Since 2020, Bangladesh, despite its tremendous effort at trying to maintain a steady supply of apparel exports to client markets, is experiencing numerous setbacks and headwinds that are stressing out manufacturers and exporters alike. However, the country has continued retaining its position as the world’s second largest supplier of apparel, despite the devaluation of national currency that made raw materials and machinery imports expensive. And also the country has been facing energy crisis for sometime. Despite headwinds, it did get applauded by the World Trade Organisation for having earned $45 billion through apparel exports and more than tripled its market share in the global textile and apparel market – from 2.5 per cent in 2005 to 7.9 per cent 17 years later, despite the odds it battled on the way. 

Good tidings for Bangladeshi exporters

A 15 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 2022 was reported at the beginning of the fiscal year in April 2023. Spearheading this growth was the US that has made a clear indication of dropping Chinese imports as much as possible and that Bangladesh was their preferred replacement. Bangladeshi exports give themselves a neat little pat on the back as they were absolutely right in investing in moving forward with not only portfolio diversification but also value-added items, which are performing well in Western markets. As Mohammed Khusro, Nipa Group stated in a recent interview with a Bangladesh-based textile trade journal these decisions saved the day as it helped the entire sector tide over decline in orders and being squeezed price-wise as much as 20 per cent. 

The Sino-US standoff has made Bangladesh the biggest beneficiary – according to Mohammad Hatem, a knit garment exporter and executive president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, no other apparel exporting country is able to bridge the current gap of 3 per cent that the US has shed off China. However, Bangladesh is also aware that it isn’t the only flavor of the season amongst American importers who are also interested in sourcing from Mexico, Egypt, Cambodia and Indonesia. Into this mix are two other confident countries, India and Vietnam where 52 per cent of American buyers who like to increase their procurement quantities. 

Bangladesh has remained dependable 

When countries were shutting production lines due to pandemic-induced lockdown, Bangladesh took a brave decision and continued keeping its production line going, earning gratitude from worried importers who were then upping their e-commerce business. This was perhaps one of the best credibility-building steps undertaken by Bangladesh. 

Additionally, the country has shown its capability to move away from basic to value-added garments as well as diversify its portfolio of products including premium clothing that was earlier not an ask from buyers and trying its best to respond to the sustainable standards being set up in the US and the EU. 

Vice -President of BGMEA, Shahidullah Azim is optimistic Bangladesh’s hard work to prove its expertise in the global apparel market will yield dividends. When Western importers are talking about China Plus One to slowly reduce Chinese dependency, the Plus One being considered is actually Bangladesh. 

Year 2023 may not live up to expectations

The good news of the buoyant orders and projected growth in orders may all be very well but the President of BGMEA is not quite convinced about how well 2023 will end as he expressed his doubts in a private circular to members of the association. Figures collated show that garment import by the US and the EU from around the world has declined by 22.92 per cent and 8.84 per cent respectively during the January-May period of 2023.

Giorgio Calculli has assumed the role of the new Managing Director of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers. With a background in law and a Master's degree in training and employment policies, Calculli has been part of the ACIMIT team since 2006, serving as the head of the Association's training, internal relations, and technical department. 

He takes over the position previously held by Federico Pellegata, who, after 25 years at the helm of the Association, has been appointed as the CEO of ACIMIT Servizi srl. This company was established by ACIMIT to provide support services for its member companies in promoting the Italian textile machinery industry both in Italy and internationally. 

Federico Pellegata expressed his gratitude for the enriching experience he had during his tenure, extending his thanks to ACIMIT's associated members, the Board, and past presidents of the Association. 

He emphasized that his commitment to advancing the Italian textile machinery sector remains strong as CEO of ACIMIT Servizi. In this new role, he will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that ITMA, the world's leading textile machinery trade fair, continues to showcase the success of Italian manufacturers in the sector, as was evident in the 2015 and 2023 editions held in Italy. 

Giorgio Calculli, the newly appointed ACIMIT Managing Director, expressed his appreciation to the ACIMIT Board for his appointment and the opportunity to carry on the work initiated by Federico Pellegata. 

He acknowledged Pellegata's achievements, particularly at the recent ITMA event, and pledged to further expand the Association's membership base while providing maximum support to member companies in their business endeavors.

The ITMF Annual Conference 2023 will be held in Keqiao, China from November 4-6, 2023. The conference will feature international industry experts from around the world from along the entire textile value chain – from fibres to retail.

