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Despite new tariffs, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US rise during January-February’2025: OTEXA
Despite the recent imposition of new tariffs, Bangladesh's apparel exports to the United States increased significantly in the first two months of 2025, as per a new report by OTEXA, an affiliate of the US Department of Commerce.
As per this report, the value of Bangladesh’s clothing exports to the US increased by 26.64 per cent to $1.5 billion worth during Jan-Feb’2025. The value of these exports remained particularly strong in January with a rise of 45.9 per cent.
However, this positive trend is now threatened by the US's new 37 per cent tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. Industry experts suggest, the rise in exports in early 2025 may have been due to importers rushing to secure shipments before the tariffs took effect.
In terms of volume, Bangladesh apparel exports to the United States increased by 23.38 per cent to 488.27 million sq m. This growth outpaced other major suppliers, including India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and China.
Exporters attribute this strong rebound to Bangladesh's competitive pricing, improved production capabilities, and commitment to sustainable practices. However, the new tariffs are expected to erode this competitiveness, potentially favoring countries like India and Pakistan, which face lower tariff rates.
Despite a record high of $9.73 billion in 2022, the share of Bangladesh's apparel export share in the US market declined to 9.26 per cent in 2024. The rise in exports from countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Cambodia indicates diversification of sourcing by US buyers.
Expressing concern over the impact of these new tariffs, industry figures predict a significant decline in Bangladesh's exports to the US, potentially losing ground to competitors like India, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Data shows, India's apparel exports to the US also increased, highlighting its growing competitiveness. Vietnam and China also registered growth, though at lower rates. Overall, U.S. apparel imports rose by 11.21 per cent.
Internal issues such as the energy crisis, high production costs, and high bank interest rates are hampering the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry, say experts. They also fear a global trade war, which would harm all exporting countries.
Experts further note, tariffs may not cause a major shift in market competition, as other countries also face various tariff rates. However, they express concerns about the growing competition from India, which has a lower tariff rate.
A strong delegation of Italian textile machinery manufacturers is set to participate in Techtextil North America 2025, taking place from May 6 - 8 in Atlanta, Georgia. Organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Pavilion will feature 21 companies highlighting their latest technological advancements.
Exhibiting firms include notable names such as 4M Plants, Bianco, Bonino, Color Service, Fadis, Flainox, Ima, Marzoli, Monti Antonio, Monti-Mac, Omr, Ramatex, Ramina, Reggiani Macchine, Siltex, Simet, Stalam, Tecnorama, Unitech, Zanfrini, and Zappa. These companies will present cutting-edge solutions aimed at boosting efficiency, automation, and sustainability in textile production.
The US textile industry, generating over $64 billion in annual sales and employing more than 500,000 people, remains a major force in American manufacturing. It is also a key global investor in advanced technologies, with textile machinery imports reaching around $1 billion in 2024 alone.
For Italian machinery exporters, the US ranks as the fourth-largest market after China, Turkey, and India. In 2024, Italian exports to the US totaled 112 million euro, maintaining stability year-on-year.
“The 2025 edition of Techtextil North America comes amid global economic challenges, but the growing number of Italian exhibitors signals renewed confidence in US textile industry prospects,” said ACIMIT President Marco Salvade, underscoring the strategic importance of the American market for Italian innovation.
Parent company of Zara, Inditex is optimistic about expanding its presence in the United States, planning to open additional stores. This growth strategy remains in place despite recently announced trade tariffs, according to Oscar Garcia Maceiras, Chief Executive Officer.
Maceiras indicated, Inditex has not observed significant shifts in consumer spending across its major markets. Emphasizing the importance of the United States market, he noted, it is their second-largest market.
Parent company of Zara, Inditex is optimistic about expanding its presence in the United States, planning to open additional stores. This growth strategy remains in place despite recently announced trade tariffs, according to Oscar Garcia Maceiras, Chief Executive Officer.
Maceiras indicated, Inditex has not observed significant shifts in consumer spending across its major markets. Emphasizing the importance of the United States market, he noted, it is their second-largest market.
A German court has ruled against Adidas, restricting its ability to advertise its climate neutrality goals, following a lawsuit by the environmental NGO Environmental Action Germany (DUH). Delivered on March 25, 2025, the Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court's decision prohibits Adidas from claiming climate neutrality by 2050 in its advertisements.
The court found Adidas's claims to be misleading to consumers because the company failed to provide concrete steps for achieving climate neutrality beyond 2030. Additionally, the court highlighted the ambiguous nature of the term ‘climate neutral’ and criticized Adidas for not clarifying its meaning, particularly regarding the use of carbon offsets.
Jürgen Resch, Federal Director, DUH accused Adidas of deceiving customers with its climate neutrality promises, emphasizing the need for transparent and verifiable climate action.
Adidas, however, maintains that the ruling has minimal impact, as the specific website wording in question was already adjusted in August 2024. The company reaffirms its commitment to emissions reduction, citing its alignment with Science Based Targets initiative and its ‘A’ rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project. Adidas also reported a 20 per cent reduction in absolute emissions, including supply chain emissions, since 2022.
