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The State-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has procured approximately 46 per cent of the total cotton arrivals in the Marketing Year 2024-25 (MY). Recent data shows, CCI has purchased over 6.3 million bales of kapas (raw cotton), nearly half of the estimated market arrivals of 13.6 million bales (170 kg each).
Lalit Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, CCI, reports significant regional purchases. Telangana leads with 3.2 million bales procured, followed by Maharashtra at 1.6 million bales. In Gujarat, procurement reached 500,000 bales, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka each accounted for 300,000 bales. Madhya Pradesh contributed 225,000 bales, Odisha 125,000 bales, Rajasthan 50,000 bales, Haryana 30,000 bales, and Punjab 1,000 bales.
CCI has ramped up its purchasing activity in recent weeks, increasing from 3.1 million bales as of mid-December.
Despite CCI's aggressive procurement, raw cotton prices remain below the government-set minimum support price (MSP). Kapas prices are currently between Rs 7,100 and Rs 7,200 per quintal in major producing regions, compared to the MSP of Rs 7,121 per quintal for medium-staple cotton and ₹7,521 per quintal for longer varieties.
Pressed cotton prices have risen by Rs 1,000-1,250 per candy (356 kg) in the past week, stabilizing between Rs 53,500 and Rs 54,500 per candy. Additionally, cottonseed prices have increased by 10-15 per cent to Rs 3,400-3,500 due to tight supplies, said Ramanuj Das Boob, a sourcing agent in Raichur.
However, mill buying remains sluggish, with no significant bulk purchases reported, Boob noted.
Daily cotton arrivals now exceed 200,000 bales, primarily from Maharashtra and Telangana. Delayed harvests and assembly elections in Maharashtra slowed initial arrivals but are now gaining momentum.
Telangana has recorded over 3.44 million bales of arrivals so far, with CCI procuring 3.2 million. In Maharashtra, out of 2.69 million bales, CCI has purchased 1.6 million.
Approximately half of the estimated crop size of 30 million bales has arrived in markets as of early January. The Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption projects a slightly lower crop size of 29.9 million bales, while CAI estimates 30.2 million bales, citing reduced acreage during the kharif season.
Q1, FY25 results of Uniqlo operator, Fast Retailing missed analyst expectations, as a sharp decline in profits from its China operations overshadowed robust sales in Japan.
The company’s operating profit rose by 7.4 per cent to 157.6 billion yen ($996.84 million) for the three months ending in November 2024, compared to the same period last year. However, this figure fell short of the consensus forecast of 160 billion yen by six analysts polled by LSEG. Despite this, Fast Retailing maintained its full-year operating profit forecast of 530 billion yen, putting it on track for a fourth consecutive year of record earnings.
Domestic sales in Japan received a boost from a tourism surge fueled by the weak yen, with duty-free shopping contributing significantly. Colder-than-usual weather in December also increased demand for thermal wear. In contrast, sales growth in China slowed due to unseasonably warm weather in October and November, leading the company to adopt a ‘scrap-and-build’ strategy, which involves redesigning underperforming stores instead of expanding rapidly.
Fast Retailing also continued its aggressive expansion strategy in North America and Europe. In the southern US, the company opened five Uniqlo stores in Texas in October, reflecting its goal of becoming the world’s top clothing brand.
The company also set a precedent for wage increases in the service industry in Japan. Following a significant pay hike in 2023, Fast Retailing announced another aggressive pay raise, effective March 2025, to retain skilled workers. Wages for full-time headquarters and sales staff will increase by up to 11 per cent, while annual salaries of new employees will rise by approximately 10 per cent.
Europe plans to introduce several new laws for the fashion industry in 2025. On January 1, 2025, it passed the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation that requires the European Union to collect end-of-life textile products separately. Besides restricting the destruction of items that could still be used, the regulation also paves the way for large-scale textile recycling in the EU.
On December 30, 2024, the EU passed a law against deforestation. Targeting large corporations for the time being, the law will be applied to SMEs in H2, FY25. Passed in 2023, the law bans the sale of products associated with deforestation and forest degradation in the European market.
In 2025, EU also commenced the test phase of issuing the Digital Product Passport (DPP). The industry will test the first digital solutions in 2025 to enable consumers to access product information. A phased implementation of the DPP law will occur after 2025, with the goal of applying it to as many products as possible by 2030.
The European Forced Labor Regulation is also expected to be formally adopted by the European Commission in 2025. Meanwhile, the directive on environmental (green) claims (‘green product’, ‘biodegradable’, etc), is due to be negotiated this year between the European Parliament, the EU Commission and the Council of the European Union.
