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The inaugural Shift event, held on January 26-27, received rave reviews for its vibrant atmosphere, top-tier venue, and high-quality offerings. The event successfully brought together a dynamic crowd, creating a sense of unity and excitement in line with its mission to ignite innovation in the fashion industry.
“This energy feels like the first Modefabriek,” noted the organizers, who also co-founded Modefabriek and Denim Days.
Shift's debut signals the beginning of a promising future. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and growth, the event aims to drive change in the fashion sector, despite current challenges.
The event’s three-month preparation time has set the stage for refining and expanding future editions, with room for more brands and activities. The venue’s flexibility ensures that upcoming events can accommodate larger selections of brands and unique experiences.
Already, several brands have committed to the next edition, indicating a strong demand for Shift’s platform. The organizers are eager and confident about the event's continued success and future expansion.
Officina39 marks a significant milestone with its participation in the inaugural Denimsandjeans Egypt event, held February 2-3 in Cairo. This debut signals the company’s strategic move into one of the fastest-growing textile and denim hubs.
Egypt's strong textile heritage, coupled with its geographic advantage connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, positions it as a key player in global sourcing. The country’s growing focus on innovation and sustainability aligns with Officina39’s vision for the future of denim.
At Denimsandjeans Egypt, Officina39 presents its cutting-edge solutions, blending Italian creativity, advanced chemistry, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices. The company aims to help reshape Egypt’s textile industry by driving efficiency, transparency, and reduced environmental impact.
“This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with Egypt’s textile innovators and contribute to a market ready to embrace a new way of thinking about production,” said Andrea Venier, Managing Director of Officina39.
Officina39’s approach to innovation focuses on tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as reducing water and energy consumption and promoting circularity. Key products showcased include Recycrom, a circular dyeing process utilizing textile scraps, and Aqualess Mission, which eliminates water use in denim treatments like vintage effects and abrasion.
The company also highlights innovations like Easyndigo, a sustainable indigo dyeing system, and Zero PP, an eco-friendly alternative to Potassium Permanganate.
As Egypt’s textile and denim sectors continue to evolve, Officina39 is committed to supporting local manufacturers with scalable, sustainable solutions that cater to the needs of global brands while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
Inaugurating the Denim and Jeans Exhibition in Cairo, Salih Mutlu Sen, Turkey’s Ambassador to Egypt emphasized on the strong and growing industrial and trade cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, especially within the textile sector. He highlighted the crucial role played by Turkish companies in Egypt's denim production, noting their commitment to investing and reinvesting in the Egyptian market.
Sen also highlighted how Turkish businesses have helped establish Egypt as a major denim producer, attracting leading international brands that source their denim products, particularly jeans, from Egyptian factories. He praised the pioneering work of these Turkish companies, citing them as examples of sustainable growth.
Further, Sen emphasized on the mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two nations, stating that the ‘win-win’ collaboration is most evident in the textile sector, particularly in denim fabrics and apparel. This thriving textile partnership is part of a larger, robust trade relationship, he said. According to him, the bilateral trade between Turkey and Egypt is projected to exceed $10 billion this year and reach $15 billion within the next five years, demonstrating a strong and promising economic future for both countries.
The two-day Denim and Jeans Exhibition featured around 55 companies from 10 countries, with a significant presence of 26 Turkish firms.
Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, concluded its participation in the Fibers & Yarns Expo 2025 on a high note, held in Mumbai from Jan 23-25, drawing strong interest from brands, spinners, and industry professionals. The event served as a key platform for Lenzing to showcase its latest advancements in sustainable fiber technology.
Innovative fiberportfolio on display
Lenzing presented an extensive range of its signature fibers, including TencelLyocell A100, TencelLyocell LF, Cotton Enhanced with Tencel, Lenzing Ecovero Black collections, Tencel Denim, Tencel Home, and fashion woven fabrics. The company also highlighted its latest developments in traditional and ethnic wear, as well as Tencel Intimate and Tencel Active collections.
A major highlight was Tencel Fibers with Micro Technology, designed to offer superior softness, lightness, and moisture management. These fibers enhance comfort and durability, making them ideal for various textile applications.
