Turkey-based, Ugurlular Textile Industry and Trade, Inchas placed an order for more than 30 piecing robots from Rieter for its ring and compact-spinning machines.

A producer of over 100 tons of yarn in its ring, compact and open-end factories, Ugurlular Textile Industry and Trade exportsits products to 30 countries.

On the other hand, Rieter has selling its Robospin piecing robots designed for the ring and compact-spinning machines since their launch in spring 2019. These robots are sold with both new machines and as an upgrade for existing installations.

TheseROBOspin units are proving transformative for many of Rieter’s customers as they can be operated around the clock and ensure consistently high machine performance and optimum productivity. The units reduce manpower requirements by up to 50 per cent and achieve up to 95 per cent piecing efficiency. Through their minimal contact between the robot and the yarn, these units are able to preserve quality and ensure a steady output of high-grade product.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has urged the government to remove the 7.5 per cent VAT on scrap RMG fabrics and 15 per cent VAT on fibers made using such scraps from the budget for FY25.

The resulting total 22.5 per cent VAT on these RMG scraps makes them unfeasible to be used to turn into fibers, says Mohammad Ali Khokon, President, BTMA.

These scraps are currently being used to 1,200 million kg of fiber worth $4 billion each year, he adds. The association currently imports such fiber from abroad using foreign currency.

Khokon also demanded the withdrawal of the 5 per cent VAT on man-made fiber, and 5 per cent advance tax, as well as 5 per cent advance income tax on flax fibre.

He also requested for a reduction in the RMG source tax from the current 1 per cent to 0.5 per cent for the next five years.

During his speech, Khokon said, the textile and clothing industry currently faces issues due to the dollar crisis, inadequate energy supply, and the interest rate hike.

He demanded for the retention of the corporate tax until 2030. He also called for a withdrawal of the fine for an error in the HS as stated in the 171 Clause of the Customs Act-2023.

Growing at a CAGR of 7.36 per cent, the global yoga clothing market is estimated to grow by $18.88 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The growthwill be driven by an increasing number of yoga practitioners with a trend towards introduction of new technologies and features in yoga clothing. However, unpredictable raw material prices will continue to pose a challenge to this growth.

Currently experiencing several new trends, the yoga clothing market is dominated by a growing demand for items like yoga pants and tops. Besides comfort and functionality, consumers are demanding yoga clothes that allow them to move freely and breathe easily. To cater to these demands, brands are offering yoga apparels in a variety of colors and prints.

Additionally, yoga apparels made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important in the market. Consumers are opting for yoga clothes that are not only comfortable and stylish but also environmentally conscious.

Fluctuations in the global raw material prices is one of the challenges being faced by global yoga clothing manufacturers. Key players like adidas AG, Nike Inc, Puma SE, and LululemonAthleticaInc are affected by price fluctuations of synthetic fibers such as Spandex and the scarcity of quality polyester. This volatility impacts their profit margins, making it difficult to anticipate investments and control costs.

Another area of concern includes the increasing competition from various brands, domestic and international. Consumers’ growing demand for high-quality, comfortable and affordable yoga clothing is compelling brands to focus on innovative designs, sustainable materials, and effective marketing strategies

Brands need to also optimise their supply chain and consider outsourcing production to reduce costs. Additionally, they need to boost their digital presence and delivery systems for online sales.

AllSaints has launched a new premium kidswear range, titled, ‘SmallSaints in partnership with British fashion retailer Next.

Inspired by the ‘distinctive aesthetic ‘ of AllSaints, the new collection offers 45 clothing pieces for children including jumpers, dresses and T-shirts, as per report by the Retail Week. It is available for kids aged between 4-13 years for prices starting from £22. Available on the Next Website, this collection will be followed by another 145-piece kidswear range from AllSaints from July-October 2024.

Emma Siddalls, Head-Design Licenses and Accessories, says, the collections gives the younger generation, an opportunity to express their individually.

Unveiling a global store format in September, AllSaints marks its 30th anniversary this year. The brand plans to roll out four new licensed product ranges alongside SmallSaints this year.

From $81.95 billion in 2023, the global cotton yarn market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent to reach $113.05 billion by 2031, as per a report by the SNS Insider.

Driven by the rising demand for natural fibers, growth in the global cotton yarn market is also fueled by rising consumer preferences. Expansion of the end-use industries such as garments and home textiles is another factor driving the growth in the global cotton industry. In FY24, exports of cotton yarn, fabric and handloom products increased by 7 per cent to $11.7 billion.

