Wazir Advisors’ monthly report that covers latest apparel consumption and import data of the US, EU, UK, and Japan along with exports data of India has just released its October 2023 edition. Highlighting global market scenario in August and September, the report shows US import market is not too strong with online sales of clothing and accessories registering only a nominal 1 per cent growth in Q2 of 2023 over Q2 2022.  Lower figures have also been recorded month-wise, with US apparel imports at $7.8 billion in August 2023, which is 25 per cent lower than August 2022. 

The UK markets have also seen lower figures as on year-to-date (YTD), with imports 14 per cent lower than 2022. Apparel import in August 2023 was around $1.8 billion, 10 per cent lower than last year. China’s share decreased 6 per cent in UK apparel market while Bangladesh has seen 2 per cent increase since 2021. EU’s apparel imports this year was $8.2 billion which is 23 per cent lower than August 2022, on YTD basis, imports were 10 per cent lower than 2022.

 Japan’s imports from Vietnam increase 

Japan’s apparel import, an important segment of the Wazir report revealed in August 2023, imports were $2.4 billion, 14 per cent lower than the same month last year on YTD basis. Imports were 2 per cent lower than in 2022. Moreover, China’s share decreased 7 per cent while Vietnam saw an increase of 2 per cent since 2021. Post-pandemic, other South East Asian countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are trying to takeover some of the business from China in global import-export of apparels.

Apparel store sales higher in key global markets

However, in spite of lower imports, the monthly apparel store sales were slightly higher in the UK and US, both in online as well as offline markets over the last couple of months. The US monthly apparel store sales were around $18.2 billion in September 2023, clocking in 10 per cent rise from September2022.

Home furnishing store segment is under-performing with sales at around $4.7 billion in September 2023 which is 13 per cent lower than in September last year. On YTD basis, sales are around 4 per cent lower than last year. Online sales of clothing and accessories registered a nominal growth of 1 per cent in Q2 this year over Q2 2022.

Even in the UK, a nominal 2 per cent increase in September 2023 was noticed as compared to last September. On a YTD basis, sales were 8 per cent higher in 2023 as compared to 2022, with online segment doing rather well in Q2 2023 with a growth of 10 per cent as compared to Q2 2022.

India scenario

In the Indian apparel export market, Middle East countries share have decreased 5 per cent since 2021, while that of the US has increased 1 per cent. India’s apparel exports were estimated to be around $1 billion in September 2023, although on a YTD basis, exports are 14 per cent lower than 2022. Playing the role of a torchbearer for the textile and apparel Industry, the Wazir Advisors monthly report is much-awaited by analysts for its comprehensive global market overview.

The SEAMS Fall Conference was a great opportunity to learn about the entire textiles industry process in one place. 

We visited the Wilson College of Textiles and Cotton Incorporated at NC State University, where we saw how fibers become yarn and fabric. We also witnessed the amazing PyroMan™ in action at the Textile Protection and Comfort Center. This life-sized manikin tests the performance of thermal protective clothing, and the video of its capabilities was impressive, but seeing it live was truly awe-inspiring.

This was just the beginning of a rich and diverse conference, with captivating speakers and stories. We had in-depth discussions and presentations on a variety of topics, including circularity, trade, governance, production, and development. We also celebrated our history and the people who have shaped our industry. 

The conference covered everything from farming and fibers to the final product, and we welcomed a large group of international attendees.

Lenzing Group is addressing the increasing need for material transparency and traceability in protective wear by utilizing the Lenzing Fiber Identification System for LENZING™ FR (flame resistant) cellulosic fibers. The system can identify LENZING™ FR fibers at every stage of production, guaranteeing unparalleled traceability, quality assurance, and trust in protective garments.

Lenzing is also continuing its solid efforts in reducing carbon emissions by ensuring LENZING™ FR protective wear made from modal-based fibers set a new standard in responsible production processes. Carbon neutral LENZING™ FR fibers, certified by ClimatePartner, are also available to address growing sustainability needs in the industry.

Key takeaways:

Lenzing Fiber Identification System guarantees traceability, quality assurance, and trust in protective garments.

LENZING™ FR fibers are produced using renewable raw material wood sourced from controlled and certified forests.

Partnerships are Essential for Innovation in a Disruptive World

In a rapidly changing and disruptive world, partnerships are crucial for advancement and innovation. The industry needs to overcome new challenges and seize new opportunities, and no single organization can do it alone.

The forum "Partners for Progress" stresses the importance of collaboration between organizations with diverse skills, resources, and perspectives to create powerful innovations that benefit the industry, society, and the world. By joining forces, organizations can be more flexible and adaptable to changing market demands, while also fostering a culture of innovation and lifelong learning.

Source Fashion, Europe's fastest-growing sourcing platform, is expanding again for its next edition in February 2024, with a 50% increase in exhibitors to over 320 from around the world. The show is the gateway to the UK fashion industry, putting international manufacturers and suppliers at the fingertips of UK brands.

Source Fashion offers a unique and unmissable experience for decision-makers in buying, sourcing, and procurement. All exhibitors have been audited to ensure sustainability and transparency are at the heart of their business models. 

The next show unites manufacturers from a diverse range of countries, including the UK, India, Portugal, Turkey, Madagascar, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, and Ethiopia, with newcomers from Mongolia, Lithuania, and Tunisia.

Visitors will love the quality, diversity, and variety of producers, makers, and manufacturers from around the world, with the best of the best in terms of high-quality knitted apparel, luxury wool knits, leather, denim, and more across our sectors, including Fabrics, Accessories, Sportswear, Garment Manufacturers, Packaging, Yarns, Trims and Fixtures, plus Design & Technology.

