspies, CEO, says, though the company’s Q4 performance did not meet  expectations, it got several positive indicators that shows margins and leverage have reached a positive inflection point.

A specialised textile manufacturer from Dhaka, Bangladesh, NZ Denim launched a new range of low-impact denims fabrics for S/S 2025 during the last edition of Texworld held in Paris.

The company aims to expand its denim fabric range besides increasing its annual productive capacity from the present 36 million meter to 72 million meter by developing new weaves, new surface effects and lower impact materials.

Amongst the new styles launched by the company includes the pro-biotic denim fabric treated with biochemical based substances produced by Proclean, an Indian chemical company, used to age fabrics. The company has also dyed its fabrics with natural indigo substances by AMF Herbal, another Indian chemical company that develops bio-based and vegetable origin dyeing substances.

NZ Denim has also launched a new fabric made with 83 per cent cotton, 1 per cent spandex and 16 per cent Spinnova, a natural fiber developed by a Finnish company that obtains special cellulosic fibers from wood pulp through a mechanical process that requires no water and only uses a very low energy amount, mostly from solar power. 

Other products launched for the S/S 2025 collection include fabrics made with Tex2Tex Earth Protex, special polyester that can also be recycled through melting. It can be reused up to a 40 per cent percentage and can be added to virgin cotton for new denim and cotton fabrics.

A part of NZ Tex Group, NZ Denim is a vertical mill-setup including four integrated business units employing 7,000 workers. 

Through its different divisions the group produces dyed yarns and linen fabrics. As the only Bangladesh company manufacturing 100 per cent linen fabrics it exports to Belgium, France, Japan and Korea.

Colorado-based footwear company Crocs expects Q1 FY 2024 revenues to decline by 1.5 per cent Y-o-Y. The company plans to reinvest in several key areas as it continues to gain durable market shares. 

During Q4 FY23, Crocs; revenues increased by 1.6 per cent to $960 million Y-o-Y with direct-consumer-revenues increasing by 6.8 per cent. The company’s sales surged by 11.5 per cent to $4 billion during the quarter. 

By brand, Crocs revenues surged by 10 per cent to $732 million, while HeyDude revenues declined by 18.5 per cent to $228 millionfrom the same period last year.

During the three months, the brand’s net income grew to $253.9 million, up from $137.7 million, in the prior-year period.

Capped off by a strong fourth quarter that exceeded expectations across all metrics, Crocs Inc delivered a record year in FY23, says Andhrew Rees, CEO. The company’s revenues grew by 11 per cent to $4 billion underpinned by industry-leading operating margins and double-digit earnings per share growth. The brand 

Crocs grew across all regions and channels, highlighting the power of the company’s strategy and disciplined execution. The HeyDude Brand returned to a pull-market position resulting in improved gross margins and healthy inventory levels exiting the year, he adds. 

Marks & Spencer will introduce a range of products from Puma and Reebok to The Sports Edit platform on M&S.com to strengthen its third-party offering.

Home to five out of the top ten global sportswear brands, M&S.com will have 140 products from the two sportswear brands throughout February and March, including a range of performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear. Currently, the platform houses 90 third-party brands.

This year The Sports Edit will also celebrate its first year of partnership with the platform that saw 110 per cent growth in sportswear searches during the period.

Estimated to be worth over £15.3 billion in 2022, the UK sportswear market is expected to continue to grow by 16.3 per cent between 2022 and 2027.

Nishi Mahajan, Director - Third-Party Brands, M&S, says, the platform has been carefully curated to cater for every style, energy level and price point, complementing and completing the strength the brand has in its Goodmove range. 

Nick Paulson-Ellis, Founder and CEO, The Sports Edit, adds, carefully curated edit of sportswear partners on The Sports Edit platform on M&S.com now includes five out of the top ten global sportswear brands, with more to follow later in the year.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the government to temporarily suspend an order permitting the trans-shipment of Bangladesh export cargo through the Delhi Air Cargo complex, citing logistical and cost concerns. 

In a communication to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC), AEPC highlighted the strain caused by the Red Sea crisis, which has escalated transportation costs for domestic exporters and prompted a shift from sea to air freight.

Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC expressed concern over the daily arrival of 20-30 loaded trucks in Delhi, slowing cargo movement and facilitating undue advantage-taking by airlines. This situation has resulted in soaring air freight rates, processing delays, and severe congestion at the Cargo Terminal of the IGI Airport, making Indian apparel exports less competitive, he said.

AEPC petitioned the CBIC to suspend the implementation of a circular issued on February 7, which expanded the trans-shipment permissions to the Delhi air cargo complex. Previously, such trans-shipments were restricted to the Kolkata Air Cargo complex. Bangladesh's significant presence in the textile sector poses a competitive challenge to India.

The Central Government has announced an extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for the export of apparel/garments and made-ups until March 31, 2026. 

This scheme offers benefits of up to 6 per cent to exporters in these sectors. Initially set to conclude on March 31, 2024, the uncertainty surrounding its expiration hindered exporters from accepting new orders beyond that date.

Bharat Chhajer, Former Chairman, Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), says, the extension will ensure stability in the policy regime, lower the tax burden and provide a level playing field on the principle that “goods are exported and not domestic taxes. The decision is particularly significant for the textile industry in Gujarat, a prominent textile hub, he adds. 

The RoSCTL scheme aims to offset state and central taxes and levies through rebates, alongside the duty drawback scheme, for exports of apparel-garments and made-ups. The central principle is to prevent the exportation of taxes and duties, fostering a level playing field for exports.

Rahul Shah, Co-chairman, Textile Committee, GCCI, highlights the challenges facing the textile sector. Citing a decline in India's textile and apparel exports from April to November 2023, he says, the extension of the RoSCTL scheme provides much-needed support to exporters of garments and made-ups, offering a potential boost to the industry.

RMIT University researchers have launched an initiative to enhance fabrics with nanodiamonds, aiming to expedite the body's cooling process. Through a technique called electrospinning, they found that fabric treated with nanodiamonds could lower temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius compared to untreated cotton.

Shadi Houshyar, Project Head and Senior Lecturer, RMIT, says, this technology could be used in numerous applications such as making innovative materials for sportswear and personal protective equipment like firefighter underlayers. 

Additionally, the study reveals, nanodiamond-coated cotton provides improved UV protection, making it suitable for outdoor summer attire.

Houshyar emphasises, the integration of nanodiamonds into fabrics could potentially reduce the need for air conditioning, resulting in energy savings of 20-30 per cent. 

Spearheaded by the Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion (CMIFF), the research comprises RMIT engineers and textile researchers renowned for crafting next-generation smart textiles. Aisha Rehman, Research Assistant, RMIT, explains, nanodiamonds were selected for their robust thermal conductivity properties.

The renowned trade fair for the laundry, dry cleaning, and textile service industry, Texcare International is generating significant anticipation within the sector. 

Scheduled to reconvene in Frankfurt am Main from November 6 to 9, 2024, this event by Messe Frankurt has already garnered substantial interest from global stakeholders.

With nine months remaining until the opening, 247 companies hailing from 30 countries have already registered for the exhibition. The surge in registrations underscores the industry’s eagerness for this event.

Many market leaders are poised to leverage this premier platform to unveil their latest innovations to a diverse international audience, says Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, Director, Texcare. 

This year, in addition to established machinery, chemical, and textile manufacturers, Texcare will also feature new players from robotics and IT sectors, promising attendees a comprehensive insight into textile care advancements across product categories.

Texcare 2024 will be hosted in Hall 8 and the Galleria, maintaining a layout similar to its previous iteration. Notable exhibitors such as Alliance Laundry, Christeyns, Danube, and others have already confirmed their participation , ensuring a diverse showcase of industry offerings.

Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric, and Leather Technologies, emphasises Texcare 2024 holds great significance amidst industry challenges, including regulatory shifts, labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties. The event will focus on key themes such as digitalisation and automation to enhance operational flexibility, sustainability, and quality.

Andreas Schumacher, Managing Director, German Textile Cleaning Association, says, physical interaction plays an important  role in the industry, especially amid rising costs and labor scarcities. Texcare's role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders remains pivotal, he adds. 

The event's agenda encompasses an array of products and services tailored to commercial laundries, textile service providers, dry cleaners, as well as sectors like hospitality, healthcare, etc.

