The global pet apparel market is expected to reach US$8.738 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2033. The market is driven by the increasing adoption of pets, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, and the growing demand for fashionable and comfortable pet clothing.

The report by Future Market Insights (FMI) also found that the shirts and tops category is expected to hold a significant share of the market, followed by jackets and sweaters. The dog segment is also expected to dominate the market, with the increasing demand for dog supplies and necessities such as toys, clothes, and other items.

In terms of sales channels, online retailing is expected to dominate the market, with the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms. Pet specialty stores are also expected to have a significant market share.

The report also highlights some of the key trends in the pet apparel market, such as the increasing demand for sustainable pet clothing and the growing popularity of pet-based community festivals.

A white paper by the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) examines how 16 global brands handled their human rights obligations after the devastating earthquake in Türkiye. 

The paper found that most of the brands extended deadlines on clothing orders in production at the time of the quake, but half of the brands did not keep to original payment schedules. This meant that suppliers forced to deliver late were also paid late, exacerbating their financial situation.

Only six of the 16 brands cited any form of assistance to suppliers, such as low-interest loans or grants. And this self-reporting may overstate the brands' generosity: less than 2% of suppliers responding to a survey by Turkish researchers reported that their customers "supported workers and producers after the quake."

As a result of the brands' inaction, nearly half of the suppliers in the survey said they could not pay workers in full in the weeks after the quake. A third said they were forced to put workers on unpaid leave. And not all brands extended deadlines: 35% of suppliers said they were forced to stick to original delivery schedules.

The white paper identifies Marks & Spencer and C&A as the only two brands surveyed that reported acting responsibly both with respect to order delays and aid to suppliers. Among the worst performers are Boohoo, H&M, and s.Oliver.

The WRC white paper analyzed responses to a recent questionnaire to brands from the Business and Human Rights Resource Center, additional information provided by brands to the WRC, and the results of a new survey of 202 garment and textile producers in the earthquake-hit zone. The supplier survey was conducted by the Middle Eastern Technical University's Dr.DeryaGöçer and Dr.ŞerifOnurBahçecik.

Göçer and Bahçecik write: "The brands working with producers of this region have failed to demonstrate their declared responsibility and solidarity in the aftermath of a major earthquake."

Scott Nova, Executive Director of the WRC, said: "While many leading apparel brands extended delivery deadlines, they could have and should have done much more. With a few notable exceptions, the world's apparel brands looked at the calamity in their Turkish supply chains and basically decided to abandon workers to their fate."

The disposable protective apparel market is estimated by Future Market Insightsto grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period, 2023-2033. The market is likely to be valued at US$2,325.7 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$3,475.9 million by 2033.

The growth of the disposable protective apparel market is driven by the increasing demand for safety and protection from hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and other contaminants in various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and oil & gas.

The market is also expected to benefit from the rising awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers and employers. Additionally, the increasing government regulations on the use of PPE in various industries is also expected to boost the growth of the market.

The key players in the disposable protective apparel market include Lakeland Industries, Inc., 3M, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, DuPont, and Honeywell International Inc. These players are focusing on product innovation and expansion in new markets to gain a competitive edge in the market.

The disposable protective apparel market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period. The increasing demand for safety and protection from hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and other contaminants in various industries is the major driver of the market growth.

Changes in global trade between nations have been the most drastic in post-Covid years and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is working hard to ensure that smooth trade flows return at the earliest, especially in the apparel segment. A recent study by The World Trade Statistical Review 2023 and data from the United Nations (UNComtrade) have showcased some interesting trends in international trade, especially in textiles and clothing space that were affected by rising geopolitical tensions and changed trade policies with China.

Four key trends emerge in changed global trade relations

As per Sheng Lu, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies, University of Delaware four strong patterns have emerged which are quite different from the past couple of years. Firstly, after the unprecedented frantic buying trend with a stupendous 20 per cent growth in 2021 - right after the global lockdown clothing exports recorded a decrease in 2022. This could be attributed to the economic slowdown and high inflation in leading apparel import markets of the US and Western Europe. Also, reducing demand for raw materials needed to manufacture the personal protective equipment (PPE), led to global textile exports falling 4.2 per cent in 2022, touching $339 billion. This was far lower than other sectors.

The second pattern as per Sheng Lu is, although China remained the world’s largest apparel exporter in 2022, it continued to lose market share, with other low-cost Asian apparel exporters taking over. Countries like Bangladesh surpassed Vietnam and emerged the world’s second-largest apparel exporter. China’s global market share in clothing exports came down to 31.7 per cent in 2022, which was its lowest point ever in its recent history, having lost market share in the US, the EU, Canada, and Japan. Heightened apprehensions about forced labor and the deteriorating US-China relations became important factors in China being nudged out of smooth and ethical global apparel trading markets.