YKK Corporation, a leading global fastener manufacturer, announced today that its long-term goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by FY2050 has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This achievement places YKK among the most ambitious companies in the Textile, Apparel, Footwear, and Luxury Goods sector, demonstrating its strong commitment to combating climate change.
The SBTi, a global body that guides corporate climate action, recognizes targets as ‘science-based’ when they align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. YKK’s long-term targets include reducing absolute scope one and two GHG emissions by 90 per cent and scope three emissions by 90 per cent from FY2018 levels by FY2050. The remaining 10 per cent of emissions will be addressed through carbon absorption and removal.
This milestone builds on YKK’s earlier SBTi validation in 2021 for near-term goals, which include a 50.4 per cent reduction in scope one and two emissions and a 30 per cent reduction in scope three emissions by FY2030.
“YKK’s validation reflects our commitment to sustainability and our philosophy of the Cycle Of Goodness,” said Minoru Maeda, Executive Officer. “Through technological innovation and collaboration, we aim to create better products while achieving net-zero emissions.”
Under its YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, the company continues to integrate environmental responsibility across all operations, reaffirming its dedication to a sustainable future.
Spring Fair, the UK's leading event for home, gift, and fashion, has renewed its exclusive partnership with Faire, the world’s largest global wholesale marketplace. This collaboration will offer UK independent retailers year-round support, bridging the gap between online and offline wholesale to help them trade more efficiently and faster.
Expanding on the success of their 2024 partnership, Spring Fair and Faire will now empower up to 20,000 independent retailers by offering seamless access to both in-person and online brands. Retailers will benefit from a continuous 12-month connection, allowing them to source products, discover new brands, and manage orders outside the confines of the physical trade show.
The extended Spring Fair-Faire partnership, coinciding with the event’s 75th anniversary, brings exciting new offerings for 2025. Retailers will have Always-On Access to connect and trade with brands year-round, reflecting modern retail's 24/7 nature.
Additionally, Exclusive Incentives such as 50 per cent off first orders for new Faire users and free shipping with the code Springfair will be available. Faire will also offer Increased Visibility & Education, including a dedicated stand and MasterClass sessions to help retailers optimize the hybrid wholesale model.
Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire, emphasized, "This partnership gives independent retailers the best of both worlds, year-round online access combined with the tactile experience of Spring Fair."
With over 200 brands on the Spring Fair collection at Faire.com, this expanded collaboration aims to streamline the buying process and foster a more connected, future-proofed retail industry.
Spring Fair 2025 will take place from February 2-5 at the NEC Birmingham, where retailers and exhibitors can connect with Faire before, during, and after the event.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will return to the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre from February 10 to 12, 2025, bringing with it exciting innovations and an enhanced visitor experience. Over 1,200 weavers and garment makers will showcase their products in Halls 2, 3, and 4, marking a new chapter for the event as it adopts a redesigned layout to better serve attendees.
The exhibition will highlight a diverse range of global sourcing, with creative collections offered at competitive prices for the fashion industry. Traditional sourcing nations like China, Turkey, India, South Korea, and Taiwan will continue to play a key role, while new sourcing areas such as Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Egypt enrich the show's offerings. Dutch exhibitors like Quality Textile, Nooteboom, and Verhees Textiles will present cutting-edge cotton collections, while Korean companies ONK and W-Tex will feature innovative knitwear.
Sustainability will also be a focal point at the show, with the new ‘Initiatives’ zone in Hall 4 showcasing eco-friendly solutions. Vietnamese company Bao Lan Textile, for example, will display fabrics made from pineapple leaf fibers, known for their natural antibacterial properties and UV protection. The China Textile Information Centre's trends forum and the Econogy Hub will also focus on sustainability in textiles.
Apparel Sourcing will see the participation of over 500 exhibitors, offering a broad range of finished products, clothing, and fashion accessories. A key highlight will be the focus on local and near-sourcing, with products from Africa, including companies from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform in Togo, Benin, and Gabon. Ukrainian exhibitors, supported by their national textile association, will add to the Euromed offering.
The event will also feature new exhibitor itineraries to optimize the sourcing experience. These include the Econogy Finder trail for sustainable textiles, the Small Quantity trail for limited production runs, and the Hand Made trail for authentic, handcrafted products. With an expanded range of exhibitors and services, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for the global fashion and textile industry.
Source Fashion, Europe’s premier event for responsible sourcing, will return to Olympia London from 18th to 20th February 2025. The show has released its Exhibitor List, offering visitors a preview of the hundreds of makers and manufacturers from over 20 countries, including key sourcing regions like Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, and Portugal. High-profile brands such as ASOS, M&S, John Lewis, and Primark are among those pre-registered to attend.
