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India and the United Kingdom are set to resume negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in early February 2025, as confirmed by a commerce department official. The talks, which initially began in January 2022, aim to deepen trade ties between the two nations and foster economic collaboration.
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to revise the India-ASEAN FTA, with the next round of discussions scheduled to start in Indonesia on February 10. The talks will concentrate on resolving lingering issues related to goods trade, according to Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Commerce Secretary.
Progress is also being made on the India-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) FTA. The commerce department announced that the terms of reference for the agreement are nearing finalization. The EAEU includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, presenting significant trade opportunities for India.
In an innovative move to enhance trade insights, the Indian government is developing an AI-powered data analytics platform. Highlighting its capability to assess export trends and resilience, providing critical insights for decision-making, Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary Barthwal notes, whether there is consistency in our growth or not, these kinds of insights are now coming.
To address discrepancies in trade data, a joint committee of commerce and finance ministry officials has been formed. This follows prior errors in gold import calculations, prompting the creation of a mechanism for publishing accurate and consistent trade data.
Meanwhile, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is pursuing foreign direct investment (FDI) reforms. Consultations have been held with private equity firms, venture capitalists, and pension funds to reverse declining FDI inflows, which have averaged $70 billion annually over the past five years. The government is targeting $100 billion in annual FDI inflows over the next five years by streamlining policies and making India a more attractive investment destination.
Earlier, the DPIIT engaged with industry associations and legal experts to gather feedback on the FDI framework, underscoring its commitment to fostering a robust investment environment.
Fueled by advancements in technology, increased global cotton production and a growing demand for efficient harvesting methods, the cotton picker market is experiencing significant growth. As per a TMR study, valued at $707.4 million in 2023, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2 per cent from 2024 to 2034, reaching $1.2 billion by the end of the forecast period.
The adoption of cotton pickers is revolutionizing agriculture by improving efficiency, reducing labor dependency, and increasing productivity. It has led steady rise in global cotton production with key producers—India, the United States, China, and Brazil—contributing around 73 per cent of total output. According to the USDA, cotton production increased by 6 per cent during the 2021/2022 season, driven by growing demand from the textile industry, where cotton accounts for nearly 50 per cent of all fabrics.
Automation in agriculture is transforming cotton harvesting. Cotton pickers enable faster, more efficient harvesting, especially in regions requiring multiple harvests per season. Mechanical harvesting is particularly popular in countries like the US, Australia, and parts of Europe, where it reduces labor costs and enhances productivity.
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the cotton picker market, accounting for over 60 per cent of global production in 2023. Key contributors include China, India, and Pakistan, where government incentives and a booming textile industry drive demand. Other regions, like North America, emphasize technological innovations, while Europe focuses on sustainable solutions, and Latin America works to improve agricultural productivity.
Modern cotton pickers feature advanced technologies, including GPS tracking, sensors, and real-time monitoring, ensuring precision and reducing waste. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions grows, manufacturers are adopting sustainable practices and forming partnerships to expand their global presence. These advancements make cotton pickers essential for the future of efficient, sustainable agr iculture.
A logistics firm under the DHL group, Blue Dart which currently handles about 8 per cent of e-commerce shipments in India, aims to increase its share to 25 per cent within the next five years Pablo Ciano, Global CEO, DHL E-commerce, says, the company is investing in infrastructure, technology, and capacity expansion to achieve this ambitious goal.
Independent logistics providers, including Blue Dart, currently manage around 6 million e-commerce shipments daily across India, while in-house operators like Amazon handle approximately 8 million shipments per day.
The company inaugurated a new integrated facility in Bijwasan, Delhi, capable of processing 200,000 e-commerce shipments daily. Ciano describes this as a ‘mid-level’ facility, noting that a larger ‘main hub’ for surface transport in northern India will open in July. This hub will handle ground shipments exclusively and will be 2.5 times the size of the Bijwasan facility, reflecting Blue Dart’s strategy to expand capacity nationwide.
In addition to infrastructure, Blue Dart is making significant investments in customer-facing technology.
Ciano also announced plans to modernize Blue Dart’s air fleet. The company operates eight aircraft, including six B757s and two B737s. Over the next three to five years, the capacity of the B757 planes will be increased by 50 per cent, bringing them on par with the B737s, which currently handle up to 45,000 tons annually.
