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The 4th Chaoshan Textile and Garment Exhibition (CTGE) 2025, held from March 18 to 20 at the Shantou International Convention and Exhibition Center, set new records in scale and participation. Spanning 130,000 square meters, the event featured 12 exhibition zones, 16 halls, and 1,026 exhibitors, attracting over 121,000 professional visitors.
The exhibition showcased 17 major domestic textile and garment clusters, covering lingerie, homewear, fabrics, and accessories. Buyers from over 40 countries, including the United States, Russia, and Turkey, further enhanced its internationalization. The event hosted 20+ fashion shows, 50+ brand launches, five thematic forums, and three matchmaking sessions. Highlights included the ‘Red-headed Boat Cup’ Design Competition, the Shantou International Intimate Garment Fashion Week, and the China Underwear Culture Festival.
A new ‘exhibition-first, factory-later, and exhibition-broadcast combination’ model was introduced, with over 100 influencers live-streaming. The lingerie live-streaming session alone exceeded 100 million yuan in GMV. Major e-commerce platforms like Tmall, Douyin, and Shein participated in the ‘E-commerce Platform Matching Street,’ reinforcing a ‘Buy Global, Sell Global’ strategy.
CTGE 2025 marked a milestone in China's textile industry, setting the stage for further growth. The 5th edition will continue this momentum in 2026.
Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, a global powerhouse, continues its rapid expansion, leading to rise in raw material imports. Recent data from the Bangladesh Bank reveals a significant uptick in imports during the first four months of the fiscal year 2024-25 (July-October). Specifically, yarn imports jumped 25.8 per cent, while textile and related articles saw a 26.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal. This rise underscores the growing demand for raw materials to sustain the nation's growing apparel production.
A lucrative opportunity for India
Bangladesh’s yarn imports went up from $968.7 million (July-October '23-24) to $1218.8 million (July-October '24-25), a rise of almost 25.8. Textile & articles thereof increased from $2363.8 million (July-October '23-24) to $2998.4 million (July-October '24-25), a 26.9 per cent rise. Raw cotton imports also saw a significant increase, rising by 15.4 per cent to $1258.8 million in the same period. Overall RMG raw material imports reached $7.92 billion in the first half of FY '24, highlighting the scale of the industry's material needs.
Table: Bangladesh's textile import landscape (July-October)
|
PRODUCT |
23-24 July-Oct. |
24-25 July-Sep. |
24-25 July-Oct. |
% Changes (comparison between July-Oct, '23-24 and July-Oct, '24-25) |
|
Raw cotton |
1091.1 |
955.8 |
1258.8 |
15.4 |
|
Yarn |
968.7 |
876.6 |
1218.8 |
25.8 |
|
Textile and Articles thereof |
2363.8 |
2061.6 |
2998.4 |
26.9 |
|
Staple Fibre |
436.9 |
349.5 |
517.8 |
18.5 |
Source: Bangladesh Bank
The rise in demand creates a significant opportunity for India, a major supplier of raw materials to Bangladesh's RMG sector. India's proximity, established trade relations, and competitive pricing make it a preferred source for raw cotton, yarn, and fabrics. As Bangladesh's RMG industry grows, India's exports of raw materials are expected to rise further. This symbiotic relationship benefits both nations, with Bangladesh securing essential inputs for its leading export sector and India boosting its export revenue and strengthening regional trade ties.
There are several factors driving Bangladesh's import growth. The primary driver is the increasing demand for Bangladeshi garments in global markets. This has led to an expansion of production capacity as investment in new factories and is growing. Bangladesh is also moving towards producing higher-value apparel items, requiring a wider variety of raw materials. While India is a key supplier, Bangladesh also heavily relies on China, importing approximately $10 billion worth of fabrics annually. This reliance highlights the potential for India to further increase its market share.
Indeed India has maintained a strong position in cotton and yarn exports to Bangladesh. There has been steady increase in the exports of raw cotton and yarn to Bangladesh from India. However, India faces competition from other countries, including China and Vietnam, in fabric exports.
Meanwhile, China is known to be a dominant supplier of fabrics to Bangladesh, especially synthetic and blended fabrics. As per Bangladesh Bank the country imported $10 billion worth fabrics from China. China's strength lies in its large-scale production and competitive pricing, especially for synthetic and blended fabrics. What’s more China's supply chain integration and efficiency give it an edge in fabric exports.
