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Asia has long been the world's manufacturing hub for textiles and apparel, with a complex web of intra-regional trade leading to economic growth and shaping global fashion trends. This network, however, is constantly evolving, influenced by factors like shifting labor costs, technological advancements, and sustainability concerns.
What’s pushing growth?
Cost competitiveness: Countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia offer lower labor costs compared to countries like China or South Korea, attracting manufacturing and foreign investment.
Proximity and infrastructure: Geographical proximity within Asia reduces transportation costs and lead times, facilitating efficient supply chains. Developing infrastructure further supports this advantage.
Government policies: Many Asian governments actively promote their textile and apparel industries through incentives, export subsidies, and special economic zones.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Bilateral and multilateral FTAs, like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reduce trade barriers and foster regional cooperation.
Rising domestic demand: A growing middle class in several Asian countries is driving demand for apparel and textiles, boosting domestic consumption and production.
What has given a major boost to this region is the RCEP. This mega-regional trade agreement, encompassing 15 Asia-Pacific nations, has significantly impacted trade flows by reducing tariffs and promoting investment. Similarly, ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) has facilitated the growth of textile and apparel industries within Southeast Asia by eliminating intra-ASEAN tariffs. Add to it are several bilateral FTAs, such as the India-Japan CEPA and the South Korea-ASEAN FTA, that have further influenced trade relations and market access.
While China remains a dominant player, other nations are rapidly emerging as significant exporters and importers. Here's a breakdown by sector, based on data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) for the year 2022:
Table: Major exporters and importers
Category Major textile exporters ($bn) Major textile importers ($bn) Fibers China (28.2), India (5.8), Indonesia (3.1) Vietnam (12.1), Bangladesh (4.5), Pakistan (3.8) Yarns China (42.5), India (7.2), Vietnam (6.1) Bangladesh (5.9), Cambodia (2.8), Pakistan (2.3) Fabrics China (78.3), India (12.5), South Korea (10.8) Vietnam (15.3), Bangladesh (8.7), Indonesia (6.2) Apparel Exporters Category Major textile exporters ($bn) Major textile importers ($bn) Apparel China (158.4), Bangladesh (42.6), Vietnam (37.2) Japan (28.5), South Korea (18.7), Australia (12.3)
Note: These figures represent approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the specific product classifications and data sources used.
The table clearly shows China’s dominance both in textiles and apparels. However, now China's dominance is being challenged. While China remains a major exporter, its share in the global textile and apparel market is gradually declining as other countries become more competitive. Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Cambodia have emerged as key manufacturing hubs, driven by lower labor costs and favorable trade policies. For example, Bangladesh's RMG sector has seen phenomenal growth, becoming the second-largest apparel exporter globally. This success is attributed to low labor costs, preferential trade agreements, and government support. Similarly, Vietnam has strategically positioned itself as a key player in the global textile and apparel value chain, attracting significant foreign investment and focusing on higher-value products. Also, consumers and brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, pushing Asian manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing.
However, despite the growth boost in the region, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions remains a challenge in some Asian countries. Moreover, the textile industry's environmental footprint needs to be addressed through sustainable practices and circular economy models. Meanwhile, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming the industry, requiring Asian manufacturers to adapt and upskill their workforce.
Therefore, the textile and apparel trade within Asia is both dynamic and complex. While challenges remain, the region's cost competitiveness, favorable policies, and growing domestic demand present significant opportunities for continued growth and development. As sustainability concerns and technological advancements reshape the industry, Asian countries will need to innovate and adapt to maintain their competitive edge in the global market.
The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), in partnership with North American textile company JCrew and others, has launched its third model farm in Inner Mongolia, China. This new 200-hectare farm, Eridenibatu, is home to 600 cashmere goats and aims to serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and sustainable cashmere production solutions. Since mid-2024, the farm has hosted training sessions to equip herders with the tools and expertise needed to adopt responsible practices.
