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On 8-9 April 2025, key social partners in Turkiye’s textile and clothing sector gathered in Istanbul under the EU-funded StitchTogether project to address the industry’s transformation amid digital, green, and social challenges. The event culminated in the presentation of the Istanbul Declaration a joint commitment by employers and trade unions to promote social dialogue and shared responsibility in navigating change.
The seminar brought together representatives from the Turkish employer association TTSİS, national trade unions including Teksif, Oz İplik İş and DİSK Tekstil, as well as global brands, the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the Social Labour Convergence Programme. Discussions focused on upskilling the workforce, implementing responsible business conduct, and supporting just transition initiatives.
The Istanbul Declaration calls on the Turkish government and the European Union to strengthen support for regional development, sustainability, and fair labour practices in the industry. Social partners agreed on a shared roadmap to boost competitiveness while safeguarding workers rights.
IndustriAll Europe’s General Secretary Judith Kirton-Darling emphasised solidarity with over one million Turkish textile workers, highlighting the need for freedom of association and collective bargaining. Euratex Director General Dirk Vantyghem noted that constructive dialogue is essential to help companies remain flexible and competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Having achieved exports worth Rs 400 billion in FY25, the knitwear industry in Tirupur, anticipates these exports to rise by around 25 per cent in the upcoming fiscal year. This optimistic outlook is fueled by international buyers seeking to diversify their sourcing away from Bangladesh and China due to political instability and the ongoing US tariff disputes.
According to the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), buyers are increasingly placing orders with Indian companies. Dr A Sakthivel, Vice Chairman, AEPC, notes, domestic firms are experiencing a growth in orders from the US and the UK, two crucial export markets for Tirupur.
This increase is attributed to expectations of favorable terms arising from India's ongoing bilateral trade discussions with these two nations. India is currently engaged in trade negotiations with the US, with a deal anticipated to be finalized later this year.
India’s comprehensive presence across the entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods, coupled with quicker order execution and recent enhancements in quality, has boosted the confidence of international buyers in Indian suppliers. This is also contributing significantly to the rise in order volumes, states Dr Sakthivel. This positive trend is expected to continue despite prevailing global uncertainties, he adds.
In FY25, the Tirupur knitwear cluster recorded a 20 per cent rise in exports reaching Rs 400 billios. Around 45 per cent of these shipments were destined for Europe, and 30 per cent for the United States. RMG exports from India grew by 10 per cent to Rs 1.36 trillion in FY25. Notably, knitwear exports constituted 49 per cent of this total, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
With President Trump’s crackdown on low-value imports and sweeping tariffs raising the operational costs of their low-priced products, Chinese online marketplace Temu and fast-fashion retailer Shein plan to increase their products’ prices from next week.
Both the firms plan to raise the prices of their products from April 25, 2025. Hence, they have urged shoppers to purchase their desired products at today’s rates
Retailers of products ranging from fasion, toys to smartphones, both Shein and Temu experienced a rapid growth in the US market owning to the ‘de minimis’ exemption, which enabled to keep their prices low.
However, a recent executive order by US President Donald Trump eliminates the earlier trade benefit of allowing them to import products from China and Hong Kong duty free into the United States. The order is likely to be implemented from May 2, 2025.
A yarn manufacturer known for its recycled and synthetic offerings, Unifi launched Repreve, a brand of recycled fibers incorporating Ciclo's biodegradable technology at the Functional Fabrics Fair.
Ciclo’s patented biodegradable technology allows synthetic materials to break down naturally in the environment. The technology is compatible with both filament and staple polyester, as well as nylon.
A result of Unifi’s collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, a JV between Parkdale Advanced Materials and Intrinsic Textiles Group, the Repreve with Ciclo technology addresses the global issue of synthetic microfiber shedding by providing a globally accessible solution for mills, brands, and retailers to reduce microplastic fiber pollution, states Eddie Ingle, CEO, Unifi.
The Repreve with Ciclo technology enables synthetic fibers to naturally biodegrade when exposed to moisture and microorganisms for extended periods. This significantly reduces the amount of time synthetic fibers, which contribute to microplastics, persist in the environment.
The Ciclo technology is currently being used by several sustainable brands in their products, including Target, Bass Pro Shops, Billabong, and Champion.
Cheryl Smyre, Vice President, Parkdale Advanced Materials, says, tackling this challenge requires collaboration across the industry Combining two powerful solutions – Repreve and Ciclo , this joint initiative helps maximize the use of recycled content while addressing microfiber pollution at its origin.
Unifi now plans to produce all of its Repreve-branded products with the Ciclo additive, including Repreve Takeback and Repreve Our Ocean.
Unifi showcased these new products at Booth 815 at the Functional Fabric Fair, held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.