India’s focus to increase market share
Indian trade bodies are actively strategizing and implementing steps to grow India's share in exports, particularly in the textile sector and to countries like Bangladesh. Here are some major initiatives:
Focus on value addition and diversification: Trade bodies like TEXPROCIL and AEPC are encouraging manufacturers to move towards higher-value products, including technical textiles, specialty yarns, and innovative fabrics. This helps India compete beyond basic commodities. They are also promoting diversification of export destinations to reduce reliance on specific markets and mitigate risks.
Strengthening supply chains and infrastructure: Meanwhile the focus is on addressing logistical bottlenecks, including port congestion and inland transportation which is crucial. Initiatives are being taken to improve infrastructure and streamline trade processes. Schemes like the Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) parks aim to create world-class infrastructure for textile manufacturing, attracting investment and boosting production.
Promoting trade facilitation and ease of doing business: Trade bodies are working with the government to simplify export procedures, reduce compliance burdens, and improve the ease of doing business. Also, India is actively pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with key trading partners to gain market access and reduce tariffs.
Enhancing quality and sustainability: Promoting adherence to international quality standards and certifications is essential for gaining buyer confidence. Emphasizing sustainable textile production, including eco-friendly processes and responsible sourcing, is becoming increasingly important to meet global demand.
Active participation in trade fairs and exhibitions: Trade bodies organize and participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase Indian textile products and connect with potential buyers. Facilitating buyer-seller meets and business delegations helps create direct linkages between Indian exporters and international buyers.
Government support and schemes: The PLI scheme for textiles provides incentives to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investment in key segments. Similarly, the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme provides refunds of embedded taxes and duties, making Indian exports more competitive.
Specific initiatives related to Bangladesh: Border trade facilitation which involves improving infrastructure and procedures for cross-border trade with Bangladesh is a priority. Maintaining and strengthening India's position as a leading supplier of cotton and yarn to Bangladesh is a key objective. Trade bodies are exploring strategies to increase India's share in the fabric market in Bangladesh, particularly in specialized and value-added fabrics.
Italo-French premium jeans brand, Shaft Jeans has launched Shaft Pixel, a new style achieved through a 100 per cent Made-in-Italy digital printing process.
This innovative technique reproduces jeans elements and the characteristics of a worn-denim effect through a digitally placed print.
These jeans are created by printing the denim surface effect directly onto the fabric, eliminating the need for post-production garment treatments. This process significantly reduces raw material consumption, water usage, and chemical reliance, while also cutting production times and minimizing textile waste.
Founded by designer Monsieur Shafir in 1968, Shaft Jeans has been revitalized since 2004 under the leadership of Francesca Bacci, an experienced Italian jeans entrepreneur, and her children Letizia and Lorenzo Palchetti Tosi. Through Manifatture Twins Srl, they have infused new life into the brand while preserving its core DNA and high-quality standards, adapting it to meet the demands of contemporary consumers. The company launched Shaft Pixel jeans in Milan on February 28, 2025 during a guerrilla marketing event.
These jeans feature a wide-leg trouser fit and are crafted from a unique sweatshirt-like material composed of 63 per cent organic cotton, 34 per cent polyester, and 3 per cent elastane. Currently, they are sold exclusively on the Shaft Jeans website, priced at €437 for international markets and €349 for Italy. The company plans to offer custom-made and made-to-order versions of these jeans in physical retail stores in the near future.
The highly anticipated Textiles Recycling Expo will debut this year from June 4, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The two-day expo will gather key players from the textiles recycling industry. Organized by AMI, it will be supported by leading associations, including EuRIC, Fedustria, ReHubs, the Textiles Recycling Association, UKFT, WRAP, etc.
The Textiles Recycling Expo will provide attendees with an opportunity to engage with suppliers at the forefront of recycling advancements. Featuring a comprehensive exhibition, the expo will showcase cutting-edge developments in textiles recycling, sorting, and shredding technologies, and recycled fabrics. It will showcase an extensive range of innovations, highlighting the new technologies and best practices shaping the future of textile recycling.
In addition to the exhibition, the event will host a conference program featuring industry leaders, professionals, and key stakeholders. Delegates will gain insights through expert-led panel discussions and keynote sessions, covering topics such as advanced recycling methods and the latest European Union regulations.
