The hosiery sector has come a long way from just providing bare necessities through innovations in fabric and knitting technologies. In 2022, the global sector including men’s and women’s hosiery was valued at $41.8 billion and is projected to reach $55.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.6 per cent from 2022-30. The US market is estimated at $7 billion, whilst China has forecasted a 4.9 per cent CAGR, with market size reaching $10 billion by 2030. Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 1.7 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively over the 2022-30 period. Within Europe, Germany is expected to grow at approximately 2.9 per cent CAGR. 

India charts new growth

Closer home, in India the sector has a phenomenal performance lined up in India with growth expectation between 18 and 20 per cent year-on-year revenue, thanks to a revival of rural demand. The sector’s revenue is expected to touch around Rs 36,000 crore in fiscal 2024, according to CRISIL Ratings. Operating margin will expand 300-400 basis points (bps) on softer input prices and improved capacity utilisations. The conclusion was arrived after 28 hosiery manufacturers accounting for one-third of the sector’s revenue were analysed and subsequently CRISIL Rating publishing the report. 

China’s hold over global hosiery

By the end of June 2023, China had already exported 256 million pairs of women’s hosiery to the US, capturing 67 per cent of the market. Moreover, women hosiery imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Pakistan (47 million pairs), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by El Salvador (28 million pairs), with a 7.4 per cent.

Rural consumers have high impact on hosiery sector

Last year the rural economies underwent hardship with rising inflation and lower agrarian incomes, this impacted the hosiery sector as 50 per cent of the sector’s consumers are rural and therefore the sector’s revenues dipped by 30 per cent in 2022. CRISIL Ratings Director Rahul Guha states in the report that in 2023-24, urban demand will remain stable, while a well-distributed monsoon and probable inflation moderation should boost rural demand, leading to a recovery of 35-40 per cent in volume. Potential export opportunities, especially to Gulf countries, could bump up the volume further. Capacity utilization had fallen to 60 per cent in 2022-23 but with improved market conditions, particularly rural India bouncing back, capacity utilization will be 90 per cent in fiscal year 2023-24.  According to a senior CRISL Rating spokesperson not too many companies were taking up significant capacity expansion last year, and this resulted in long-term debt becoming minimal. Strong cash flows from higher revenue and profitability will be sufficient to meet incremental working capital requirement and keep overall debt in check according to the CRISIL Ratings expert.  The trade deal between the UAE and India would have significant growth for hosiery. 

Sector aims to regain pre-Covid operating margins

As hosiery demand grows, manufacturers are pulling back and curtailing on advertising and marketing. Almost 90 per cent capacity utilization and good export prices are helping manufacturers gain back operating margins – at least by 12 to 16 per cent. Notably, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed by the government with UAE could boost textile segment exports, especially hosiery. The agreement could add 2-3 per cent to hosiery exports from the historical level of 10 per cent. Amid strong demand pull, manufacturers will curtail their advertising and marketing expenses. Increased operating leverage from higher capacity utilisations, will aid profitability. Hence, operating margin will improve to the pre-pandemic level of 12-14 per cent.

Leading MMCF producer Tangshan Sanyou has committed to scale up the production of low-carbon, circular fibre, up to 200,000 tons per year, adjusted to market demands. This would be a nearly five-fold increase from their previous Next Gen production.

The move is designed to meet the growing brand need for low-impact textiles, whilst also contributing to China's ambitious climate targets, and supporting the conservation of climate-critical Ancient and Endangered Forests around the world.

Tangshan Sanyou's commitment is in line with China's dual-carbon objectives, as well as the country's visionary plan to recycle a quarter of its textile waste and use it to produce two million tonnes of recycled fibre annually by 2025.

The company's decision is a major boost for the Next Gen textiles industry, which is working to develop innovative, sustainable alternatives to conventional textiles.

Renewcell, a textile-to-textile recycling company, welcomed Tangshan Sanyou's commitment, saying that it would help to "solve two problems at once: sourcing pressure on forests, and textile waste."

Canopy, an environmental not-for-profit, also praised the move, saying that it was "a significant step forward in the fight against deforestation."

Tangshan Sanyou's commitment is a positive sign for the future of the textile industry. It shows that there is a growing demand for low-impact textiles, and that companies are willing to invest in sustainable solutions.

Canada's corporate ethics watchdog, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), announced on Thursday that it is launching investigations into the Canadian branches of Walmart and Hugo Boss, as well as the Canadian sector of Diesel, a fashion company owned by Italy's OTB. 

The investigations are in response to allegations that the companies have used Uyghur forced labor in their operations and supply chains.

CORE said that it has published an initial assessment report following complaints lodged by a coalition of 28 civil society groups in June 2022. The report found that there is "reasonable basis to believe" that the companies may have used Uyghur forced labor.