 Texcare International 2024 will spotlight solutions to prevailing challenges such as labor shortages and emphasise the role of digital technologies in streamlining operations. The event will focus on themes like circular economy, energy efficiency, and textile hygiene will also feature prominently, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Citing soaring energy prices and poor policies, textile exporters in Pakistan have accused the interim government of intruding into economic matters and causing a disaster. 

Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chief Coordinator, Value-Added Textile Forum; Mubashar Naseer Butt, Chairman, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA);  Muhammad Usman, Towel Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Khalid Majeed, Chairman, Denim Manufacturers & Exporters Association jointly held the interim setup for the economic downturn.

According to them, repeated gas and electricity price increases, coupled with a weak rupee, have escalated input costs and stifled manufacturing growth.

The industry faces gas cuts twice a week with high discount rate of 22 per cent, and expensive export financing. Exports have plunged by 12.71 per cent Y-o-Y, falling short of the target by 16.61 per cent.

Many exporters have stopped production or fear closure due to unviable trade conditions. Gas tariffs have risen by a staggering 191 per cent, with exporters forced to pay a premium compared to other sectors.

Many of the exporters have also accused the government of planning further gas price hikes and lacking industry representation in regulatory bodies. They have urged the Prime Minister to intervene, meet with stakeholders, and find solutions to the energy crisis plaguing the textile industry.

The Indian textile industry, once a global powerhouse, is facing significant challenges. Declining exports, ailing infrastructure, and fierce competition threaten its future. In a recent report, a Parliamentary Committee recognized the need for urgent action and called for a comprehensive National Textile Policy (NTP) to revitalize the sector. As per the Minister of Textiles, Government of India, "The textile industry is a vital contributor to our economy and job creation. A new National Textile Policy is essential to address the challenges and unlock the sector's full potential."  

The need for a new policy

To begin with, India's textile and apparel exports have fallen by 11 per cent in the last five years as per Textile Ministry data. This decline is attributed to factors like rising production costs, outdated technology, and inadequate infrastructure. Over 100 textile units are currently classified as ‘sick’ impacting thousands of jobs and hindering industry growth. The industry struggles to compete with countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam due to lower labor costs and policy advantages. Also, the lack of a unified policy hinders progress

Table: Statistical overview

India's Textile and Apparel Exports: $42.4 billion in 2022-23 

Number of Textile Mills: 2,500+.

Job Creation in Textile sector: 4.5 crore+ 

Then there is the issue of past policy limitations.  The outdated National Textile Policy formulated in 2000, is outdated and lacks a holistic approach. Multiple state policies create inconsistencies and hinder national-level planning. Varying support across states creates an uneven playing field. Inadequate power supply, poor transportation networks, and limited access to quality raw materials hinder efficiency and raise production costs. Shortage of skilled workers, especially in technical areas, impedes innovation and productivity.

Stopping the export slide 

There is an urgent need to limit the export slide. The focus needs to be on value-added products. Shift from basic textiles to technical textiles, functional apparel, and design-driven segments. Also, there is a need for fresh Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Better trade deals with key markets to reduce tariffs and boost exports. Need for investing in automation, modernization, and R&D to improve efficiency and product quality. And building strong brands and promoting Indian textiles globally.

Strengthening ‘Make in India’ 

Another reason for a new policy is to attract investments. Create investor-friendly policies, infrastructure development, and single-window clearances. Establishing PM MITRA parks with integrated infrastructure and support services can attract investments and create job opportunities. Streamlining regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing single-window clearance can attract domestic and foreign investors

Self-reliance in raw materials

Promote domestic sourcing and reduce dependence on imported raw materials and encourage local production. Promote high-yielding cotton varieties, improve farming practices, and reduce wastage. Encourage domestic production of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Promote sustainable sourcing and recycling of raw materials. Implement comprehensive training programs to create a skilled workforce. Ensure adherence to environmental and labor regulations to meet international quality demands. "Skilling and reskilling the workforce is crucial for the industry to compete globally and achieve self-reliance," points out President, Confederation of Indian Industry - Textiles Committee

The Indian textile industry stands at a crossroads. A comprehensive National Textile Policy, coupled with focused action on modernization, skill development, and self-reliance, can be the thread that weaves a brighter future for the sector. By addressing the limitations of existing policies and implementing strategic solutions, India can regain its position as a global textile leader.