An initiative of India’s Ministry of Textiles, National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM) has announced its support to a groundbreaking project that aims to create ‘Specialized Firefighting Suits.’
Being developed by the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) in collaboration with 5S, these advanced suits are essential for personnel engaged in Firefighting and Emergency Services, Defense forces, Oil & Gas sector, Aerospace & Aviation, Power Plants & Thermal Industries, and similar high-risk environments. Currently, India produces such specialized firefighting suits, often referred to as fire entry suits, on a very limited scale, often compelling it to import them from Europe, the US, and China.
The current annual demand for these suits in India is around 1,000 sets. However, the introduction of an Indian-certified aluminized suit may dramatically increase this consumption. With the commercialization of their product, System 5S has an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 suits.
According to EN 1486, a European Standard outlining requirements and testing for firefighters' protective clothing, specialized firefighting gear must offer full-body protection, including the head, hands, and feet, against intense radiant heat and direct flame exposure. This ensemble includes a garment, a hood (either integrated or separate), gloves, and over boots. Furthermore, these suits are designed to be used with respiratory protection, with variations depending on whether the breathing apparatus is worn inside or outside the protective clothing.
System 5S has successfully developed an indigenous Specialized Fire Fighting Suit that meets the stringent requirements of EN 1486 or ISO 15538 standards. The suit is designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and ease of firefighters. It has been constructed using aluminized coated glass fabrics, OPAN (Oxidized Polyacrylonitrile) nonwoven batting, and FR (Flame Resistant) viscose fabric, with all inner layers quilted together. Trial production of these suits has already commenced and full-scale commercial production will begin after successfully completing the fire manikin test, as mandated by the EN ISO 13506 standard.
Poised for continued growth, the Middle East market for high-tenacity polyester filament yarn is anticipated to grow at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.2 per cent in value and +1.1 per cent in volume from 2024-35. The market is projected to reach 56,000 tons and $137 million by the end of this period.
This growth is primarily being driven by an increasing demand for high-tenacity polyester filament yarn across the Middle East. While growth is expected to moderate slightly over the next decade, consumption is still forecast to rise steadily. In 2024, however, consumption declined by 15.7 per cent to 50,000 tons, marking the second consecutive year of decline after a period of growth. Despite this recent dip, overall consumption has shown resilience, peaking at 63,000 tons in 2022.
The value of the high-tenacity filament polyester yarn market in the Middle East also declined by -15.2 per cent to $119 million in 2024. This figure represents the total revenue of producers and importers at nominal wholesale prices. Similar to volume, the market value had previously shown strong expansion, reaching a peak of $155 million in 2022.
Turkey emerged as the largest consumer in 2024, accounting for approximately 69 per cent of the total volume with 35,000 tons. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed with 7,700 tons, and Saudi Arabia with 3,600 tons. Notably, consumption across the UAE and Saudi Arabia grew at an average annual consumption growth rates of +25.3 per cent and +9.7 per cent respectively, between 2013-24.
In terms of value, Turkey also led the market at $90 million, followed by the UAE at $14 million and Iran. The value of the high-tenacity filament polyester yarn in the UAE exhibited the most substantial average annual market growth of +22.2 per cent during the same period. The UAE also recorded the highest per capita consumption in 2024 at 756 kg per 1,000 people, followed by Turkey (400 kg) and Saudi Arabia (98 kg).
After three years of growth, production of high-tenacity filament polyester yarn in the Middle East declined by -44.5 per cent in 2024 to 37 tons. Lebanon remained the largest producer, accounting for almost all of the total volume. Imports also decreased by -14.7 per cent in 2024 to 51,000 tons, with Turkey being the largest importer.
The import price saw a significant increase of 29 per cent in 2024, reaching $2,079 per ton. Exports, primarily from the UAE and Turkey, increased by 39 per cent in volume in 2024, while the export price declined sharply by -40.6 per cent to $2,176 per ton.
In the recently concluded FY2024-25, India registered a 6.32 per cent rise in textile and apparel (T&A) exports to $36.606 billion.
A significant contributor to this growth were apparel exports which rose by 10.03 per cent to $15.989 billion, while textile exports grew by 3.61 per cent to $20.617 billion. However, in March 2025, combined T&A exports experienced a moderate growth to $3.387 billion. During the month, apparel shipments increased by 3.97 per cent while textile exports declined by 5.81 per cent.
Looking at the annual figures, India’s apparel exports expanded from $14.532 billion in FY24 to $15.989 billion in FY25. On the other hand, textile exports rose from $19.899 billion to $20.617 billion during the same period. Apparel exports in March 2025 increased by 3.97 per cent to $1.531 billion, , while textile exports fell to $1.856 billion, a 5.81 percent drop.