Under the general theme of "Digitalization & Circularity – Megatrends Shaping the Textile Industry", experts from the industry and academia will shed light on how the textile value chain is coping with these trends and will help better understand the underlying dynamics and identifying the risks and opportunities.

In the various sessions, experts will discuss topics such as:

• How the fibre markets will adapt to the increasing demand for recycled fibres

• How the textile industry can reduce its carbon footprint

• How new technologies will accelerate the industry's transition towards more circularity

• How upcoming regulation will impact production around the world

In addition, ITMF will once again recognize the winners of the:

• ITMF Start-up Awards 2023

• ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2023

• ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2023

In conjunction and coordination with the ITMF Annual Conference 2023, there will be two more events that will take place in Keqiao, namely:

• 10th Belt & Road Textile Conference 2023 (November 2-3)

• 6th World Textile Merchandising Conference (WTMC) 2023 (November 5-6)

The ITMF Annual Conference 2023 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the textile industry. It is an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into the future of the textile industry.

Amsterdam witnessed a powerful protest by Clean Clothes Campaign activists, who took a stand against the Bangladesh garment industry following the recent tragic murder of trade unionist Shahidul Islam. 

The demonstrators gathered at a promotional exposition of the industry, sending a resounding message to the government of Bangladesh, employers' associations, and brands that source from Bangladesh. 

They demanded immediate justice for Islam's grieving family, protection for the right to organize, and the establishment of a new minimum wage in alignment with workers' needs. Shahidul Islam's life was brutally cut short on June 25, 2023, as he was attacked and killed after advocating for workers' bonuses and wages in Tongi, Bangladesh. 

His 25-year dedication to the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF) as an organizer speaks volumes about his commitment to workers' rights. His murder underscores the grave risks faced by unionists and workers standing up for their rights in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for an environment where workers can freely organize and voice their concerns. 

Clean Clothes Campaign activists voiced their concerns both outside and inside the Best of Bangladesh event in Amsterdam. They emphasized the importance of dialogue that includes independent trade union representatives and worker voices, stressing that such discussions are meaningless without the very people they affect. The protesters outlined crucial steps for progress: Justice for Shahidul Islam: 

They called for a thorough and transparent investigation by the Bangladeshi government into the murder, including identifying all perpetrators and their connections to factory management. Compensation for Shahidul Islam's family, in line with ILO Convention 121, was also requested, along with additional compensation for emotional suffering. 

Ensure Safeguards for Freedom of Association: 

Brands sourcing from Bangladesh were urged to protect freedom of association and remain neutral during any independent organizing efforts. Those part of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry were urged to strengthen freedom of association provisions. The government of Bangladesh was encouraged to create an enabling environment for workers' right to organize through labor law reform. 

Establish a Monthly Minimum Wage: 

The demand for a monthly minimum wage of at least 23,000 BDT (ca. 195 EUR) was issued, along with a call for brands and the government of Bangladesh to support this wage and reflect it in product pricing. Without these measures, justice for Shahidul Islam's murder, which has far-reaching implications for Bangladeshi society and garment workers' rights, will remain elusive. 

The organizers and participants of the exposition have the opportunity to take a stand by advocating for a 23,000 BDT minimum wage, showing their commitment to positive change in the industry. Upholding workers' rights and promoting decent jobs are essential for solidifying Bangladesh's position as a global sourcing destination.

In the first six months of 2023, the European Union's (EU) apparel import from the world declined by 9.22% to US$ 43.60 billion from US$ 48.03 billion in the same period of 2022. The decline was seen in both value and quantity terms.

The top three apparel sourcing countries for the EU in January-June 2023 were Bangladesh, China, and Turkey. EU's import from Bangladesh declined by 13.65% in value terms to US$ 9.78 billion, while its import from China declined by 13.52% to US$ 10.54 billion. EU's import from Turkey declined by 11.12% in value terms to US$ 3.96 billion.

The unit price of EU's apparel import from the world increased by 8.52% in January-June 2023. This was due to a number of factors, including inflation and the increasing value of the euro.

• The decline in EU apparel import was driven by a number of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation.

• The decline was most pronounced in the value of apparel imports from Bangladesh, China, and Turkey.

• The unit price of EU apparel import increased due to inflation and the increasing value of the euro.

• The decline in EU apparel import is likely to continue in the coming months.