Speakers from the European Commission, Euratex, WRAP, and Fedustria will offer perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
A leading organizer of international exhibitions and conferences in the recycling sector, AMI brings extensive expertise to the event. The company’s portfolio includes the Plastics Recycling World Expo, held in both Europe and the United States, as well as conferences dedicated to mechanical and chemical recycling.
The Karnataka Government plans to establish a textile park in Guledagudda, in the Bagalkot district, through a public-private partnership.
The government has transferred 15 acre in Muradi village to the Deputy Director of the Handloom and Textile Department in Bagalkot. The tendering process to appoint a transaction advisor for the park's establishment is currently in progress.
According to the new Textile and Garments Readymade Policy, the state government will provide land, infrastructure facilities, and a subsidy of up to Rs 40 crore for the construction of textile parks in the state. Among the seven textile parks in the state, one is government-owned. Five of the privately-owned parks are operational, and the remaining one is set to begin operations soon, informs Patil.
The Maharashtra government has procured 4.4 million quintals of cotton as of March 18, 2025 through the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), informs Jaykumar Rawal, Marketing Minister.
This will ensure farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP), he adds. Cotton procurement is ongoing with 124 cotton purchasing centers operating across the state, assures Rawal. This year's MSP has been set at Rs 7,521 per quintal for long-staple cotton and Rs 7,121 per quintal for medium-staple cotton. Cotton processing occurs through ginning and pressing units, with agreements spanning from September to September annually.
The government remains committed to boosting farmers' incomes by enhancing irrigation capacity, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding market opportunities, reiterates Rawal. Maharashtra stands as the first state in India to introduce a private market committee policy, designed to streamline agricultural trade and benefit farmers, he adds.
Jeanologia reaffirms its commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry by eliminating water waste and pollution. On World Water Day, the company unveils its Ecological Profit and Loss Account, quantifying the environmental benefits of its sustainable innovations.
In 2024 alone, Jeanologia’s technologies saved 20,875,400 cubic meters of polluted water and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 98.4 million kilograms equivalent to the annual water use of a city like Valencia and the carbon capture of a 16,000-hectare forest. These achievements underscore the urgent need for transformation in an industry that consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water and generates 20 per cent of global wastewater annually.
“The textile industry has a historic opportunity to reinvent itself,” says Jeanologia CEO Enrique Silla. “Fashion can be produced without harming the planet. The future depends on integrating circular and efficient solutions.”
Jeanologia has pioneered an ecosystem of eco-efficient technologies that enable zero-discharge production, minimizing water consumption. Implemented in over 80 countries, these solutions are driving the denim industry’s shift toward sustainability. Silla emphasizes that innovation must lead to action: “Every cubic meter of water we save, every kilogram of carbon dioxide we prevent, proves that the industry must be part of the solution.”
As a key partner for brands and manufacturers, Jeanologia’s Mission Zero initiative pushes for a future where textile production eliminates excess water use and pollutant discharge. Silla calls for industry-wide collaboration: “The challenge is global, and the response must be collective.”
This World Water Day, Jeanologia delivers more than just data, it showcases a tangible shift toward a cleaner, more responsible fashion industry.
From April-December 2024, India's textile and apparel (T&A) exports, including handicrafts grew by 7 per cent as compared to the previous year. The primary export markets included the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, which together absorbed 53 per cent of total exports in FY2023-24.
As a major global exporter, India commands a 4 per cent share of the T&A market. The government is actively boosting its position through strategic initiatives. The PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme is designed to establish world-class textile infrastructure, while the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme aims to stimulate large-scale manufacturing of man-made fiber (MMF) fabrics, apparel, and technical textiles.
Other key programs include the National Technical Textiles Mission, which emphasizes research and market development, and SAMARTH, a capacity-building initiative focused on providing placement-oriented skills training.
India’s robust textiles industry benefits from a diverse raw material base, featuring natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, and jute, alongside man-made alternatives. The country boasts comprehensive manufacturing capabilities across the entire value chain, from fiber production to finished garments.
To ensure a stable cotton supply and support farmers, the government sets an annual Minimum Support Price (MSP). This mechanism protects farmers from market price fluctuations and guarantees cotton availability at competitive rates. Additionally, the customs duty on Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton was eliminated from February 20, 2024, facilitating 51,000 tons of duty-free imports under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
India has also expanded its trade network by signing 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) to enhance export potential. The Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) and Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) programs further boost competitiveness by promoting zero-rated exports.