With the addition of Eridenibatu, GCS now operates three model farms that focus on best practices for animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable cashmere farming. Katherine O'Hare, Vice President of Sustainability at JCrew, emphasized the importance of these farms in advancing responsible production and supporting the company’s goal of sourcing 100 per cent of its key fibers from sustainable sources.
Since 2022, GCS has been dedicated to helping herders transition to sustainable cashmere production. Figo Li, a GCS representative in China, highlighted the role of model farms in fostering collaboration and providing practical solutions for animal, human, and environmental welfare. The farms also facilitate peer-to-peer training, with up to four sessions per year for interested herders.
The Good Cashmere Standard was established by the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) in 2019 to promote transparency in the supply chain, improve working conditions, and safeguard animal welfare. Today, GCS stands as the global leader in sustainably produced cashmere fibers.
The Northern India Textile Manufacturers Association (NITMA) has praised the government’s decision to impose a 20 per cent or Rs 115 per kilogram BCD (Basic Customs Duty) on synthetic knitted fabrics under nine HS codes. The move targets under-invoiced fabrics entering the country, often through misdeclaration of HS codes to bypass the previously imposed Minimum Import Price (MIP) of $3.50 per kilogram. While the new BCD addresses 35 per cent of fabric imports, NITMA emphasizes that the remaining 65 per cent of imports are still unregulated.
Sidharth Khanna, President of NITMA, applauded the government for its efforts to ensure fair competition and curb smuggling but urged further measures. He called for the imposition of BCD across all HS codes under Chapter 60, encompassing synthetic knitted fabrics, as current regulations only cover a fraction of the imports. Khanna warned that importers may shift to other HS codes to circumvent the new duty, as seen with the previous MIP.
Additionally, NITMA advocates for enhanced surveillance at ports by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Port Authorities to prevent misdeclaration of container details. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI are also encouraged to investigate under-invoiced imports over the past year, calling for stringent penalties on violators.
Khanna also expressed his satisfaction with the Union Budget for 2025-2026, highlighting a significant 58 per cent increase in the textile sector’s budget, particularly for the PLI scheme and the 5-year Cotton Mission. He noted that the tax relief for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh could boost consumer spending, positively affecting the entire textile value chain. However, he urged the government to extend the BCD across all HS codes under Chapter 60 to prevent further exploitation.
Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao applauded industry bodies for their proactive role in organizing Bharat Tex 2025, calling it the largest and most comprehensive textile event ever. She highlighted its significance in positioning India as a reliable and sustainable sourcing and investment hub for textiles.
Speaking at the launch of the Bharat Tex 2025 app and website at Udyog Bhawan, Rao praised the commitment of textile Export Promotion Councils and other industry bodies in bringing the entire textile value chain under one platform. She emphasized that the event reaffirms India's ambition to become a global textile powerhouse.
Bharat Tex 2025, backed by the Ministry of Textiles and 11 major textile organizations, is expected to be a landmark event. Covering 2.2 million square feet, it will host over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from 120 countries, and more than 1,20,000 visitors. Exhibitors will showcase apparel, dyes, chemicals, machinery, home furnishings, technical textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts.
The event will feature over 70 conferences, roundtables, and masterclasses, with discussions led by nearly 100 global speakers. Key topics include sustainability, investments, manufacturing 4.0, and future fashion trends. Attendees can also expect CEO roundtables, B2B and G2G meetings, strategic investment announcements, product launches, live demonstrations, fashion presentations, and sustainability workshops.
The Bharat Tex 2025 app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, aims to enhance user experience by offering exhibitor profiles, session details, interactive maps, and real-time updates. It eliminates the need for paper guides, promoting an eco-friendly approach.
Bharat Tex 2025 promises to be a pivotal platform, uniting global stakeholders and showcasing India’s strength in fashion, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Tonello, a global leader in garment finishing technologies, has acquired Flainox, a historic Italian dyeing machinery manufacturer. This strategic move strengthens Tonello’s presence in the dyeing sector, expanding its specialized solutions for the evolving textile industry.
