FW
ILO’s RISE for Impact project aims to address the deficits in decent work in India’s cotton supply chain by focusing on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Initiated by a premium textile brand, the project highlights suppliers who focus on MNE’s roles in addressing the deficits in decent work. The project also emphasises on brands’ responsibilities in ensuring social compliance across their supply chain, starting at the farmer level.
Through its subsidiary, Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), the project partnered with Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) to host two farmers meets over two months. Between October and November, ILO-trained trainers from CITI-CDRI created awareness on safety and health for cotton farmers organised at Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
National and international stakeholders, representing the Indian government, brands and retailers, farm groups, suppliers, industry associations and civil society organisations came together to discuss the importance of decent work and sustainable cotton supply chain during organic cotton accelerator’s sector level event in November 2024.
A producer of textiles using cotton and man-made cellulose fibers like rayon and modal, synthetics, etc, C&T plans to open its third facility in Vietnam this month. This new facility will increase C&T’s total daily dyeing capacity by 150,000 kilograms.
A specialist in knitting as well as dyeing, C&T produces textiles using cotton, man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) like rayon and modal, synthetics, etc. The company recorded revenues of approximately $130 million in fiscal year 2024. It serves major retailers such as as Walmart, Target, Gap, Old Navy, Carhartt, Kohl’s, VF Corp. and SPARC Group.
C&T has built its third with cutting-edge solutions for both efficiency and sustainability. Powered entirely on biomass, the facility is also equipped with a rainwater capture and reserve system that improves its water footprint. Additionally, the factory employs eco-friendly dyeing technology. Adding differentiation from the rest of C&T, this plant uses European machinery.
Besides Vietnam, C&T also plans to open a factory in Guatemala in 2026, which will support Hansae’s Western Hemisphere garment production footprint. The company aims to establish establish a sustainable, vertical complex in Michatoya Pacifico Industrial Park to promote its nearshoring operations and enable it to make even quicker turns for its customers.
Exports of special technical textile products from India grew by 6.2 per cent to Rs 2,915 crore from April-November 2024 as against Rs 2,345 crore in the corresponding period last year.
As per Ashok Kumar Malhotra, Mission Director, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), increasing consumption is fuelling the domestic demand for technical textile products in India. Exports of products such as diapers and sanitary napkins are rising, However, to sustain this growth, India needs to promote domestic production and restrict imports, he adds.
The packing technology and geo textiles segments of technical textiles are also growing rapidly. India needs to leverage its strong base of natural raw materials to develop these segments into functional textiles, he adds.
According ot Malhotra, the government has already spent over 50 per cent of the total outlay of Rs 1,480 crore for the Mission. It has earmarked another Rs 500 crore investment for creating the eco system by training the right personnel. These schemes are likely to benefit only those consumers who apply before March 2026, he warns.
Currently, India has 2 centers of excellence for technical textiles. The government plans to release a report in another three months to identify the centers that need to be moved to the next level of activities and construct new ones, he adds.
A lifestyle brand founded by multi-platinum recording artist Future, Evol by Future has teamed up with creative agency Marsuno, led by Mario Tovar, Founder and CEO, to launch a new exclusive apparel collection. Featuring ‘cut and sew’ pieces, this new collection includes denim, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and accessories, all designed to reflect the brand’s bold and forward-thinking style.
Available exclusively online at shop.evolbyfuture.com, the Evol by Future collection offers fans across the nation an opportunity to incorporate Future’s signature aesthetic into their wardrobes.
The brand plans to expand distribution of this collection to select premier retail outlets. Launched in May 2023, Evol by Future is renowned amongst cannabis enthusiasts and trendsetters. The brand’s new apparel collection helps it make a significant mark in the fashion and streetwear landscape, uniting fans of Future’s music with those who appreciate cutting-edge style.
This collaboration between Evol by Future and Marsuno represents a powerful fusion of creativity, culture, and lifestyle, setting the stage for a bold new chapter in the brand’s journey.
To be held from February 2-3, 2025 at IHG Citystars, Cairo, the debut edition of Denimsandjeans Egypt will help catalyse denim and jeanswear industry growth across the country and build the next productive hub for this segment.
The event will host about 40 top market leaders including AGI Denim, Arvind, Bossa, DNM Denim, Deridesen, Dynamo, Eroglu, Garmon Kemin Group, MIC, Officina 39, Kassim Textiles, Kipas, Lotus Fabrics, Sharabati, Siddiqson, Tonello, Tusa Group and Wiser Globe. It will also feature a series of talks featuring global industry leaders.
Among these, Guess will host Valter Filipponi, Senior Denim & Menswear Designer, Guess Europe, who will hold the talk ‘Denim trends shaping the industry.’
Similarly, Nikita Raman, Senior Denim Designer, and Hugo Boss, will host a talkshow on the topic, ‘Denim Design Evolution.’ The event will also include a session hosting key Turkish players of the denim market, including Colins, Cross, LTB and LCW, etc.