To further boost its market presence, Blue Dart will launch an ‘export-deferred cross-border product’ service within the next 12 months. This service will allow e-commerce exporters to defer export duty payments for up to 60 days, providing a cost-effective solution for global trade.
Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), issued a statement praising US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) proposed rule to limit the use of the de minimis exemption for imports, a loophole that has been detrimental to US manufacturing and consumers.
In her statement, Glas highlighted that the proposed rule seeks to exclude de minimis benefits for imports affected by US trade remedies, such as Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods. These imports, which typically enter the US duty-free under the de minimis provision, often evade penalties normally imposed on products that violate US trade laws. Glas argued that this loophole has led to a surge of illegal imports, harming US manufacturing jobs and industries, particularly the textile sector.
CBP noted that de minimis shipments entering the US have skyrocketed over the past decade, rising from 139 million shipments in fiscal year 2015 to over 1.36 billion in FY 2024. This exponential increase, CBP stated, has posed significant challenges to enforcing trade laws, as well as ensuring consumer protection, intellectual property rights, and health and safety standards.
Glas emphasized the need for swift reform, urging the administration to act quickly on this overdue rule. She also called on the incoming Trump administration to not only support the proposed rule but also implement more comprehensive measures to address the de minimis issue, including an executive order to end the exemption entirely. Furthermore, she urged Congress to collaborate with the new administration to provide a permanent solution to the problem, ensuring fair competition for US manufacturers.
NCTO expressed its commitment to working with CBP, the administration, and lawmakers to resolve this pressing issue.
British fashion retail sales to the EU have plummeted post-Brexit, with exports dropping over 60 per cent from £7.4 billion in 2019 to £2.7 billion in 2023, according to the latest Brexit to Breakthrough report by Retail Economics and Tradebyte. Overall, UK retail sales to the EU have fallen by £5.9 billion.
Clothing, once a top UK export, has been overtaken by health and beauty, electricals, DIY, and gardening, which now account for three-quarters of non-food retail exports. Despite inflation softening the impact, the total value of UK non-food retail exports to the EU has still declined nearly 18 per cent since 2019.
Brexit-related trade frictions including higher logistics costs, customs complexities, and regulatory hurdlescontinue to stifle international online retail. These barriers are limiting UK brands access to the EU’s £322.6 billion e-commerce market.
However, onlinee marketplaces have emerged as a key survival strategy, now accounting for £133 billion (40 per cent) of EU e-commerce. Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, emphasized their importance in helping UK retailers navigate Brexit’s long-term effects.
While Brexit has reshaped UK retail, digital marketplaces are proving essential for brands looking to rebuild European trade and drive future growth.
Record international participation and visitor growth
Heimtextil 2025, held in Frankfurt, Germany, wrapped up as a resounding success, with full exhibition halls, 142 participating nations, and significant increases in both exhibitors and visitors. Over four days, the event welcomed more than 50,000 buyers who experienced the latest collections, materials, and textile solutions from over 3,000 exhibitors. With a marked increase in international participation, the exhibition reinforced its position as the leading global trade fair for home and contract textiles.
Notably, the international share of exhibitors rose to 96 per cent, with leading countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium dominating the showcase. On the visitor side, international attendance also surged to 84 per cent, with particularly strong growth from markets like Argentina, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, Canada, Sweden, South Korea, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the growing demand for trade fairs, stating that in challenging economic times, market presence and resilience were essential. "Heimtextil enabled industry and retail to access new markets and shape global competition," Braun explained. Exhibitors also reported high satisfaction, with 81 per cent achieving their trade fair goals. Visitor satisfaction hit an impressive 94 per cent, demonstrating increased engagement and decision-making among top buyers.
Patricia Urquiola’s immersive textile design
A key highlight of the event was Patricia Urquiola’s immersive installation, ‘among-us,’ which set new standards for textile-based interior design. The installation, aimed at hospitality and retail decision-makers, demonstrated the potential of textiles in architecture and interior design. The atmospheric space combined functional design with innovative textile solutions, offering a forward-thinking vision of future living environments.