Walmart Canada and Hugo Boss have both denied the allegations. Walmart said that "none of the entities mentioned in the complaint are part of our current disclosed supply chain." Hugo Boss said that CORE's investigation is centered around a supplier relationship that concluded in 2022. Diesel has not responded to inquiries for comments.

The allegations of Uyghur forced labor have been a major concern for human rights groups. In March, a United Nations committee expressed apprehension about China's treatment of its Muslim minority, citing instances of forced labor involving Uyghurs. China has consistently denied these allegations.

CORE was established in 2019 with the aim of monitoring and investigating instances of human rights violations, primarily involving Canadian companies in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors operating internationally.

The investigations into Walmart, Hugo Boss, and Diesel are the latest in a series of probes by CORE into Canadian companies that have been accused of using forced labor. In recent months, CORE has also launched investigations into Nike Canada, Dynasty Gold, and Ralph Lauren.

Messe Frankfurt and VIETRADE have jointly revealed plans for the upcoming Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT), scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 1, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City. This event aims to draw more than 500 exhibitors and approximately 35,000 visitors, positioning Vietnam as a significant participant in the global textile market.

VIATT will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, a strategic location with access to Vietnam's largest international airport and seaport. The event is expected to attract exhibitors from around the world showcasing a diverse range of products, including apparel fabrics, yarns, fibers, garments, technical textiles, nonwovens, textile processing, printing technology, home textiles, and more.

The inaugural edition of VIATT is anticipated to be a major success, as Vietnam's textile industry is growing rapidly. The country is now the world's second-largest exporter of garments and the sixth-largest exporter of textiles. VIATT is poised to become a key event for the global textile industry, and it will help to position Vietnam as a leading player in this sector.

Key highlights of VIATT 2024:

• Over 500 exhibitors from around the world

• Approximately 35,000 visitors

• Held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City

• Exhibition area of 18,000 square meters

• Showcase of a wide range of products and services

• Networking opportunities for buyers and suppliers

• Forum on the latest trends and innovations in the textile industry

VIATT 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the textile industry. It is the perfect opportunity to connect with buyers and suppliers from around the world, learn about the latest trends and innovations, and explore the potential of Vietnam's growing textile market.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Melbourne, Australia for the first time overseas. The summit was held on July 18th at the Hotel Intercontinental Melbourne.

The summit was attended by 130 participants from brands, retailers, suppliers, consumers, development partners, academicians, and Australian policymakers. The event was a great platform to showcase the progress of the Bangladesh apparel industry and to discuss ways to move forward together.

In addition to the summit, the BGMEA delegation also held a number of bilateral meetings with Australian government officials, brands, NGOs, and other stakeholders. These meetings were aimed at strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and Australia and to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

The summit was a success and it helped to raise awareness of the Bangladesh apparel industry in Australia. The BGMEA delegation is confident that the relationships that were built during the summit will lead to further cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the summit:

• The Bangladesh apparel industry has made significant progress in recent years in terms of sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation.

• The industry is committed to working with brands and retailers to ensure that its products are produced in a safe and ethical manner.

• The industry is looking to expand its market share in Australia and other developed countries.

• The summit was a great opportunity to build relationships and discuss ways to strengthen the Bangladesh-Australia apparel trade relationship.

Acuver Consulting, an esteemed global supply chain management firm, is elated to declare its strategic penetration into the UK market. Having achieved remarkable success across the Asia-Pacific and North America, Acuver is primed to bring its world-renowned consulting expertise to the UK, accommodating diverse industries and clients. 

This pivotal move signifies Acuver's dedication to extending its proficiency and aid in bolstering Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) omni-commerce enterprises. Acuver Consulting is poised to collaborate with local UK supply chain and logistics entities, revolutionizing daily operations, order handling, inventory optimization, marketplace synchronization, omnichannel progression, and last-mile fulfillment. Emphasizing areas such as Digital Strategy, Supply Chain Enhancement, Data-centric Insights, E-commerce, Retail-Tech Fusion, and Customer Experience Enrichment, the UK venture is geared towards holistic growth. 

This expansion is in line with Acuver's commitment to furnishing unparalleled customer success and top-tier business advisory services worldwide. With a history of empowering clients towards sustainable expansion, operational streamlining, and competitive enhancement, Acuver stands prepared to address the unique prospects and challenges ahead. 

Sunny Nandwani, Founder & Managing Director of Acuver Consulting, expressed, "The UK market excites us... We eagerly anticipate making a positive impact in the UK's supply chain management field." 

The intricate success of the UK retail domain lies in strategically connecting consumers with suitable products at precise costs and timelines. Acuver's forte in customized solutions positions them uniquely. With challenges like Brexit impacts and labor shortages, Acuver's comprehensive approach blends technology and human acumen to engender transformation. 