Source Fashion connects global manufacturers and suppliers to buyers who want the security of knowing that every conversation is one that could lead to a new range creation. The show is the gateway to retail for manufacturers and suppliers from across the world. With a content stage dedicated to presenting and discussing the latest trends, innovations, and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing from internationally renowned industry professionals, as well as the inspirational Source Catwalk shows, Source Fashion is the must-attend event for the fashion community.

Source Fashion takes place on 18th–20th February 2024 at Olympia London.

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) organizes the IHGF Delhi fair, one of Asia's largest events for Gifts & Handicrafts. The 57th edition of this fair will be held at the India Expo Centre & Mart on February 10, 2024, at 6:00 pm. The fair has two editions every year, one in Spring and one in Autumn.

Go to destination

The IHGF Delhi fair is a unique global platform for Indian artisans and manufacturers to showcase their exquisite handicrafts to global buyers. The fair showcases a wide range of products, including carpets, home décor, furniture, jewelry, fashion accessories, and much more.

The 57th IHGF Delhi fair is anticipated to attract over 3,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors from around the world. The fair is a must-awaited for anyone interested in sourcing high-quality Indian handicrafts.

Impact on businesses and consumers:

The IHGF Delhi fair is a major event for the Indian handicraft industry. It provides a platform for artisans and manufacturers to connect with global buyers and export their products. The fair also helps to promote Indian handicrafts and culture on a global stage.

For consumers, the IHGF Delhi fair is a great opportunity to shop for high-quality Indian handicrafts at competitive prices. The fair also offers a wide range of products to choose from, so there is something for everyone.

The European Commission has proposed a revision of the EU Textile Labelling Regulation (TLR) to promote sustainable practices and enhance transparency in the textile sector. The revision will cover both physical and digital textile labelling, with a focus on incorporating sustainability and circularity provisions aligned with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

The revision seeks to bring about significant changes, including:

Standardizing fibre composition testing methods, rules on leather, and sizing standards across EU Member States.

The revision is also expected to bring some challenges, such as:

A potential transition from the current GINETEX symbols to a new EU-standardized code for product care information, which could lead to misalignments with widely accepted international standards.

The Commission is expected to initiate the revision in the 4th quarter of 2023. While the concrete content has not been made public yet, it is reasonable to expect that brands will need to implement more comprehensive and standardized labelling practices to ensure that consumers have access to accurate information about the composition and origin of textile products. 

The European Union (EU) is set to implement a number of new sustainability regulations, with significant implications for businesses. The Empowering Consumers Directive, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Waste Shipment Regulation are all in the pipeline, with businesses given varying periods to prepare for compliance.

The Empowering Consumers Directive will ban unfounded generic environmental claims, unverified emissions offsetting schemes, and planned obsolescence

In addition to these new regulations, the EU is also revising the Waste Framework Directive, implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, and improving waste collection. The EU Commission has also unveiled a strategy to combat microplastics from plastic pellets, but does not anticipate proposals for textiles during the current Commission's mandate.

In the Americas, new laws, such as the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, are aimed at enhancing climate-related financial risk disclosures and greenhouse gas reporting. Their impact on companies awaits further amendments and regulations.

The EU's Green Claims Directive also aims to regulate sustainability claims, but lacks standardized substantiation methods, raising concerns about varied approaches and potential penalties for non-compliance.

The Global Fashion Summit: Boston Edition 2023 highlighted the need for comprehensive fashion policy beyond climate initiatives, emphasizing labor rights, fair wages, and transparent sustainability communication. 

Impact on businesses:

The EU's new sustainability regulations will have a significant impact on businesses, requiring them to adopt more sustainable practices and improve their transparency. Businesses will need to invest in new technologies, processes, and training to comply with the new regulations.

The High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Bangladesh, H.E. Haji Haris Bin Haji Othman, met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on October 10 to discuss trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The meeting was also attended by the First Secretary of the High Commission, Rozaimee Abdullah, and a Director of BGMEA, Neela Hosna Ara.

Hassan highlighted the potential for exporting readymade garments to Brunei Darussalam and stressed the industry's commitment to producing high-quality clothing and reaching out to new and existing markets. He asked the High Commissioner for assistance in finding ways to increase garment exports to Brunei Darussalam.

Both sides agreed that there is significant scope for cooperation in trade and investment, which would benefit both countries. They also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam.

Lenzing Group, a prominent global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, is revolutionizing the protective wear industry with its cutting-edge Lenzing Fiber Identification System. By implementing this technology for their LENZING  FR (flame-resistant) cellulosic fibers, Lenzing ensures unparalleled material traceability and quality control, setting a new standard for authenticity and sustainability in protective garments.

Lenzing remains committed to reducing carbon emissions by producing LENZING FR protective wear from renewable modal-based fibers. They also offer carbon-neutral LENZING FR fibers, certified by ClimatePartner, to address sustainability needs in the industry.

Supply chain transparency is gaining prominence, and Lenzing's Director of Workwear & Protective Wear, Oliver Spöcker, emphasizes the importance of technology like the Fiber Identification System in guaranteeing the authenticity of materials used in protective wear.

LENZING FR fibers, made from responsibly sourced wood, are now traceable at every production stage, boosting confidence in supply chains. With FSC and PEFC certifications and BioPreferred designation by the USDA, Lenzing's commitment to sustainability is evident.

In terms of carbon emissions, Lenzing's fully integrated production process results in 80% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to generic modal fibers. Carbon-neutral options are also available.

LENZING FR fibers, certified by EU Ecolabel, are revolutionizing protective garments across various industries. Lightweight, breathable, and flame-resistant, these fibers offer comfort and durability, meeting stringent industry standards.

Lenzing's introduction of an environmentally friendly firefighter garment, with over 50% LENZING FR fiber content, underscores their commitment to circularity and sustainability, promoting a greener future for protective wear.