Within the textile sector, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products registered a modest growth of 3.19 per cent to $12.056 billion in FY25. Exports of man-mafde yarn, fabrics, and made-ups rose by 4.07 per cent to $4.869 billion, while carpet exports experienced a significant growth of 10.46 per cent, reaching $1,541.97 million. In March 2025, exports of cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handloom products grew by 2.16 per cent to $1,118 million, while exports of man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups declined by 0.85 per cent to $436 million. However, carpet exports increased by 6.52 per cent to $137 million.
Imports of raw cotton and waste expanded by 103.67 per cent to $1,219 million during FY25, compared to $599 million in the previous fiscal year. Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups also rose by 8.69 per cent, from $2,278 million to $2,476 million. In March 2025, imports of raw cotton and waste jumped by 61.97 per cent to $79 million, while imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups increased by 19.98 per cent to $193 million.
In FY24, India’s textile and apparel exports totaled $34.430 billion, a 3.24 per cent decrease from FY23. Apparel exports declined by 10.25 per cent to $14.532 billion, while textile exports increased by 2.62 per cent to $19.898 billion. Imports in FY24 showed a significant decline in raw cotton and waste (down 58.39 per cent) and textile yarn, fabrics, and made-ups (down 12.98 percent) compared to FY23.
Despite a general slowdown in the luxury market, French luxury powerhouse Hermès International registered a 7 per cent increase in sales to €4.13 billion at consistent exchange rates in Q1, FY25.
While these figures slightly missed analysts' predictions of an 8 per cent rise in sales to €4.2 billion, Hermès outperformed its French luxury rivals like LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which reported a 2 per cent decline in sales. However, this growth rate represents a deceleration from Q4, FY24 where Hermès had registered an 18 per cent rise in sales.
Axel Dumas, Chief Executive Officer, Hermès states, the group achieved a solid growth in sales despite a high comparison basis in the quarter. He attributed this growth to the company's vertically integrated model.
In a research report, Luca Soca, Analyst, Bernstein notes, these results confirm a slower consumer demand environment.
The brand’s sales in the United States grew by 11 per cent while sales in Europe, excluding France, increased by 13 per cent. Sales in the Middle East rose by 14 per cent sales at constant currency, while Japan experienced a substantial 17 per cent jump, driven by local clientele.
Sales in the rest of Asia, however, increased by only 1 per cent due to ongoing softness in the Chinese market.
Boosted by new designs of bags like Medor and Mousequeton, sales of the retailer’s leather goods division increased by 10 per cent at constant currency rates. Sales of ready-to-wear grew by 7 per cent for the quarter.
Silk and textiles, including the brand's iconic scarves, experienced a 5 per cent rise in sales while sales in the fragrance and beauty segments remained flat.
Continuing its expansion strategy, Hermes plans to open three new production facilities in France over the next three years.
Taking currency fluctuations into account, the company’s sales increased by 9 per cent, boosting its revenue by €49 million.
Looking ahead, the company aims to grow revenues at constant exchange rates in the medium-term, despite the economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world.It aims to leverage its highly integrated artisanal model, the balanced distribution network, the creativity of collections and the loyalty of clients.
China has consolidated its position as a powerhouse in the global sportswear market, driven by a growing middle class, increasing health consciousness, and government initiatives. The global sportswear market, valued at approximately $400 billion in 2023, is projected to reach over $600 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of around 5 to 6 per cent. Given this scenario, China is a crucial growth driver, with its market size reaching approximately 1.4 trillion yen (around $200 billion) in 2023. Global leaders like Nike and Adidas have long held significant market share, but domestic brands like Anta and Bosideng are rapidly closing the gap, leveraging unique strategies and deep market understanding.
China's domestic sportswear market dynamics
Despite global economic uncertainties, China's apparel sector, particularly sportswear, has shown remarkable resilience. The 2025 IMD China Company Transformation Indicator (CCTI) rankings highlight key success factors as: business robustness (BR), early innovation results (EI), and R&D efforts (RD).
In 2023, total retail sales of China's garments, footwear, hats, and textiles sector grew by 12.9 per cent year-on-year, reaching yen 1.4 trillion. Sportswear and athleisure segments led this growth with rising health consciousness and government initiatives like the Outdoor Sports Industry Development Plan (2022-2025).
However, 2024 witnessed a slowdown due to global economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and domestic restructuring, impacting the mass market significantly. Then the Chinese government gave stimulus in late 2024 aimed to revitalize growth, with early signs of recovery emerging in 2025.
What has helped it revival is the rising consumer confidence and evolving lifestyle trends; increasing health consciousness and participation in sports; supportive government policies promoting the sports industry; growing demand for athleisure and performance apparel.