The dashboard will provide comprehensive information on technical textile products, including those experiencing increasing demand, the countries exporting each product, and the countries importing various technical textile products.

India's technical textile exports are currently primarily driven by package textile products (packatech), with the United States, Japan, and various West Asian countries being key buyers.

Mr. Dodhia reported a 6% growth in exports of technical textile products for the current year.

Manmade fiber and fabrics, excluding garments, are projected to experience a decline of 8-10% in the current financial year.

Mr. Dodhia attributed this drop in exports to shifting global consumption patterns.

The 8th edition of CENTRESTAGE, a fashion and lifestyle event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will return to Hong Kong from 6-9 September. The event will feature over 200 brands from 17 countries and regions, showcasing the latest spring/summer 2024 collections. The event will also feature a gala show featuring Hong Kong and Japanese brands REDEMPTIVE and FETICO, as well as a runway show featuring four local brands that have participated in international fashion weeks.

The event is themed "Radiant Wellness", and will explore the intersection of fashion, wellness, and technology. The CENTRESTAGE ELITES gala show will feature the latest collections from REDEMPTIVE and FETICO, two brands that are known for their innovative designs. The Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show will feature the latest collections from four local brands: 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, DORISKATH, and SUN=SEN.

In addition to the gala show and runway show, CENTRESTAGE will also feature a number of other events, including:

• Brand Collection Shows: This will showcase the latest collections from top fashion brands from Hong Kong and around the world.

• Designer Collection Shows: This will showcase the work of up-and-coming fashion designers from Hong Kong.

• Seminars and workshops: This will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest trends in fashion, wellness, and technology.

• Networking events: This will give attendees the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and make new connections.

CENTRESTAGE is a great opportunity for anyone interested in fashion, wellness, and technology. The event will showcase the latest trends and innovations in these fields, and provide opportunities for attendees to learn and network.

The initial month of the new cotton season has provided a clearer picture of the anticipated developments in production, consumption, and trade. However, there are ominous signs on the horizon, namely the lack of precipitation and the economic challenges posed by disinflation in China.

The drought is causing concern among some of the world's leading cotton producers, including China, the United States, India, and Pakistan. The United States has already revised its projections for the 2023/24 season downward by 550,000 tonnes, with the potential for further reductions.

The drought is also likely to have a negative impact on cotton consumption, as it could lead to lower crop yields and higher prices. In addition, China's disinflation could dampen demand for cotton products, as consumers may have less disposable income to spend.

The full impact of these factors on the cotton market is still uncertain, but it is clear that the outlook is not positive. Producers, traders, and consumers should be prepared for a volatile market in the months to come.

Vietnam's exports declined by 10% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2023, but are expected to rebound in the fourth quarter as US inventories normalize and multinational companies relocate manufacturing to Vietnam.

The decline in exports was due to several factors, including high inventory levels in key export destinations, the conflict in Ukraine, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are signs that these factors are starting to ease, which could lead to a rebound in exports in the coming months.

The US is in the process of normalizing its inventories, which will reduce the need for imports from Vietnam. Additionally, multinational companies are increasingly relocating manufacturing to Vietnam due to its strategic location and favorable business environment.

These factors are expected to lead to a rebound in Vietnam's exports in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, there are still some risks that could hinder this recovery, such as a global economic downturn or rising protectionism.

Overall, the outlook for Vietnam's exports is positive. The country is well-positioned to benefit from the relocation of manufacturing from China and the normalization of US inventories. However, there are some risks that could dampen the recovery, so it is important to monitor the situation closely.

Inditex, the Spanish multinational fashion group, is expanding its Zara Pre-Owned platform to France. The service, which allows customers to buy and sell secondhand Zara clothing, will launch on September 7.

The launch in France is the second for Zara Pre-Owned, which was first launched in the United Kingdom in November 2022. The company plans to expand the platform to all key markets by 2025.

Zara Pre-Owned is part of Inditex's sustainability strategy. The company aims to reduce its environmental impact by extending the lifespan of garments and reducing the consumption of new raw materials.

The platform offers a variety of services, including garment repair, online marketplace, and donation. Customers can also track their orders online and arrange delivery at their preferred Zara physical store.

The launch of Zara Pre-Owned in France is a significant milestone for the company. It is the first time that the platform has been launched in a major European market. The launch is expected to help Inditex achieve its sustainability goals.