Strong industry engagement
The three-day expo attracted over 4,000 visitors, including representatives from more than 25 leading brands and 40 top spinners. The significant turnout underscored the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance fibers in India’s textile sector.
Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director of Textile Business at Lenzing Fibres AMEA & NEA, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success. “The enthusiastic response from brands, manufacturers, and industry experts has been truly rewarding. Our innovations, including TencelFibers with Micro Technology and Ecovero Black fibers, reflect our commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge fiber solutions,” he said.
Driving sustainability and innovation
Lenzing reinforced its leadership in sustainable fiber solutions at the expo, emphasizing its dedication to fostering industry partnerships that drive innovation and enhance product offerings. The company aims to build on the momentum gained at the event, furthering its vision of a more efficient and eco-friendly textile industry in India and beyond.
About Lenzing Group
Lenzing Group is a leader in eco-friendly, regenerated cellulose fibers, using cellulose and recycled materials. The company partners with global textile and nonwoven manufacturers, driving innovation in sustainable fiber production. Lenzing’s fibers are used in a wide range of textile applications, from clothing to home textiles, with TUV AUSTRIA certifications for biodegradability and compostability.
Lenzing goes beyond traditional fiber production, collaborating with customers to develop innovative products and shift towards a circular economy. Committed to reducing global warming, Lenzing aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal.
In its assessment of the Indian textile sector, the Economic Survey highlights India's position as the sixth-largest global exporter of textiles and apparel (T&A). The survey outlines the sector's significant contributions to India's GDP, industrial production and overall exports. It also underscores the sector's role as a major employment generator, providing direct jobs to over 45 million people, including a large number of women and rural residents. The inclusive nature of the industry is further demonstrated by the fact that nearly 80 per cent of its capacity resides within Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) clusters.
In 2023, India's textile exports reached $34 billion. Of this, the apparel exports constituted 42 per cent, followed by raw or semi-finished materials at 34 per cent and finished non-apparel goods at 30 per cent. As per the survey, Europe and the US accounted for about 66 per cent of India’s apparel exports, 58 per cent of finished non-apparel goods, and 12 per cent of raw/semi-finished materials. Other key export destinations include the UK (8 per cent) and the UAE (7 per cent) (UK, UAE). The survey notes the resilience of textile exports during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19).
Further the Economic Survey suggests, government initiatives, such as the PM MITRA scheme (PM MITRA), which aims to establish world-class textile parks with plug-and-play infrastructure, will support integrated supply chains and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector. Recognizing the need for research and development (R&D) in MMF, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has been allocated Rs 1,480 crore, with research as a core component. In 2024, 168 research projects were approved under the NTTM. To further encourage exports, the Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (ROSCTL) has been extended until March 31, 2026. Concluding on an optimistic note, the Economic Survey says, the Indian textile sector possesses several advantages that position it well for future growth.
India's textile industry is poised for a period of substantial growth, capitalizing on disruptions in competing markets that are opening up new opportunities for Indian exporters. This growth is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian domestic market and its supply chain, says a recent JM Financial report.
Key findings of the JM Financial Report
The JM Financial report highlights several key factors contributing to this optimistic outlook:
Shifting global landscape: Instability in key textile-producing countries like Bangladesh, grappling with political instability and logistical complexities, is prompting international buyers to explore alternative sourcing options. India, with its established textile industry and supportive government policies, is emerging as a favorable choice.
Competitive edge: The normalization of cotton and yarn prices in India, combined with a narrowing price gap between Indian and Chinese cotton, further strengthens India's competitive advantage in the global market. This price stability is crucial for Indian textile manufacturers, allowing them to offer competitive prices while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Expanding market share: India's apparel exports share in key markets like the US and the UK has steadily increased. In 2024, India holds a 7 per cent share in the US apparel import market and a 6 per cent share of the UK market, up from 6 per cent and 5 per cent respectively in 2023. This growth demonstrates India's increasing competitiveness and ability to meet the demands of international buyers.