The third pattern that emerged is, the EU countries and the US remained at the helm steering the apparel markets, while accounting for 25.1 per cent of the world’s textile exports in 2022, up from 24.5 per cent in 2021 and 23.2 per cent in 2020. Textile exports in the US increased 5 per cent last year, which was the highest among the world’s top 10 countries. However, the middle-income developing countries are steadily increasing their share with China, Vietnam, Turkey, and India’s market shares in world’s textile exports together making up 56.8 per cent of global clothing exports last year.

With increased focus on near-shoring, particularly in the Western countries, the regional textile and apparel trade models have become far more integrated in 2022, in the fourth emerging pattern. Almost 20.8 per cent of these countries’ textile imports came from within their region last year, which increased from 20.1 per cent in previous year.

China’s diminishing strength  

Not just the western countries, The World Trade Statistical Review 2023 has proven that even Asian countries are now diversifying their textile imports away from China to mitigate supply chain risks and all this is leading to a changed expansion for the better, states Sheng Lu. The after-effects of the pandemic has been felt by the fashion industry much more than the others as the unpredictable customer demand in various countries has affected business and the international textile and apparel industry globally. 

The WTO and other global organizations are now putting renewed commitment to multilateralism, better transparency and global opportunities for collaboration and reform as other smaller countries join the bandwagon to compete with the biggest but not necessarily the best in in the trade segment.

A new research report by Advance Market Analytics titled "Insights into the Western Wear Market up to 2028" provides a comprehensive overview of the global western wear market. The report covers the market size, growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities, as well as profiles of key players.

The report estimates that the global western wear market will reach USD 82.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2027. The growth of the market is being driven by the increasing popularity of western wear clothing, driven by the rise of e-retailing. 

The report notes that online platforms have emerged as preferred channels for purchasing western wear due to their appealing offers and extensive apparel selections. Additionally, swift delivery services and flexible return policies offered by online retailers are bolstering sales through this channel.

The report also identifies several opportunities in the market, including the growing popularity of casual wear among consumers, the expansion of the corporate sector in developing economies, and the significant potential in untapped markets driven by social media trends.

US authorities have recalled over 100,000 pairs of baby jeans produced in Kenya due to safety concerns. The jeans, which were sold at The Children's Place stores in the US, have metal snaps that could detach and pose a choking hazard to young children.

The recalled jeans were sold in sizes 0 to 24 months and were priced at around $25. They were manufactured in garment companies located in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Nairobi and Machakos counties, and were exported to the US under the provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Retail outlets have been directed to contact purchasers of the affected items and facilitate the return process. No injuries have been reported to date.

This is not the first time that children's apparel has been recalled due to safety concerns. In June, the CPSC recalled flammable kids' pajamas, and in February, Amazon's robes were also identified as posing burn injury risks to children.

Parents should always inspect children's clothing carefully before putting it on their children, and should immediately remove any clothing that has loose or missing parts.

The rapid increase in cotton prices this year has led to a widening of the price gap between cotton and PSF (Polyester Staple Fiber) and VSF (Viscose Staple Fiber). This trend was particularly noticeable in April and July, when the price differences experienced significant expansion. 

However, cotton prices have been undergoing adjustments in August, causing the price gap with other fibers to stabilize somewhat. Despite this stabilization, the price difference remains above the average value, serving as a catalyst for shifts in the fiber market.

The chart in the image shows the relatively consistent price difference between VSF and PSF, which has recently shown a minor narrowing. Similarly, the price difference between cotton and other fibers remains relatively stable. Although there has been a slight recent narrowing in this price difference, it still remains higher than the average level.

The second image shows a clear shift away from cotton to other fibers during the latter half of 2021 and the first half of 2022. This trend persisted for about a year. From late May 2023, the price difference between cotton and other fibers has been gradually widening, surpassing the five-year average and persisting for three months. In terms of the short-term trajectory of cotton, PSF, and VSF, this price difference is likely to continue for a certain duration. Whether it will further increase depends closely on cotton prices.

From the standpoint of downstream profits, various types of yarn such as cotton yarn, polyester yarn, rayon yarn, and major blended yarns are all experiencing unfavorable profitability. 

Among these, cotton yarn is facing the most significant losses, followed by polyester/cotton yarn. Yarns with a substantial cotton component are all encountering adverse profitability, discouraging manufacturers from shifting their production. However, the inclination towards substitution is observed when considering downstream pressures and the need for cost reduction.

The rapid increase in cotton prices this year has led to a widening of the price gap between cotton and PSF (Polyester Staple Fiber) and VSF (Viscose Staple Fiber). This trend was particularly noticeable in April and July, when the price differences experienced significant expansion. 