The integration enhances market reach, combining expertise and consolidating target markets. Flainox will continue operating under its own brand while collaborating with Tonello’s team.
“This is a pivotal step in our growth journey,” said Carlo Bonetti, President of Tonello. “Partnering with Flainox strengthens our innovation and market impact.” Board Member Flavio Tonello added, “This move enhances our expertise and commitment to excellence.” Alice Tonello, R&D and Marketing Director, highlighted the acquisition’s role in expanding product offerings and global reach.
Tonello reaffirms its commitment to cutting-edge, sustainable technologies, ensuring long-term leadership in finishing machinery. This acquisition marks a new chapter of innovation, uniting two industry pioneers under a shared vision of excellence and sustainability.
Spring Fair, the UK’s largest retail trade show for Home, Gift & Fashion, kicked off today at the NEC Birmingham, marking its 75th anniversary with a buzzing atmosphere and a record-breaking number of exhibitors. Thousands of retailers, including major names like John Lewis, M&S, and The Range, flooded the event to discover new products and trends for the upcoming year.
The opening ceremony, led by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, set the tone for the show. He highlighted Spring Fair’s pivotal role in shaping the future of retail, saying, "This is where the world will change for retailers and brands in the next two decades."
With over 1,500 exhibitors, including 400 first-time participants, the event celebrated its heritage while embracing innovation. New attractions included interactive elements like the immersive Buyers Lounge and a new anniversary fragrance. Moda x Pure, a collaboration with Pure London, debuted as a dynamic fashion destination, offering a rich mix of content and styles.
Exhibitors reported strong engagement. Beevive's co-directors, Jacob Powell and Faye Whitley, noted record orders, while Seedball’s Emily Atlee called Spring Fair the "most solid and important show" of the year. Retailers appreciated the variety and the opportunity to meet suppliers, with buyers also flocking to the new immersive Buyer Lounge, designed to appeal to all five senses.
The event’s content sessions featured prominent figures like Rachel Henderson and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Henderson shared strategies for creating striking brand imagery, while Llewelyn-Bowen discussed the power of independent retail and design in today’s market.
The day concluded with the 75 Years of Excellence Awards, celebrating the retail community’s enduring innovation. Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, expressed excitement for the continued success of Spring Fair, stating, “We’ve welcomed more exhibitors and buyers than ever before, and we look forward to the coming days of inspiration and collaboration.”
HimGra, the revolutionary sustainable textile innovation, will be showcasing its eco-conscious fabrics at Bharat Tex 2025, set to take place from February 14-17, 2025, at the Sustainability Pavilion. As the recipient of the prestigious Textile Innovation Award, HimGra is poised to redefine the future of luxury fashion with its pioneering materials that combine sustainability, innovation, and high-end aesthetics.
The heart of HimGra’s innovation lies in its unique fiber, derived from wild Himalayan grass through a waterless, mechanical process. This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional textiles. HimGra fabrics stand out for their exceptional thermal regulation, breathability, and softness, making them ideal for luxury fashion, home textiles, and knits.
At Bharat Tex 2025, HimGra will launch the ItalTex SRL Trend Book, featuring its innovative fabrics in premium womenswear collections. The brand will also host a joint session with the HimGra League of Sustainable Fashion Brands, offering luxury buyers an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into sustainable fashion innovations.
Additionally, HimGra will present impact-driven collaborations, highlighting its commitment to sustainability through a zero-cultivation carbon footprint and support for rural communities in Uttarakhand and Bihar.
This event presents a unique opportunity for fashion designers, buyers, and sustainability leaders to explore how HimGra’s innovative fabrics can be integrated into high-end collections. With the growing demand for eco-friendly materials, HimGra offers a forward-thinking solution for luxury brands committed to sustainability.
Struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing challenges like supply chain disruptions, inflation, rising interest rates, and shifting consumer behavior, several sporting goods and apparel retailers have filed for bankruptcy.