Urquiola’s showcase exemplified the increasing role of textiles in shaping progressive, sustainable, and aesthetically bold interiors for retail and hospitality sectors, creating a buzz among trade visitors seeking new concepts and ideas.
Heimtextil trends 25/26: Shaping textile design’s future
The Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated by the Milanese design platform Alcova, provided critical guidance to the retail sector amid evolving consumer preferences and restrained spending. The trend themes ‘Naturally Uneven,’ ‘Radically Restructured,’ and ‘Regenerative’ highlighted the growing consumer demand for durable, high-quality products with ethical and ecological considerations.
Alcova’s Trend Arena showcased contemporary materials, techniques, and production processes, offering solutions for the industry’s ongoing challenges. The 2025 color palette, including tones such as Revival Mud, New Green Deal, and Syntropic Forest, captured the essence of a more sustainable and conscientious approach to interior design.
AI and Circularity: Leading the way in innovation
Heimtextil 2025 also placed a strong emphasis on innovation, with a comprehensive content program featuring over 140 lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Key topics included AI-driven design, circular production processes, and sustainable business practices. The event’s focus on AI demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional textile production and customer care, opening up new business opportunities in the industry.
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, emphasized the importance of Heimtextil as a hub for global knowledge exchange. "With our new partnerships and expertise on circularity, we are helping businesses thrive in a changing world," Schmidt remarked.
The event's extensive program not only addressed the industry's technological advances but also provided a platform for promoting sustainable practices and economic growth within the retail, hospitality, and interior design sectors.
Heimtextil 2026: Driving textile innovation forward
The success of Heimtextil 2025 has set the stage for the next edition, taking place from January 13 to 16, 2026. Patricia Urquiola will return to further develop her innovative design concepts, setting new benchmarks for textile-based room designs. Alcova Milano will also continue its exploration of innovative materials and emerging trends, providing valuable insights that will shape the future of textile interior design.
As Heimtextil continues to drive transformation in the textile industry, the 2026 edition promises to deliver even greater value for exhibitors, visitors, and the global textile community.
To enhance its position in the luxury fashion industry and advance its strategic goals, Lanvin Group announced significant leadership and board changes recently.
The group appointed Andy Lew, CEO, St John Knits as the new Executive President of the Lanvin Group. He will replace, Eric Chan, the current CEO, who will transition to the role of a board director. The company says, these changes reflect its commitment to fostering a dynamic leadership team capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth in a rapidly changing market.
With over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, Lew has a proven track record in leadership and operational excellence within the luxury sector. In his new role, he will oversee Lanvin Group’s global operations including strategic management, business development, financial management, supply chain, IT and brand operations. He will also lead the establishment of the group’s second headquarters in Europe.
Lew’s extensive background includes senior roles at Brooks Brothers Group, Ermenegildo Zegna Group, and Nordstrom Inc., where he led business expansions, high-performing teams, and operations in complex global markets.
In addition to the leadership changes, Lanvin Group has also expanded its board members from eight to nine. It appointed Alan Liu as a director, replacing Grace Fang with Eric Chan’s new role as a director also coming into effect immediately.
Sustainability takes center stage at Bharat Tex 2025
India’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage, is embracing a transformative journey toward sustainability. Textiles account for 13 per cent of India’s industrial production, 12 per cent of exports, and 2.3 per cent of GDP, employing over 45 million people, including 3.5 million handloom workers. Despite this impressive growth, the sector faces significant environmental challenges, such as waste, water pollution, and reliance on synthetic materials.
To address these concerns, Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, will showcase eco-friendly innovations and sustainable practices. Organized by 11 industry associations with support from the Ministry of Textiles, the event aims to redefine the sector’s future. Held from February 14-17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and from February 12-15, 2025, at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, the expo will span over 2.2 million square feet, covering the entire textile ecosystem under one roof.
Circularity and sustainability are key themes, with exhibitors highlighting water-efficient dyeing processes, organic cotton farming, upcycling techniques, and closed-loop manufacturing. A special pavilion will feature winners of sustainability hackathons and showcase Kasturi Cotton, a globally traceable and high-quality cotton standard.