The show will highlight Egypt’s role in the global textile and apparel industry since the early times of the Pharaonic Egypt from about 3000 BC to 30 BC, when textiles were primarily made from linen according to elaborate artistry and craftsmanship, until the present day.
Compared to 2023, Egypt’s textile and apparel (T&A) exports grew by 13 per cent to $2.2 billion in 2024. From January-July 2024, Egypt’s T&A exports grew by 20 per cent as the corresponding period last year. Most of these exports were targeted towards Americas with exports worth $661 million, Europe with exports totaling $363 million, Arabian countries and the rest of the world with exports worth $291 million for each, and Africa with shipments of $4.7 million.
World’s leading producer of dyed fabrics and shirts, Luthai Group is set to revolutionise Egypt’s textile and apparel sector by establishing a fully integrated supply chain. The Chinese textile company plans to construct a state-of-the-art factory on 500,000 sq m in the country in joint venture with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The project will be executed with an investment of $385 million.
The facility will cover all stages of production, from yarn manufacturing to finished garments, with a focus on leveraging advanced technology and spinning systems. Liu Deming, Global Marketing Director, Luthai Group, emphasises, Egypt’s economic stability, sustainable growth, and skilled labor force make it an ideal investment destination.
Enhancing the country’s global competitiveness, all products from Luthai’s new factory will be exported. Egypt’s favorable investment climate under its Investment Law provides substantial financial regulatory incentives to projects like Luthai’s, says Hossam Heiba, President, GAFI. The factory qualifies for the Golden License, expediting all necessary approvals for its operations.
The new factory will not only create substantial employment opportunities but also localise technology and support regional development, says Mohamed Kassem, Chairman, Egyptian Exporters Association. Foreign investments, especially from China, are reshaping global supply chains and positioning Egypt as a key player in textiles and apparel, he adds.
Egypt is also strengthening ties with Turkish companies in the textile sector. Earlier this year, Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) signed agreements with Turkey’s Eroğlu Global Holding AS to establish a jeans factory and a ready-made garments plant in Qantara West Industrial Zone. Together, these facilities will produce millions of garments annually, create thousands of jobs, and allocate significant output for export.
Adding to the momentum, Sharabati Denim is developing a production facility in Sadat City, featuring advanced spinning, weaving, and sizing capabilities. The plant will employ approximately 2,000 workers, further boosting Egypt’s role as a regional textile hub.
Vietnam's textile and garment sector is poised for continued growth in 2025, with exports expected to reach $44 billion, marking a notable 11 per cent increase over the previous year. This positive outlook is further supported by more than 42 per cent of local businesses forecasting improved performance in Q4 2024. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT), scheduled for February 26-28, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), will play a pivotal role in fueling this momentum.
VIATT 2025: A premier industry event
Spanning 15,000 sqm of exhibition space, VIATT 2025 will feature a diverse array of products and solutions, showcasing the full spectrum of the textile industry, from apparel fabrics and accessories to technical textiles, nonwovens, and machinery. The event will highlight key trends such as sustainability and technological innovation with the introduction of two new zones: Econogy Hub and the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone.
The fair will attract significant international participation, with exhibitors from leading textile-producing countries. Notable participants will include exhibitors from India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and the inaugural European Zone. European exhibitors, such as BossaTicaret (Turkey), Chargeurs PCC Asia (France), Hohmann GmbH & Co KG (Germany), and Technical Absorbents Ltd (UK), will showcase their advanced textile solutions, including high-quality denim, interlinings, home textiles, and superabsorbent materials.
Focus on innovation and sustainability
The focus on innovation will be evident through new offerings like Murata Machinery's Vortex, a unique yarn production technology that enhances sustainability with high productivity and energy efficiency. Tamurakoma & Co (Japan) will also present innovative functional fabrics, while other Japanese firms like Toyoshima & Co and Stylem Takisada-Osaka will display advanced apparel fabrics and high-quality manufacturing solutions.
With the growing demand for sustainable solutions, the Econogy Hub and Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone will play crucial roles in positioning VIATT as a forward-thinking platform. These areas will explore the industry’s transition toward sustainable practices and technological advancements, offering valuable insights for both exhibitors and visitors.
Vietnam's textile sector remains a vital player in the global market, with Japan continuing to be a key destination for its apparel exports. Vietnamese exhibitors, such as IDFL Vietnam and Sigma Vietnam Industrial, will join global counterparts in presenting the latest innovations in apparel fabrics, home textiles, and technical textiles. VIATT 2025 will strengthen Vietnam’s position as a leading textile manufacturing hub and an essential sourcing destination for international buyers.