Strategic trade agreements: The recently implemented UK-India Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost Indian textile exports by reducing trade barriers and enhancing market access. This agreement provides a significant advantage for Indian exporters, allowing them to compete more effectively in the UK market.
Red sea crisis and freight costs: The global textile industry has been facing challenges due to the Red Sea crisis, which has led to inflated freight costs and extended transportation times for shipments between the East and West. However, the report suggests increased freight costs are expected to decrease in coming months as peak season shipments ease and the Red Sea issue subsides. This anticipated reduction in freight costs will further improve margins for Indian companies.
China+1 strategy: Rising labor costs in China and the diversification of sourcing strategies by international retailers, known as the China+1 strategy, are contributing to China's declining market share in the global textile market. This shift is creating new opportunities for Indian exporters to capture a larger share of the global market.
Inventory de-stocking cycle: The end of the global inventory de-stocking cycle is expected to boost demand for textiles in the second half of the year as retailers replenish their stocks and prepare for the holiday season. This increased demand presents a favorable opportunity for Indian exporters to increase their sales and expand their market presence.
While these global disruptions pose challenges to the international textile industry, they also present significant opportunities for India. This shift in the global landscape is expected to have a profound impact on the Indian domestic market and its supply chain.
Table: Feature of the Report
|
Textile industry at a glance |
Details |
|
Market Size in 2024 |
$240.8 bn |
|
Projected Market Size in 2033 |
$475.7 bn |
|
Market Size in 2023 |
$226 bn |
|
CAGR Growth Rate |
6.84% CAGR |
|
Export Value (2023-24) |
$ 41.1 bn |
|
Global Export Ranking |
4th |
Impact on the domestic market and supply chain
The anticipated growth in the textile sector is expected to bring both benefits and challenges to the Indian domestic market and supply chain.
Increased employment: As production grows to meet rising demand, the textile sector, already the second-largest employment generating sector in India , is expected to create even more jobs, particularly in rural areas where a significant portion of the population relies on the textile industry for livelihood. This job creation will contribute to economic development and improve living standards in these regions.
Economic growth: The growth in textile exports will contribute significantly to India's foreign exchange earnings and GDP, further stimulating economic development and strengthening the country's position in the global economy.
Investment in infrastructure: Increased textile production is likely to encourage investment in infrastructure, including textile parks, manufacturing units, and logistics facilities. This investment will not only support the textile industry but also contribute to the overall development of the manufacturing sector in India.
Boost to ancillary industries: Growth in the textile sector will also benefit ancillary industries such as dyeing, printing, and textile machinery manufacturing. This ripple effect will create a positive growth cycle across various sectors of the Indian economy.
Technology upgradation: The Indian textile industry is increasingly adopting automation and advanced machinery to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the precision and quality of textiles and garments. This technological upgradation is enhancing the competitiveness of Indian textile manufacturers in the global market.
E-commerce growth: The rise of e-commerce platforms in India is creating new opportunities for textile companies to reach a wider customer base, both domestically and internationally. This online expansion is opening up new markets and sales channels for Indian textile products.
Growing domestic demand: Increasing demand for premium quality clothing and footwear items within India is driving growth in the domestic textile market. This rising domestic consumption is contributing to the overall growth of the textile industry.
Potential challenges
Raw material sourcing: While India is a major cotton producer, it still relies on imports for certain types of cotton and other raw materials. Ensuring a consistent and affordable supply of raw materials will be crucial to sustain growth and avoid supply chain disruptions.
Infrastructure bottlenecks: Inadequate transportation systems, power shortages, and outdated technology in some parts of the country could hinder the efficiency of the textile manufacturing process and increase production costs. Addressing these infrastructure challenges is essential to maintain competitiveness.
Skilled labor shortage: Meeting the increased demand for skilled labor will require significant investment in training and development programs to ensure a skilled workforce for the expanding textile industry.
Sustainability concerns: The textile industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and address environmental and social concerns, such as water pollution, waste management, and fair labor practices. Meeting these sustainability standards is crucial for long-term growth and maintaining a positive brand image.