However, cotton prices have been undergoing adjustments in August, causing the price gap with other fibers to stabilize somewhat. Despite this stabilization, the price difference remains above the average value, serving as a catalyst for shifts in the fiber market.

The chart in the image shows the relatively consistent price difference between VSF and PSF, which has recently shown a minor narrowing. Similarly, the price difference between cotton and other fibers remains relatively stable. Although there has been a slight recent narrowing in this price difference, it still remains higher than the average level.

The second image shows a clear shift away from cotton to other fibers during the latter half of 2021 and the first half of 2022. This trend persisted for about a year. From late May 2023, the price difference between cotton and other fibers has been gradually widening, surpassing the five-year average and persisting for three months. In terms of the short-term trajectory of cotton, PSF, and VSF, this price difference is likely to continue for a certain duration. Whether it will further increase depends closely on cotton prices.

From the standpoint of downstream profits, various types of yarn such as cotton yarn, polyester yarn, rayon yarn, and major blended yarns are all experiencing unfavorable profitability. 

Among these, cotton yarn is facing the most significant losses, followed by polyester/cotton yarn. Yarns with a substantial cotton component are all encountering adverse profitability, discouraging manufacturers from shifting their production. However, the inclination towards substitution is observed when considering downstream pressures and the need for cost reduction.

Bangladesh's apparel exports to the European Union (EU) declined by 12.69% in the first half of 2023, totaling 9.06 billion euros compared to 10.37 billion euros in the same period of 2022. This decline can be attributed to a reduction in clothing demand within the EU's 27-nation economic bloc due to high inflation.

Exporters noted that although inflation was beginning to subside, the import of apparel by the EU continued to exhibit a significant downward trend. 

Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, provided data indicating that knitwear imports from Bangladesh for January to June 2023 decreased to 5.38 billion euros from the 6.40 billion euros recorded during the same period in 2022. Similarly, Bangladesh's woven garment exports to the EU for the first half of 2023 decreased to 3.68 billion euros from the previous year's 3.96 billion euros.

Faruque Hassan, the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), commented that although inflation was easing in key export markets and economic indicators were stabilizing, apparel imports by the EU and the United States continued to decline significantly. 

He noted the challenge of forecasting the market and suggested a cautiously optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2023. He anticipated a potential dip in apparel and overall global trade compared to the previous year.

Overall, the decline in Bangladesh's apparel exports to the EU is a sign of the challenging economic conditions facing the global apparel trade. The headwinds of high inflation and a slowdown in economic growth are likely to continue to weigh on demand for apparel in the coming months.

The eagerly anticipated annual Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), returns for its 11th edition from August 31st to September 1st, 2023, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. With the theme "2025 & Beyond: Asia’s Global Hub for Textile Manufacturing & Consumers," this event is set to gather over 400 participants from the global textile and apparel value chain.

Shaping the Textile Landscape

ATEXCON serves as a convergence point for Asian textile industry leaders, global input suppliers, and service providers to deliberate on crucial business facets. The conference will spotlight regional and global concerns within the sector while also emphasizing opportunities through cross-border collaboration. The event is renowned for spotlighting technological advancements and sharing best practices within the textile value chain.

Asia's Textile Ascendancy

Asia has risen as the epicenter of textile and apparel production, boasting substantial statistics: in 2021, Asia and Oceania commanded 89% of ring spinning capacity, 82% of shuttle-less weaving, and 85% of circular knitting capacity globally. Furthermore, half of the world's cotton and 80% of man-made fibers hail from Asia. This region holds a pivotal position in non-woven production, commanding more than half of the world market share.

Trends Shaping the Future

Asia's stature extends to global trade, with textiles and clothing ranking among the top five manufactured goods traded worldwide. The continent hosts 60% of the world's population, contributing to its substantial GDP share and per capita textile consumption. This demographic force spurs demand for consumer and technical textiles. Amid this growth, Asian textile and apparel manufacturers are embracing sustainability, technology, and circular production systems.

ATEXCON: Forging a Sustainable Path

The 11th ATEXCON, endorsed by the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) and aided by the Government of Tamil Nadu, serves as a collaborative platform. Renowned figures like Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Textiles, Commerce, and Industry, will share insights, while eminent speakers explore resilient supply chains, regional partnerships, sustainable textiles, and financial risk management. With vital industry players and associations in participation, ATEXCON is poised to guide Asia's textile industry toward a sustainable future beyond 2025. It garners support from leading trade associations such as ITMF, Joint Apparel Association Forum, AEPC, TEXPROCIL, SRTEPC, CMAI, HEPC, and TEA, and secures sponsorship from notable entities like The Sakthi Group of Companies, Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW), Birla Cellulose, Waaree, and India ITME Society.