The apparel segment is expected to dominate growth of the cotton yarn market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region will emerge as a dominant, propelled by the rapid expansion of the textile industry. This growth will be predominantly fueled by key nations including India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

In addition to it being a lightweight and breathable material, cotton is also ideal for summer clothing and accessories as it offers comfort and a pleasant feel against the skin. Growth in this market is being further propelled by the material’sincreasing use in downstream industries and heightened consumer awareness of the quality and suitability of pure cotton yarn. Adoption of technological advancements is another notable trend in the cotton yarn market with leading companies continuously developing new technologies to maintain their market position.

Besides integrating automation and robotics into the cotton yarn production process, leading cotton producers are also implementing advanced online monitoring and control systems to ensure consistent yarn quality and to identify production issues in real time. These systems help monitor parameters like yarn tension, twist, hairiness, and evenness, enabling necessary adjustments to optimise the spinning process.

Additionally, the increasing adoption of computer-aided design (CAD) systems in the design and development of cotton yarns is fuelling market growth. These systems allow yarn of different structures to be simulated, yarn properties to be optimised on specific requirements.

American fashion house, Calvin Klein Inc has appointed Lila Staab as its new Senior Vice President-Brand Communications and Culture.

Effective June 10, Staab’s responsibilities in her new role will include managing Calvin Klein’s global entertainment solutions and events, and leading the company’s integrated communications and influence strategies.She will work towards making the brand more visible and enhancing customers engagement with it. Staab will also help drive innovation across all consumer touchpoints.

Staab’s proven ability to shape ideas and partnerships to create a lasting cultural impact to help Calvin Klein build the world’s most desirable lifestyle brand, says Jonathan Bottomley, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Calvin Klein.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Staab has played leadership roles at some of the most renowned fashion houses including Gucci, Giorgio Armani and a previous tenure at Calvin Klein. She is known to have fostered significant industry partnerships and relationships with top celebrities and influential leaders within the entertainment, fashion and cultural communities.

Most recently, as the global senior vice president of entertainment industry relations at Gucci, she played a pivotal role in shaping the Chime for Change movement, an initiative dedicated to advancing gender equality.

Despite exports of beauty and health, gardening and DIY products remaining robust, complex Brexit regulations and red tape at the border have deterred clothing and footwear exports from the UK to Europe, suggests a new study by online marketplace Tradebyte and consultancy Retail Economics.

As per the study, footwear and clothing exports to the EU dropped by more than 50 per cent to £2.7 billion (€3.17 billion) in 2023 from £7.4 billion in 2019. This decline occurs despite the European e-commerce market being highly developed, contributing £323 billion annually to EU economies.

Established post-Brexit, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, allows for tariff-free trade but fails to mitigate trade barriers effectively. According to the House of Commons, UK exported goods and services worth approximately £340 billion to the EU in 2022, while accounting for 40 per cent of the total.Imports from the EU totaled around £432 billion. That same year, the UK had a £5 billion trade surplus with non-EU countries but faced a £92 billion trade deficit with the EU.

Since leaving the EU single market, the UK has been subject to the same stringent checks as other third-party countries. Clothing and footwear exports face specific EU laws, such as meeting the General Product Safety Directive requirements, limiting certain chemicals, and adhering to intellectual property laws. Baby and children's clothing must also meet higher safety standards.

In contrast, the UK has been more lenient in implementing similar measures on EU imports, potentially disadvantaging its domestic industries. According to the ‘UK in a Changing Europe’, stricter controls on UK exports compared to EU imports have created an uneven playing field, making British traders, bear costly and time-consuming checks while EU businesses export to the UK with fewer barriers.

UK supply chains continue to grapple with the pandemic's lingering impact, the Russia-Ukraine war, and higher interest rates, further affecting export numbers.

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the prime minister to resolve a prolonged delay in the release of imported cotton by the Directorate General of the Department of Plant Protection (DG DPP) in Karachi. For the past three to four months, cotton imports from the US and Brazil have been stuck at the port, causing significant financial strain due to escalating demurrage charges, which now exceed Rs50 million.

Dispatched under valid import permits, the shipments faced unforeseen transit delays to arrive after the expiry of the permits. Release orders for these shipments have not been issued despite multiple appeals and commitments from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant authorities.