Event Director Suzanne Ellingham highlights the show’s commitment to uniting global manufacturers with retailers and designers seeking sustainable and innovative products. "Every supplier is audited and accredited, ensuring visitors can confidently source materials, fabrics, trims, and design services," she said.
Exhibitors span a range of categories, from apparel to accessories and packaging. For instance, UK-based Dee Kay Knitwear offers custom wholesale solutions, while Portugal’s WonderRaw delivers premium organic cotton garments with a focus on sustainability. India’s Coton Code Garments specialises in high-quality knitted apparel, while Turkey’s ION Tekstil combines style and affordability in circular knitted apparel.
The event also champions ethical practices, with exhibitors like Egypt’s The Fashion Incubator promoting women’s empowerment and Madagascar’s Anaka supporting local artisans through education and skill-building. Visitors can explore everything from luxury silks by Modern Star Silk to Nepal’s Chyangra Pashmina, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Source Fashion continues its collaboration with the International Trade Centre to spotlight exhibitors from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal, ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of the show.
With its new mid-week dates, the February 2025 edition promises an improved experience for visitors, bringing together raw materials, white-label solutions, and bespoke manufacturing services. This season’s curated floorplan includes Womenswear, Menswear, Footwear, Accessories, Source Luxury, and Technology & Services.
Source Fashion 2025 cements its role as a vital platform for international sourcing, helping brands bring their visions to life responsibly and sustainably.
United Legwear & Apparel plans to adopt TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform to strengthen supply chain transparency and governance, reinforcing its commitment to ethical sourcing. The move highlights the company’s focus on maintaining high standards for sustainability and compliance amidst increasing regulatory demands.
TradeBeyond’s AI-powered traceability tools will enable United Legwear to navigate complex compliance requirements, ensuring transparency from raw materials to final product delivery. These tools include real-time document authentication and chain-of-custody tracking, simplifying adherence to laws such as the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates in North America and Europe.
Chris Volpe, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, United Legwear & Apparel, emphasizes, TradeBeyond’s advanced traceability tools provides the company with a comprehensive view of its entire supply chain, ensuring responsible sourcing and strengthening supplier relationships.
The integration of TradeBeyond’s CBX platform is part of a phased deployment strategy aimed at automating critical compliance processes. This platform will improve collaboration with suppliers, many of whom are based in Asia, and reduce risks by validating essential compliance documentation.
The AI technology embedded in the platform analyzes vast amounts of supply chain data, identifying irregularities or compliance issues. These capabilities will help United Legwear meet stringent requirements while addressing upcoming regulations focused on recyclability and carbon footprint reporting.
Michael Hung, CEO, TradeBeyond says, the CBX platform empowers United Legwear to maintain compliance with evolving regulations while enhancing efficiency and transparency across their supply chain.
United Legwear & Apparel, a 25-year leader in designing and distributing legwear, bodywear, and accessories, collaborates with renowned brands like Puma, Scotch & Soda, and Skechers. This latest partnership with TradeBeyond reflects its ongoing commitment to ethical practices and innovative supply chain solutions.
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is inviting applications for the ITMF Awards 2025, featuring three distinct categories:
ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2025
ITMF International Cooperation Award 2025
ITMF Start-up Award 2025
The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025. Winners will be announced during the ITMF Annual Conference 2025, held from September 24-25, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The conference will provide winners an opportunity to showcase their projects to a global audience.
Founded in 1904, ITMF serves as a leading international forum for the textile and related industries. Its members span over 40 countries, representing around 90 per cent of global production across the entire textile value chain, including fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel, and home textiles.
The ITMF Awards celebrate innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, furthering ITMF's commitment to driving progress in the textile industry.
Marking a significant expansion into the booming athleisure market, Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark has launched its largest-ever performance collection. Blending style with functionality, this new activewear range offers a broad range of athletic apparel for men, women, and children. It caters to the demands of both fitness enthusiasts and casual wearers.
Featuring a wide variety including technical sports bras, leggings, joggers, and tops, the collection is designed with performance in mind, It utilizes advanced fabrics that provide enhanced comfort and support. Key innovations in the collection include four-way stretch materials for flexibility, sweat-wicking technology to keep wearers dry, and breathable fabrics for maximum airflow during workouts. Apparel pieces in the collection have been made to go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards of quality and longevity.
To elevate the shopping experience, Primark has introduced dedicated spaces in select stores to showcase the new performance line. These areas are designed to inspire customers, featuring ballet bar-inspired rails, gym-themed props, and informative panels highlighting the collection’s features. The immersive displays aim to create a dynamic environment that reflects the energy of the activewear collection.