A strategic platform for global buyers
VIATT 2025 will serve as a crucial platform for buyers from across the ASEAN region and beyond. Delegations from Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and other key markets have already confirmed their participation. The fair will not only provide networking opportunities but also facilitate new business connections and partnerships within the textile and garment industry.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), VIATT 2025 is set to be a major event for the textile and garment sectors. By bringing together exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond, the fair will help accelerate industry growth and solidify Vietnam’s position as a global textile powerhouse.
Mexico has raised tariffs by up to 35 per cent on finished clothing products and 15 per cent on textile imports to protect its domestic textile industry, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced.
The tariff increases, effective until April 22, 2026, aim to counter unfair competition and reduce job losses in the sector, which has seen a decline of 79,000 jobs in recent years.
The move exempts countries with free trade agreements, like the US and Canada, and is not targeted at any specific nation, including China.
Ebrard emphasized that the measure seeks to boost national industry development and job creation. The tariff hikes align with efforts to strengthen the North American trade bloc amid concerns over Chinese imports.
Mexico has also stepped up efforts to combat illegal merchandise, particularly from China, as part of its broader trade and immigration strategy.
Nike reported fiscal 2025 second-quarter results for the period ending November 30, 2024, with revenues of $12.4 billion, an 8 per cent year-over-year decline (9 per cent currency-neutral).
Nike Direct revenues fell 13 per cent to $5.0 billion in the second quarter, primarily driven by a significant 21 per cent decline in digital sales and a 2 per cent drop in store sales. Wholesale revenues also experienced a decrease, falling 3 per cent to $6.9 billion.
Gross margin contracted by 100 basis points to 43.6 per cent, largely due to higher discounts and changes in sales channel mix. The company's net income declined 26 per cent to $1.2 billion, with diluted earnings per share dropping 24 per cent to $0.78. Converse revenues were not spared, falling 17 per cent to $429 million, reflecting declines across all markets.
CEO Elliott Hill emphasized Nike’s renewed focus on sport to reignite brand momentum. “We’re taking immediate action to reposition our business and deliver long-term shareholder value,” he stated.
Inventories remained flat at $8.0 billion, while cash and equivalents stood at $9.8 billion, reflecting operational cash generation offset by share repurchases and dividends.
Nike returned $1.6 billion to shareholders, including $557 million in dividends (up 7 per cent) and $1.1 billion in share buybacks. Since 2022, NIKE has repurchased 112.8 million shares worth $11.3 billion under its $18 billion program.
Despite headwinds, CFO Matthew Friend expressed confidence in the company’s strategic repositioning efforts.
A new study by Prof Sheng Lu and research assistant Gabriella Giolli of the University of Delaware has shed light on India's growing potential as a key apparel sourcing destination for US fashion companies. The study, which examined recent research and industry trends, found that India is well-positioned to capitalize on several factors, including its large and skilled workforce, vertically integrated textile industry, and government support for the sector.
Reasons for India's growth prospects
As per United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), India's textile and apparel industry produced approximately $76.5 billion in textiles and $26.64 billion of apparels in 2022, surpassing most other Asian countries. India is also one of the world's largest textile fiber producers, including cotton, silk, polyester, and viscose. Over 90 per cent of India's textile raw materials can be sourced domestically, ensuring a stable and reliable supply chain. India exported about $15 billion in apparel in 2023, making it the world's sixth-largest apparel exporter.
India’s biggest positive is its large and skilled workforce. It has a vast and skilled workforce, with over 45 million workers directly employed in the textile and apparel sector. This provides a significant advantage in terms of labor costs and scalability. Moreover India has a well-developed and vertically integrated textile industry, capable of producing a wide range of fabrics and garments. This reduces reliance on imported materials and streamlines the supply chain. The government has been actively promoting the textile and apparel industry through various initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This provides financial incentives and support to manufacturers, further enhancing India's attractiveness as a sourcing destination. Also, US fashion companies are increasingly diversifying their sourcing strategies to reduce reliance on China. India, with its favorable conditions and growing capabilities, is emerging as a strong alternative. In fact, several major US fashion brands have already started sourcing from India, including Gap Inc., Target, and Walmart. These companies have reported positive experiences with Indian suppliers, citing their quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
"India has the potential to become a major apparel sourcing hub for US fashion companies," says Sheng Lu, Associate Professor at the University of Delaware. "The country's strengths in terms of labor costs, vertical integration, and government support make it an attractive alternative to China."
However, while India offers many advantages, there are also some challenges that US companies need to be aware of. For example they need to know India's infrastructure is still developing, and transportation and logistics can be challenging. Bureaucracy also can be complex and time-consuming to navigate. Lead times for production in India can be longer than in China.
India's textile and apparel industry is going through major changes with government support, industry initiatives, and a growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products. As US fashion companies continue to diversify their sourcing strategies, India is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the market. The country's strengths in terms of labor costs, vertical integration, and government support make it an attractive alternative to China and other sourcing destinations. With continued investment and development, India is expected to become a leading player in the global apparel industry.