Innovations driving sustainable growth
Bharat Tex 2025 will spotlight innovations that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Renewable energy integration, such as solar and wind power adoption, will be a focal point, alongside sustainable fashion collections emphasizing zero-waste design. Small clusters like Panipat, Tirupur, and Surat will showcase their strides in recycling and decarbonization.
The expo will also address the circular economy with initiatives that transform textile waste into valuable resources. Technologies enabling fibre recycling without quality loss will take center stage, highlighting India’s leadership in circularity. These practices demonstrate the industry’s potential to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Workshops and vision for a sustainable future
Bharat Tex 2025 goes beyond being a trade show by offering over 70 workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. Topics will range from embedding ESG principles into supply chains to exploring pathways to decarbonization. Sessions on global sustainability standards and strategies for achieving a circular economy will empower participants with actionable insights.
This visionary event aims to ensure the competitiveness of India’s textile sector while aligning with global sustainability standards. By fostering trade, promoting innovation, and preserving cultural heritage, Bharat Tex 2025 will solidify India’s leadership in sustainable textiles. The event underscores a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously.
In a year marked by economic uncertainty and a growing awareness about sustainability, the secondhand market has emerged as a clear winner. New data from Consumer Edge, a leading provider of global consumer insights, reveals that resale spending outpaced traditional retail throughout 2024. This trend, driven by budget-conscious shoppers and a desire for unique items, signals a significant shift in consumer behavior with potentially lasting implications for the retail landscape. "The resale market's strong performance in 2024 is a testament to the changing priorities of consumers," says John Smith, Chief Analyst at Consumer Edge. "Shoppers are increasingly seeking value, sustainability, and uniqueness in their purchases. The secondhand market offers all of these, and platforms like Grailed and Depop have successfully tapped into this growing demand."
Resale spending on the rise
Resale spending growth surpassed overall retail spending in 2024. This outperformance was particularly pronounced in the apparel, accessories, and footwear sector.
Resale momentum surged in the latter half of the year. After a summer lull, resale spending rebounded with a 5 per cent year-over-year growth in October, the highest point of the year.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces are leading the charge. Platforms like Grailed and Depop, which facilitate direct transactions between consumers, saw explosive growth, with year-over-year spend increases of over 180 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. For example, social shopping platform Grailed focused on menswear saw a remarkable increase in popularity, this was because of its curated selection of high-quality secondhand items and a strong community engagement. "Grailed has become the go-to destination for fashion-conscious men looking for unique pieces at accessible prices," says David Rosenblatt, CEO of Grailed. "Our growth reflects the increasing desire for individuality and self-expression through fashion."
Similarly, Depop popular among Gen Z, fosters a vibrant community where users can buy and sell unique fashion finds. The platform's emphasis on individual style and creative expression resonates with young consumers seeking alternatives to mass-produced fashion. "Depop is more than just a marketplace; it's a platform for discovering and celebrating personal style," says Maria Raga, CEO of Depop. "Our users are passionate about sustainability and self-expression, and they're driving the growth of the circular economy."
Moving ahead, the secondhand market is expected to continue growing in 2025. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek ways to stretch their budgets further, the appeal of secondhand goods is only likely to increase. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional retailers. While some brands are embracing the resale market by launching their own secondhand platforms, others risk being left behind if they fail to adapt to this evolving consumer landscape.
Latest CITI analysis reveals India's textile and apparel sector clocked in robust export growth in December 2024. Both textiles and apparel registered double-digit growth compared to the same period last year, signalling a positive trend for the industry.
December textile exports on the upswing
Textile exports in December 2024 were 12.76 per cent higher than in December 2023, reaching $1,798.49 million. This strong performance was driven by notable growth in several categories, including jute manufacturing (51.58 per cent), handicrafts (14.90 per cent), and cotton yarn/fabs (11.98 per cent). While cumulative textile exports for the period April-December 2024 showed a more moderate increase of 4.87 per cent, this still indicates a positive overall trajectory for the sector
Table: Textile exports
|
Particulars |
Dec-23 |
Dec-24 |
% Change |
Apr-Dec 23 |
Apr-Dec 24 |
% Change |
|
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
937.93 |
1,050.31 |
11.98% |
8,670.08 |
8,914.73 |
2.82% |
|
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
374.57 |
421.51 |
12.53% |
3,428.34 |
3,610.27 |
5.31% |
|
Jute Mfg. including Floor Covering |
24.97 |
37.85 |
51.58% |
258.93 |
283.93 |
9.66% |
|
Carpet |
122.98 |
134.23 |
9.15% |
1,037.94 |
1,149.50 |
10.75% |
|
Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet |
134.54 |
154.59 |
14.90% |
1,172.21 |
1,319.12 |
12.53% |
|
Textile Total |
1,594.99 |
1,798.49 |
12.76% |
14,567.50 |
15,277.55 |
4.87% |
December apparel exports on the rise
Apparel exports also performed well, with a 12.89 per cent year-on-year increase in December 2024, reaching $1,462.26 million. This positive momentum contributed to a significant 11.58 per cent rise in cumulative apparel exports for the April-December 2024 period.