Domestic champions rise
Now, Chinese sportswear brands are rapidly gaining market share with their innovations, diversification, and strong digital engagement. For example, domestic brand Anta Sports gained due to its multi-brand strategy and R&D prowess. Anta secured the second spot in the 2025 CCTI rankings, revealing its dominance through a multi-brand strategy, including Fila, Descente, and Kolon Sport. In 2023, Anta 's revenue grew 16.2 per cent to yen 62.4 billion, with significant contributions from the Anta and FilaA brands. The company's strong R&D investments of almost yen 1.61 billion in 2023, have resulted in advancements in high-performance footwear, smart sportswear, and eco-friendly materials, with over 2,300 patents.
Table: ANTA revenue and growth
|
Year/Period |
Revenue (RMB bn) |
Growth (%) |
|
2023 |
62.4 |
16.2 |
|
H1 2024 |
33.735 |
13.8 |
Similarly Bosideng another domestic brand has transitioned into China's leader in premium down apparel, driven by strong customer engagement and a direct-to-consumer model. In 2023-24, revenue increase to yen 23.2 billion, with net profit rising to yen 3.1 billion. The company's R&D efforts, with over 1,193 patents, focus on thermal insulation, lightweight materials, and innovative construction techniques have given it a huge boost.
Global brands adapt
Meanwhile, global brands are navigating the Chinese market with varying degrees of success. Lululemon Athletica saw significant growth in China, rising to fifth place in the 2025 CCTI rankings. The brand reported 67 per cent growth in China in 2023, contributing to its global revenue of $9.6 billion. Lululemon aims to double revenue to $12.5 billion by 2026, targeting the premium activewear segment. However, it has a low ranking in R&D efforts, which is a major area for potential improvement.
Adidas dropped to eighth place in the 2025 rankings, facing challenges in customer engagement amidst intensifying domestic competition. Now the brand has to recalibrate its strategies to maintain competitiveness in China's dynamic market.
Therefore, China's sportswear market expected to continue growing with domestic brands and evolving consumer demands. Companies that prioritize innovation, deepen local engagement, and embed sustainability into their strategies will thrive in this dynamic landscape. While domestic brands gain ground, they must strengthen their market positioning and differentiation. Simultaneously, evolving consumer demands require companies to strengthen digital engagement, localize production innovation, and consider international expansion. The future belongs to companies that master innovation, deepen local engagement, and embed sustainability into their core strategies.
American sportswear brand Under Armour has expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of three new members: Dawn Fitzpatrick, Eugene Smith, and Robert Sweeney. Their diverse expertise spans finance, sports leadership, and investment.
Dawn Fitzpatrick brings extensive financial and operational acumen to the board. For the past eight years, she has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Soros Fund Management, a private investment firm. Prior to joining Soros, she was employed at UBS and its predecessor companies for nearly 25 years. Her most recent role was as the Head – Investments, UBS Asset Management. She also held leadership roles at UBS O'Connor, the firm's hedge fund business.
Currently, Fitzpatrick serves as Non-Executive Director, Barclays plc, and is involved in its Remuneration, Risk, and Sustainability Committees. Additionally, she contributes to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Financial Sector Advisory Council as Chair, Advisory Council of The Bretton Woods Committee, and the Bloomberg New Economy Advisory Board.
Offering a deep understanding of intercollegiate sports management, Eugene Smith recently ended distinguished 19-year tenure as Senior Vice President and Athletic Director, Ohio State University (2005-2024). During his tenure at Ohio State, Smith co-chaired the NCAA's Federal-State Legislative Working Group on name, image, and likeness issues, chaired the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Committee, and served on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
His involvement with the NCAA also included participation in the Management Council, Committee on Infractions, Executive Committee, Football Rules Committee, and President's Commission Liaison Committee. Smith holds the distinction of being the first Black president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and is Former President- Division I-A Athletics Directors Association. He also served as Athletic Director, Arizona State, Iowa State, and Eastern Michigan universities.
Since 2019, Eugene Smith has been engaged as President, Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm focused on consumer, distribution, and retail-related investments. Before joining Sycamore, Sweeney spent 22 years at Goldman Sachs, ultimately as a Partner and Global Head - Consumer/Retail Investment Banking Group. Notably, he provided advisory support to Under Armour on various matters, including its initial public offering in 2005. Sweeney also served as an officer in the US Navy's Submarine Force from 1989 to 1995.
Mohamed El-Erian, Chair, Under Armour's Board, expressed enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating that their extensive financial and operational expertise, combined with Gene's deep knowledge of intercollegiate sports management, makes them exceptional additions to our board. Their unique talents, insights, and passion for the brand will be invaluable for navigating our next chapter" as the company pursues its growth strategy, he added.
This announcement follows Under Armour's recent upward revision of its annual profit forecast after exceeding quarterly results, driven by reduced discounting and a recovery in demand. In the quarter ending December 31, the brand’s revenue increased to $1.40 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations.