The first amongst these is the major paddle board retailer, Surf 9 which is seeking reorganization after Body Glove terminated its licensing agreement due to alleged unpaid royalties. Similarly, operating Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob's Stores, Mountain Sports filed for Chapter 11 and was subsequently acquired by UK-based Mountain Warehouse.
A licensee and operator of brands like Volcom, Billabong, Quicksilver, and Roxy, Liberated Brands also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company faced license terminations for several brands due to defaults, owing significant sums to creditors and in unpaid royalties. CEO Todd Hymel founded Liberated Brands after leading Volcom. The company experienced a revenue surge post-pandemic, driven by increased outdoor activities and stimulus checks, but later faced macroeconomic headwinds. Rising interest rates, inflation, supply chain issues, and declining demand led to financial distress. License terminations and vendor actions further exacerbated the situation, leading to the bankruptcy filing.
These cases illustrate the challenges facing the sporting goods and apparel industry. While some retailers initially benefited from increased outdoor interest during the pandemic, macroeconomic factors and internal operational issues have created a difficult environment.
Produced by the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) found in kombucha, Bacterial Cellulose is emerging as a promising sustainable textile.
A byproduct of sugar and tea fermentation, this unusual substance is chemically similar to cotton but ten times stronger. Researchers are exploring its potential to revolutionize the fashion industry, which currently relies on environmentally costly materials like cotton (requiring vast amounts of water and pesticides) and synthetic fibers (derived from fossil fuels).
The process of creating bacterial cellulose involves cultivating a SCOBY in sugared tea. As the microbes consume the sugar, they produce cellulose fibers, forming a dense mat that can be harvested and processed.
Despite its non-plant origin, bacterial cellulose possesses remarkable qualities. It’s incredibly pure, highly absorbent, boasts impressive tensile strength, is natural, non-toxic, has a low environmental footprint, and is biodegradable. These properties make it suitable for various applications, including clothing, footwear, accessories, and even biomedical uses like gauze bandages due to its natural antibacterial properties. It can also be dyed, sewn, and treated to achieve different textures, offering a versatile alternative to leather.
One of the most exciting prospects is the possibility of growing bacterial cellulose in molds shaped like clothing pieces, minimizing the 15-20 per cent material waste common in traditional fabric cutting. This could significantly reduce textile industry pollution, which consumes enormous amounts of water and energy and generates vast quantities of microplastics.
While the potential is significant, scalability remains a challenge. Current fermentation methods are also water-intensive, producing acidic wastewater that's difficult to reuse. Additionally, while it can readily replace cotton, bacterial cellulose doesn't yet match the durability and elasticity of some synthetic fibers.
Despite these challenges, researchers worldwide are working to overcome these limitations. If successful, clothing and shoes in future could be made from sugar and tea, drastically reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
FibreTrace has named Tricia Carey as its new Strategic Advisor in New York City, bringing over 25 years of expertise in textile innovation, sustainability, and circularity.
Tricia played a key role at Lenzing Fibres, driving the growth of Tencel in the US and leading global collaborations with mills and retailers. At Renewcell, she championed Circulose, a breakthrough recycled material, reinforcing her commitment to circular fashion.
Danielle Statham, Founder of FibreTrace, praised Tricia’s marketing expertise and industry influence. “She brings an incredible network and the ability to turn ambitious goals into reality. Her leadership will strengthen our partnerships and accelerate industry change.”
A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with additional credentials from Cornell and MIT, Tricia has received accolades such as the Rivet 50 award and the B2B Content Marketer of the Year. She has held leadership roles with Textile Exchange, Transformers Foundation, and Accelerating Circularity and has spoken at global events like the UN’s Conscious Fashion Network and ITMF.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Tricia said, “FibreTrace is a game-changer in textile accountability. As transparency demands rise, FibreTrace leads the way with real-time fibre integrity. I’m eager to drive innovation and sustainability with this team.”
FibreTrace’s technology embeds a luminescent pigment at the raw fibre stage, acting as an invisible barcode that remains traceable through every production step. This ensures supply chain transparency from fibre to finished garment, reinforcing FibreTrace’s leadership in textile traceability.