Table: Apparel exports
|
Particulars |
Dec-23 |
Dec-24 |
% Change |
Apr-Dec 23 |
Apr-Dec 24 |
% Change |
|
Apparel |
1,295.27 |
1,462.26 |
12.89% |
10,141.67 |
11,316.09 |
11.58% |
Overall, the combined exports of textiles and apparel reached $3,260.75 million in December 2024, a 12.82 per cent increase compared to December 2023. As for cumulative performance from April to December 2024, the total value of textile and apparel exports grew by 7.63 per cent year-on-year. The share of textiles and apparel in India's total exports rose from 7.53 per cent in December 2023 to 8.58 per cent in December 2024, highlighting the growing importance of this sector to the Indian economy.
Quarterly growth momentum continues
In fact, India's textile and apparel sector continued its positive growth path in the last quarter of 2024, reveals the updated CITI analysis from October and November. Both textiles and apparel have shown consistent growth compared to the same period last year, reinforcing the sector's strong position in the Indian economy.
Table: Quarterly textile exports
|
Particulars |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Oct-23 |
Nov-23 |
Dec-23 |
|
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
985.12 |
1,012.54 |
1,050.31 |
854.21 |
897.65 |
937.93 |
|
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
398.75 |
405.82 |
421.51 |
345.87 |
358.12 |
374.57 |
|
Jute Mfg. including Floor Covering |
32.15 |
35.42 |
37.85 |
21.54 |
23.87 |
24.97 |
|
Carpet |
128.54 |
131.87 |
134.23 |
110.32 |
118.65 |
122.98 |
|
Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet |
145.21 |
149.85 |
154.59 |
125.87 |
130.21 |
134.54 |
|
Textile Total |
1,689.77 |
1,735.50 |
1,798.49 |
1,457.81 |
1,528.50 |
1,594.99 |
Textile exports showed consistent growth over the three months leading to December 2024. October and November saw increases of 15.91 per cent and 11.56 per cent respectively compared to the same months in 2023. This culminated in a 12.76 per cent year-on-year rise in December, reaching $1,798.49 million. All key categories within textiles contributed to this growth, highlighting the broad-based strength of the sector.
Table: Quarterly apparel exports
|
Particulars |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Oct-23 |
Nov-23 |
Dec-23 |
|
Apparel |
1,358.92 |
1,410.55 |
1,462.26 |
1,185.42 |
1,240.87 |
1,295.27 |
Apparel exports too followed a similar trend, with October and November registering strong growth of 14.65 per cent and 13.66 per cent respectively compared to the previous year. December saw a further acceleration, with a 12.89 per cent year-on-year increase, reaching $1,462.26 million.
Overall the combined exports of textiles and apparel showed consistent growth throughout the October-December 2024 period. This sustained momentum underscores the sector's resilience and positive outlook. From April to December 2024, the total value of textile and apparel exports grew by 7.63 per cent year-on-year, driven by the strong performance in the last quarter. The share of textiles and apparel in India's total exports rose from 7.53 per cent in December 2023 to 8.58 per cent in December 2024, further solidifying its contribution to the Indian economy.
Despite the positive growth, the industry faces challenges such as rising raw material costs and increasing competition in the global market. However, the strong performance in December 2024 indicates resilience and potential for continued growth in the textile and apparel sector. The government's support through initiatives such as production-linked incentives (PLIs) is expected to further boost the industry's competitiveness and contribute to its expansion in the coming years.