The ongoing blockage is severely disrupting the industry with the inaction persisting despite previous assurances from the MNFSR, argues APTMA. Similar cases have been resolved in the past by the DG DPP, who has the authority to grant release orders. The blockage is causing demurrage charges to escalate, threatening the textile sector’s ability to meet export targets and maintain global competitiveness.

The release orders for the shipments are being withheld due to the investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), against the department, alleges APTMA. The DG DPP purportedly links the issuance of release orders to the resolution of these FIA cases, despite existing rules allowing for permit extensions. ShahidSattar, Executive Director, APTMA, condemns this as a misuse of authority, inflicting unjust punishment on the entire industry.

Sattaremphasises that swift action by the Prime Minister is crucial to alleviate the financial burden and prevent further harm to Pakistan’s economy and textile exports. APTMA remains hopeful in the prime minister's commitment to justice and a business-friendly environment in Pakistan.

Dyes manufacturer Nearchimica has launched its latest garment dyeing solution that aims to not only cut energy costs but also save a huge quantity of water. Designed especially for cotton garments, the reactive dye facilitates cold-water dyeing, says Roberto Camera Magni, CEO, Nearchimica, the Italian producer of chemical additives and textile dyes.

Presented at the Denim PV trade show, the N-Ice Dyeing technique helps offset a sharp rise in energy costs besides improving waste water recycling. The textile-dye is salt free which makes it easier for customers to recycle water.

Involved in developing chemicals with minimal environmental impact since the last 40 years, Nearchimica was founded in 1981 by Alfredo Camera. The company opened two major labs in Legnano in 1993. Besides dyes, Nearchimica also produces chemical additives to degrade or soften fabrics, or to boost some features of textile finishing treatments, like antiperspirant treatment. The company operates two divisions: the textiles division that accounts for 70 per cent of its revenues, and the apparel division which constitutes for 30 per cent of the revenue. It has around 400 clients in 30 countries, and generates 60 per cent of its revenue outside Italy, chiefly in Asia.

In 2023, Nearchimica registered a 9 per cent decline in annual revenue to €14.9 million from €15 million-€16 million. However, it expects revenues to return to usual levels in 2024.

The secondhand apparel industry in the US and Canada is experiencing growth in popularity, driven by a combination of factors including sustainability, affordability, and convenience. A recent study by Future Market Insights (FMI), the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3 per ent from 2023 to 2033, reaching $89.6 billion by 2033. This significant growth reflects a major shift in consumer behavior and the increasing appeal of secondhand clothing.

Sustainability in focus

A key driver of this growth is the rising consciousness about sustainable fashion. Consumers are actively seeking alternatives to fast fashion, which is notorious for its environmental impact. Secondhand clothing offers a more eco-friendly option by extending the life cycle of garments and reducing textile waste. This resonates with environmentally conscious consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are driving the demand for sustainable practices.

Cost-effectiveness a major allure

Secondhand apparel offers significant cost savings compared to buying new clothes. This affordability is a major draw for budget-conscious consumers seeking quality brands and designer items at a fraction of the original price. This trend is particularly relevant in a time of economic uncertainty.

Also, secondhand platforms boast of a wide variety of clothing options, encompassing diverse styles, brands, and sizes. This caters to a wider range of tastes and preferences, allowing consumers to express their individuality and create unique looks. Thrifting and shopping secondhand have become a way to discover unique pieces and curate a personalized style.

The rise of online platforms

The convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms have significantly pushed up market growth. Shoppers can now browse and purchase secondhand clothing from the comfort of their homes. This shift to e-commerce has made secondhand shopping more accessible than ever before.

Rental services, a new dimension

The emergence of rental and subscription services is adding another dimension to the secondhand market. These services allow customers to enjoy a rotating wardrobe without the commitment of ownership. This caters to a growing desire for flexibility and experimentation with fashion trends.

The US currently dominates the secondhand apparel industry in North America, with Canada holding a smaller but growing share. The market is witnessing increased competition as established players, online platforms, and even traditional retailers are entering the secondhand space, offering a wider selection for consumers. Collaborations, product launches, and acquisitions are becoming commonplace as companies strive to gain a foothold in this rapidly growing market.

Looking ahead, the secondhand apparel industry in the US and Canada is poised for continued growth. With the increasing focus on sustainability, affordability, and convenience, secondhand clothing is becoming a mainstream choice for consumers. This trend is likely to be further fueled by advancements in technology and innovative business models within the industry.