Running from 2020-26, the National Technical Textiles Mission drives research into specialty fibers and application-based textiles, including geotextiles, medical textiles, and sports textiles. It also encourages the development of biodegradable textiles using unconventional natural fibers.
To foster innovation, the Ministry of Textiles conducted innovation challenges in collaboration with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Winners of these challenges were granted incubation opportunities and recognition for their contributions to sustainable textile solutions.
To protect domestic producers from low-quality imports, the government implemented a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of US$ 3.50 per kg for certain knitted fabrics and revised customs duties on specific Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes. Quality Control Orders (QCOs) have also been enacted to prevent the influx of substandard goods.
Leading global thread supplier, American & Efird (A&E) has inaugurated its 24th production plant in Chattogram, Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in the company's strategic global expansion. This state-of-the-art facility helps boost A&E's manufacturing network besides enhancing the company’s ability to meet the increasing demand for advanced thread solutions in Bangladesh and across South Asia.
Strategically positioned near Chattogram's bustling seaport and financial hub, the new plant complements A&E's existing operations in Gazipur, reinforcing the company's commitment to the region. This expansion is designed to increase production capacity, improve service delivery, and shorten lead times ensuring A&E can efficiently provide premium-quality thread products to its global clientele.
The facility's inauguration was attended by prominent industry figures, customers, suppliers, partners, and government officials. Jeffrey P Pritchett, CEO, Elevate Textiles, A&E’s parent company, says, this expansion underscores the company’s long-term vision and dedication to deliver innovative thread solutions.
The Chattogram plant is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies and scalable production processes to meet rising market demands. Some of its key features include advanced production lines for spun and filament threads, dedicated R&D for product innovation, sustainability-focused operations with green technologies, and the creation of over 350 local jobs, contributing to regional economic development.
Investing in this facility will help the company strengthen its manufacturing base, enhancing product availability, and improving service in the Chattogram market, says Chris Alt, President, A&E. As demand for its thread and specialty yarn products grows, this plant will play a vital role in meeting customer needs with speed, efficiency, and precision, he adds.
Angelo Leanage, Managing Director, A&E South Asia, adds, the company aims to deliver high-quality products and services that meet evolving customer needs. This new facility not only expands the company’s footprint and capabilities but also brings jobs, economic growth, and social development to the region.
Beyond manufacturing, the Chattogram plant will serve as a regional innovation hub, where A&E will develop advanced thread solutions, optimize production processes, and implement sustainability initiatives. A&E remains committed to reducing its environmental impact and integrating sustainable practices across all operations.
This expansion reinforces A&E's leading position in the global textile industry, building on its legacy of excellence since 1891. The Chattogram facility is poised to play a pivotal role in the company's future growth and in shaping the next generation of thread solutions.
A new report titled, ‘Responsible UK Fashion and Textile Supply Chains,’ released by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), aims to improve social and ethical compliance within UK fashion and textile manufacturing to increase domestic production. This report pinpoints practical solutions and opportunities to create positive change for manufacturers, brands, and retailers, and is a key step in supporting the UK fashion and textile industry's efforts to bring production back to the UK.
Drawing from extensive input from industry stakeholders, the report identifies opportunities in five key areas: legislation and policy, training and education, simplifying standards, tools and systems, and incentives and funding. Based on industry expertise, these recommendations will help position the UK as a leader in responsible fashion and textile manufacturing, building on its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
This report was developed in partnership with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Circular Fashion Innovation Network. It is a part of the sustainable manufacturing initiative, which also includes projects and actions to explore high-volume manufacturing in the UK, enhance existing UK manufacturing capacity, and reduce carbon emissions in manufacturing.
Brands and retailers are increasingly looking into local manufacturing solutions, and UK manufacturers are exploring ways to expand production and increase capacity, says Adam Mansell, CEO, UKFT. Domestic sourcing offers benefits like greater responsiveness, flexibility, a smaller carbon footprint, and improved visibility into manufacturing environments. By addressing the social and ethical compliance landscape, manufacturers can fully unlock these opportunities and drive positive growth for the manufacturing industry here in the UK.
The insights and recommendations will help create the conditions necessary for UK manufacturing to thrive, supporting the Circular Fashion Innovation Network's vision of an innovative and responsible industry.