Overall the JM Financial report paints a positive picture for the Indian textile sector. By capitalizing on the opportunities presented by global disruptions and addressing the associated challenges, India has the potential to not just replace competing markets but also capture new markets due to its competitive advantages. This growth trajectory will not only benefit the textile industry but also contribute significantly to the overall Indian economy, creating jobs, boosting exports, and driving economic development.
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China has long been a dominant force in the global cotton industry. Its unique combination of favorable climate conditions, vast arable land, and a skilled labor pool has enabled it to become the world's leading producer of cotton, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of global output. The region's significance to China's domestic cotton production is even more pronounced, with Xinjiang consistently contributing over 80 per cent of the nation's total cotton yield.
Cotton cultivation in Xinjiang dates back centuries, but the region's rise to prominence began in the late 20th century when the Chinese government implemented policies aimed at transforming Xinjiang into a cotton production hub. These efforts included investments in infrastructure, agricultural technology, and the expansion of cultivated land. As a result, Xinjiang's cotton output increased, contributing significantly to China's economic growth and its position as a major textile and apparel manufacturer.
Scrutiny and controversies
In recent years, Xinjiang's cotton industry has faced mounting scrutiny and challenges, particularly from the US and other Western nations. Allegations of forced labor practices within the region's cotton farms have led to import bans and sanctions on Xinjiang cotton products. These measures have disrupted supply chains and posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of millions of people in Xinjiang who depend on the cotton industry.
Despite these challenges, Xinjiang has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The regional government has taken steps to address the allegations of forced labor, including increased transparency and monitoring of labor practices. Additionally, Xinjiang has intensified its focus on technological advancements and sustainable practices to enhance productivity and improve the quality of its cotton. For example, in 2023, Aksu Prefecture launched a pilot project to with AI-powered irrigation systems in cotton fields. The project involved the use of sensors to monitor soil moisture levels and weather conditions, which then informed an AI algorithm that controlled the irrigation system. The results of the pilot project were impressive, with a 15 per cent reduction in water consumption and a 10 per cent increase in cotton yield compared to traditional irrigation methods. This success has encouraged the wider adoption of AI-powered irrigation systems in Xinjiang.
Table: Xinjiang cotton production
|
Year |
Cotton production (mn tons) |
Share in China's total production (%) |
|
2020 |
5.2 |
87 |
|
2021 |
5.1 |
85 |
|
2022 |
5.3 |
88 |
|
2023 |
5.5 |
90 |
|
2024 |
5.68 |
92.2 |
Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, Xinhua News Agency
Xinjiang has been at the forefront of adopting modern agricultural technologies to boost cotton production and efficiency. The region has achieved a remarkable level of mechanization in cotton farming, with nearly 100 per cent of cotton planting and over 90 per cent of harvesting now carried out by machines. This has not only increased productivity but also reduced labor requirements, mitigating concerns about labor exploitation. Also, Xinjiang has invested heavily in R&D to improve cotton varieties and cultivation techniques. The region has successfully developed high-quality, long-staple cotton varieties that are highly sought after in the global market. For example, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a state-owned enterprise that plays a crucial role in Xinjiang's cotton production has been actively involved in modernizing cotton farming practices and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. It has also implemented measures to ensure fair labor practices and improve the livelihoods of its employees. The XPCC has been a pioneer in adopting AI-powered solutions in cotton farming. They have implemented a comprehensive AI platform that integrates data from various sources, including satellites, drones, and sensors, to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. This has led to significant improvements in resource use efficiency and cotton yield. These advancements have enabled Xinjiang to maintain its competitive edge despite the challenges it faces.
And despite facing controversies, Xinjiang cotton is used by many brands especially Chinese brands. Huafu Fashion, a leading Chinese textile manufacturer that sources a significant portion of its cotton from Xinjiang. Despite being added to the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) entity list, Huafu Fashion has maintained operations and continues to export its products to various countries. The company has emphasized its commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency in its supply chain. Huafu has invested in advanced traceability systems, allowing them to track the origin of their cotton throughout the supply chain. This ensures that their products are free from any association with forced labor and meet the ethical standards of their global customers.