The controversy surrounding carbon offsets plays a significant role in this case. Carbon offsets, used to compensate for emissions, are criticized for lacking standardized verification and potentially allowing companies to avoid genuine emissions reductions.
This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of ‘greenwashing’ litigation. Notably, Apple is facing a similar lawsuit in the US regarding its carbon-neutral claims for Apple Watches, and the Dutch airline KLM was also found to have made misleading sustainability claims. These cases underscore the increasing scrutiny of corporate environmental claims and the demand for greater transparency.
EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring), the leading global platform for assessing the environmental footprint of garment finishing, has released its “Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing: 2024 Report.” Based on data from over 115,000 denim finishing processes, the report sets a new sustainability benchmark and provides deep insights into current practices across the global textile industry.
According to the report, 63 per cent of denim finishing processes are now considered low environmental impact an encouraging shift toward cleaner production. However, the use of hazardous substances remains a significant concern, with 24 per cent of processes still involving pumice stones and potassium permanganate. These practices pose serious risks to both the environment and worker safety, underlining the urgent need for safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Water consumption remains a critical issue. The industry average stands at 30 liters per garment still above the ideal benchmark of 22.5 liters. The report recommends solutions such as optimizing rinse cycles, using less chemically intensive fabrics, and adopting eco-technologies like ozone treatments, e-flow systems, and smart foams to improve efficiency and lower water use.
Further strategies for improvement include selecting ZDHC-certified chemicals and automating manual processes to reduce chemical exposure and improve worker well-being. EIM emphasizes the importance of data-backed decision-making to drive progress.
Begona García, EIM platform creator and report co-author, said, “The industry has long lacked reliable tools to measure environmental impact. This report is a milestone for transparency and action.”
Designed as a global reference point, the annual report empowers brands and suppliers to track their performance, set improvement goals, and work collectively toward a more sustainable and responsible textile supply chain. The full report is available for download and will be updated annually to reflect ongoing progress.
Dutch designer Duran Lantink has been awarded the prestigious 2025 International Woolmark Prize, securing AU$300,000 to boost his business. Recognized for his sustainable and evolving collections, Lantink will also benefit from ongoing industry mentorship and support from Woolmark Prize retail partners.
Based in Amsterdam and Paris, Lantink founded his eponymous label in 2019, showcasing an innovative design approach that blends pre-loved garments and deadstock fabrics with new eco-friendly materials. His winning collection reimagined traditional knitting techniques through 3D reconstructed knitwear, incorporating historical Dutch knitting styles, recycled army sweaters, and contemporary woven check patterns.
Held in Milan, the event also saw Pieter Mulier receive the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation, and Südwolle Group earn the Supply Chain Award. The winners were selected by an expert panel of judges, chaired by Donatella Versace, Italian Fashion Designer and featuring industry luminaries like IB Kamara, Law Roach, and Alessandro Sartori
Praising Lantink's collection, Versace highlighted its blend of respect for the fiber and a joyful vision of the future.
For over 70 years, the International Woolmark Prize has championed Merino wool's versatility and beauty, promoting sustainable growth through innovation and mentorship. The 2025 edition, artistically directed by IB Kamara, drew inspiration from the sun, symbolizing energy, renewal, and interconnectedness. This focus on sustainability and innovation underscores the prize's commitment to fostering a responsible future for the fashion industry.
Driven by domestic demand, China's textile machinery market is poised for continued growth. While the market registered a slight decline in 2024, it is projected to expand at a CAGR of 1.3 per cent to reach 13 million units by 2035. In terms of value, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9 per cent to $70.5 billion by 2035.
In 2024, China’s consumption of textile machinery declined by 1.6 per cent to 11 million units, ending an eight-year growth streak. However, the overall trend remains relatively stable. Revenues from the market increased by 13 per cent to $46.2 billion, despite a longer-term trend of volatility. Production also declined by 2.6 per cent to 12 million units, while production value skyrocketed to $51.2 billion.
China’s textile machinery imports contracted by 26.4 per cent to 17,000 units to $1.4 billion during the year. Japan remains China's largest supplier, followed by Germany and Belgium. Weaving machines, spinning machinery, and knitting machines are the top import categories. Import prices averaged $83,000 per unit, with variations by product type and country of origin.
Exports also decreased to 18.4 per cent to 631,000 units, valued at $2.7 billion. India, the United States, and Bangladesh are the primary export destinations. Knitting machines are the dominant export product.
A recent USDA India Post report projects, India's area under cotton cultivation may decline by 3 per cent to 11.4 million hectare during MY 2025-26. This shift stems from farmers opting for more profitable crops like pulses and oilseeds, which offer quicker returns. This contrasts with the 11.8 million hectare dedicated to cotton in MY 2024-25.
Despite the reduced acreage, cotton production is expected to remain stable at 25 million 480-pound bales, mirroring the current year's output. Increased yields, projected at 477 kg per hectare, are anticipated due to concentrated production in well-irrigated regions.