Krishna Raj Kodoth, Director of Business Development at Acuver Consulting, remarked, "Even the best inventory management systems... our clients retain their customers." With over 500 combined years of domain know-how and a fusion of technology and human intellect, Acuver is optimistic about its UK prospects. Forecasts predict a significant CAGR growth in the UK Supply Chain Management Software market, underscoring the market's potential for advancement.

The Korea Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI) and the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the textile and garment industry. The partnership will focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and supply chain enhancement.

The MoU was signed at the 'Preview in Seoul 2023' textile exhibition in Seoul. The event provided a platform for industry stakeholders to come together and discuss strategies for the future.

One of the key goals of the partnership is to facilitate the expansion of South Korean textile and garment businesses into the Vietnamese market. The cooperation between KOFOTI and VITAS is expected to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a better understanding of the local market dynamics.

The MoU also aims to foster innovation and improve sustainability practices in the textile and garment industry. By pooling their resources and expertise, the two organizations intend to develop new technologies and solutions that can help the industry meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The signing of the MoU is a significant milestone in the development of the textile and garment industry in South Korea and Vietnam. The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries, and help the industry to thrive in the years to come.

Industry leaders plan to invest in new machinery, recycled fibers, and robotic technology to boost production and exports.

The move is expected to create jobs for 50,000 people and help Bangladesh maintain its position as a leading global garment exporter.

Undaunted by the challenges faced by both local and international markets, manufacturers of garments, textiles, and accessories in Bangladesh are on the verge of making a significant investment in cutting-edge technologies.

Eight prominent companies are ready to invest approximately Tk12,000 crore (US$1.2 billion) in these new endeavors. This move is projected to create job opportunities for around 50,000 people within their respective apparel, textile, and accessories units.

Among the industry giants leading these initiatives are well-known names such as Hameem Group, DBL Group, Pacific Jeans, Team Group, Windy Group, Nipa Group, Shasha Denim, and Indet Group. These conglomerates are establishing new facilities to increase their production capacity and strengthen their positions in the global ready-made garment (RMG) export market.

Entrepreneurs, acknowledge the challenging economic circumstances. However, they emphasize that their investment decisions are strategic steps toward securing the industry's future and expanding their business foundations.

They express optimism that the apparel sector could experience a positive turnaround in the coming year, especially as Western markets show signs of improvement. Nevertheless, they admit that challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates and disruptions in utility supplies continue to be obstacles for the industry.

Industry leaders optimistic about future of RMG sector

In line with these entrepreneurs' sentiments, global buyers also voice hope that the market could regain a positive trajectory by the next year.

Experts opine that, the potential risks associated with investing in the current climate, particularly the possibility of waiting for an extended period before seeing returns.

The latest projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the cotton market in the 2023/24 season indicate a 6% rise in global cotton mill use, reaching 116.9 million bales, the highest since 2020/21. 

Notably, Pakistan and India are expected to drive this growth, with gains of 1.4 million and 1.0 million bales, respectively. As mill use is set to outpace production, global cotton ending stocks are projected to decrease by 2.7% (2.5 million bales) to 91.6 million bales.

However, the global cotton market is facing some challenges that could dampen growth. 

Challenges Remain

• Drought conditions in some major cotton-producing countries, such as China and India.

• Pests and diseases, such as the bollworm, which can damage cotton crops.

• Political instability in some cotton-producing countries, such as Uzbekistan.

The cotton market will need to closely monitor these developments to ensure that the growth in demand is met.

Trade groups representing the American fashion industry are intensifying their advocacy efforts in response to government policies focused on sustainability.

Recently, the AAFA, CFDA, and other relevant organizations expressed their support for a contentious proposal by California's state legislators, which mandates businesses to disclose their emissions contributing to global warming.

The Fashion Industry's Stance

• Trade groups including the American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Council of Fashion Designers of America are endorsing the bill, driven by amendments introduced earlier this year to grant companies more time before they are required to disclose supply-chain emissions.

• The AAFA has previously expressed support for increased environmental disclosure but advocated for a gradual approach to regulation implementation to allow companies ample time to amass requisite data.

• Despite the proliferation of climate commitments made by fashion brands recently, numerous major players still abstain from reporting their environmental impact. Significance

Given California's substantial economy, the state's decisions wield considerable influence.

While impending European regulations will mandate greater climate impact reporting from fashion brands, the passing of California's bill would reinforce endeavors to establish consistent environmental reporting standards. 

Future Steps

Earlier this year, AAFA, CFDA, and associated entities released a manifesto outlining plans for increased policy involvement concerning sustainability issues. While welcoming regulations promoting socially and environmentally responsible operations, the manifesto emphasized the necessity for practical, effective, and feasible measures.

Critics, however, are concerned that this perspective could be manipulated to delay swift action. Although the fashion industry's support for California's bill is commendable, it's essential to recognize that disclosure is just the initial phase.