Therefore, Xinjiang's cotton industry remains a vital component of the global textile and apparel supply chain. While the region faces challenges related to allegations of forced labor and trade restrictions, it has shown resilience and a commitment to innovation. By embracing technological advancements, sustainable practices, and transparency, Xinjiang is striving to maintain its position as a cotton powerhouse while addressing the concerns of the international community.
In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a series of new initiatives to boost the domestic production of technical textiles. Highlighting the importance of these specialized fabrics, used in sectors like agriculture (agro-textiles), healthcare (medical textiles), and construction (geo-textiles), Sitharaman said, the budget aims to make India a major player in this growing market.
A key component of the government’s plan involves incentivizing the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies in this segment. For this, it has exempted two new types of shuttle-less looms from import duties. This will help make these advanced machines more accessible to domestic manufacturers, driving innovation and increasing production efficiency, affirmed Sitharaman. Modernizing the manufacturing base is crucial to competing globally, she added.
Addressing the pricing dynamics of the industry, Sitharaman announced a revision to the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on knitted fabrics. This adjustment impacts nine tariff lines, shifting from a variable rate of 10 per cent or 20 per cent to a fixed rate of 20 per cent or Rs 115 per kg, whichever is higher. This change aims to create a more predictable and stable tariff structure, which the government believes will benefit the domestic textile industry. The goal is to encourage self-reliance and promote growth by ensuring fair competition against imports.
These combined measures are expected to provide a significant boost to India's technical textile sector. By encouraging investment in advanced machinery and streamlining the tariff structure, the government hopes to foster innovation, improve product quality, and ultimately increase the global competitiveness of Indian technical textiles.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is doubling down on its commitment to affordability by cutting prices on over 300 ‘family favorite’ products, with a focus on children's clothing. The retailer is emphasizing on its dedication to providing trusted value and everyday low prices for its 32 million customers.
The latest price reductions target over 100 items in M&S's ‘everyday essentials’ kidswear range, with savings of up to 20 per cent. Popular items like cotton-rich hoodies and joggers, as well as sweatshirts, leggings, and t-shirts, are now priced at just $7 (approximately £5.50). These price cuts will not affect the quality or high sourcing standards the brand is known for, M&S assures customers.
Alexandra Dimitriu, Director –Kidswear (Clothing & Home), M&S, explains, nowadays customers look for trusted value in their apparel purchases. More than just price, they emphasize on the product’s value and seek assurance that it is well-made, sustainable and versatile, he adds.
In its recent holiday shopping season, M&S Group sales rose by 5.6 per cent to $5.1 billion (approximately £4.064 billion). The group’ Clothing, Home & Beauty segment reported a modest 1 per cent increase in sales, reaching $1.6 billion (approximately £1.305 billion). Like-for-like sales in this category rose by 1.9 per cent, while underlying sales grew by 2.6 per cent, exceeding market growth.
President Donald Trump has revoked the long-standing $800 de minimis tariff exemption, dealing a blow to Chinese e-commerce giants like Temu, Shein, Alibaba, and JD.com. The change, part of new trade levies25 per cent on Canada and Mexico and 10 per cent on Chinaeliminates the duty-free status of small-value shipments to the US.
Previously, Chinese retailers bypassed tariffs by shipping directly to American consumers, leveraging the exemption to undercut domestic businesses. US Customs estimates that $48 billion worth of goods entered under this loophole in the first nine months of last year. The shift will likely drive up costs for bargain shoppers who relied on discount platforms.
The White House did not clarify whether the de minimis rule change applies solely to new tariffs or extends to existing levies. However, trade experts suggest it could broadly impact all Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican imports.
A senior administration official defended the move, citing lost tariff revenue and national security concerns, particularly fentanyl trafficking. Lawmakers have warned that small-value shipments make it easier to smuggle illicit substances into the US.
Temu has already begun importing goods in bulk and storing them in US warehouses to mitigate the impact, but the change threatens its discount-driven model.
Trump’s tariffs, aim to penalize China, Canada, and Mexico for allegedly failing to curb fentanyl flows and illegal immigration.