Cotton cultivation in Punjab is expected to remain constant, while the are under cotton cultivation in Haryana is likely to decline by 5 per cent as farmers switch to paddy rice. Rajasthan's acreage will likely decrease by 2 per cent, with farmers favoring guar, maize, and mung beans. India's leading cotton producer, Gujarat is projected to see a 3 per cent decline due to farmers shifting to pulses, groundnuts, cumin, and sesame.
Maharashtra's cotton acreage is expected to stay consistent, as farmers explore alternatives like pigeon pea and maize after low soybean prices. Madhya Pradesh forecasts a 5per cent reduction, with farmers gravitating towards oilseeds and pulses. Southern states like Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu may see a 7 per cent decrease due to ethanol production incentives favoring maize and rice.
Driven by steady international yarn and textile demand, the mill consumption of cotton is projected to rise slightly to 25.7 million bales Exports are expected to increase by 7 per cent to 1.5 million bales, supported by large carryover stocks and a weakening rupee. Imports are forecasted to decrease by 4 per cent to 2.5 million bales, though Indian mills will continue to rely on imported, contamination-free fiber.
The consumption of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton is expected to increase, with imports, primarily from the U.S., fulfilling demand. US ELS cotton maintains a significant market share in India, with a large portion re-exported as high-quality yarn and fabric. Concentrated in Central and Southern India, domestic ELS cotton production faces challenges due to low yields, high costs, and pest vulnerability.
The urgent need for a circular fashion revolution took center stage in Brussels and online, as the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) recently convened crucial discussions aimed at transforming the textile industry. From a high-level policy breakfast at the European Parliament to a deep-dive podcast series, the message was clear: the time for incremental change is over; systemic transformation is the need of the hour.
Focus on policy and partnership
On March 26, the European Parliament became a hub for critical dialogue during the GFA's ‘Policy Breakfast: Re-shaping the Fashion Industry’. In collaboration with EURATEX, Finnish Textile & Fashion, Danish Fashion & Textile, and TEKO Swedish Textile & Clothing, the event brought together policymakers and industry leaders to forge a path towards a just and fair transition.
The panel, featuring experts including Sirpa Pietikäinen and Rasmus Nordqvist (Members of the European Parliament), Lars Fogh Mortensen (European Environment Agency), Dirk Vantyghem (EURATEX), and Federica Marchionni (GFA), addressed the evolving policy landscape. Key priorities included the adoption of circular business models and the effective implementation of the EU Textile Strategy.
"Let me insist on the need for more constructive dialogues between the industry and policy makers and speed action," emphasized Federica Marchionni, CEO of GFA. "I therefore, would like to encourage you, Members of the European Parliament, to help us create an industry that can be both creative and responsible, as well as competitive and sustainable."
The discussion highlighted the European textile sector's potential to drive sustainable innovation and economic growth, provided that coherent legislation, targeted incentives, and consistent enforcement are in place. Challenges like high energy costs, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory complexity were also identified as hurdles needing immediate attention. The recent EEA reports, showcasing the rapid rise in textile consumption and waste across the EU, further underscored the urgency for accelerated action.
The upstream circularity podcast
Simultaneously, the GFA launched its ‘Upstream Circularity Podcast’, a three-part series aimed at demystifying the technical innovations and systemic shifts required for effective textile recycling. Released on International Day of Zero Waste, the podcast emphasizes the urgent need to scale upstream circularity.
Hosted by Faith Robinson, Head of Content, GFA, the series features in-depth conversations with industry experts, providing practical insights on transforming waste into valuable resources. The stark reality is that only 0.3 per cent of materials used by the global textile industry come from recycled sources, despite existing technologies having the potential to unlock up to 80 per cent circularity.
"To support the transition to a circular fashion industry, we must implement solutions that transform waste into valuable resources," stated Federica Marchionni. "This podcast spotlights the industry leaders driving progress, providing inspiration and tangible guidance to accelerate change."
The podcast series, built on the findings of the GFA's "Upstream Circularity Playbook," looks into critical steps in establishing circular systems:
Episode 1: Textile waste segregation and traceability: Explores efficient waste identification, sorting, and tracing, featuring Marina Chahboune (Closed Loop Fashion) and Nin Castle (Reverse Resources).
Episode 2: Collecting, sorting, and use cases: Unpacks the challenges and opportunities of textile waste aggregation with insights from Abdur Razzaque (RECYCLE-RAW) and Ebru Özküçük Güler (RE&UP).
Episode 3: Product and systems design: Examines how brands and stakeholders can translate post-industrial recycling from theory to reality, featuring Alexander Granberg (BESTSELLER) and Karla Magruder (Accelerating Circularity).
The GFA's multifaceted approach, combining high-level policy discussions with practical, accessible content, underscores the organization's commitment to driving meaningful change. As the fashion industry faces increasing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for sustainability, these initiatives provide a crucial roadmap for a circular future.
