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A recent price comparison study by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) highlights significant cost competitiveness challenge for Indian yarn manufacturers against their Chinese counterparts in January 2025. The data, focusing on the price trends of Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) and Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF), indicates a considerable price difference impacting the Indian industry. This challenge gets escalated further due to broader trends in the global textile market, opines Sanjay K Jain, Chairman ICC National Textiles Committee & MD, TT Limited.
The CITI report compares domestic prices for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) spinners in India with international prices as given by the China Chemical Fibre Website (CCF), a key source of chemical fiber market information in China. The analysis reveals Indian MSME spinners paid a substantial premium for both PSF and VSF throughout January.
Growing PSF price disparity
The data shows a fluctuating but consistently high price difference for PSF between the Indian domestic market and international prices. The following table summarizes the weekly PSF price comparison:
Table: PSF prices difference
|
Week of January |
Exchange Rate ($/Rs) |
CCF Price ($) |
CCF Price (Rs) |
Domestic Price (Rs) |
Price Difference (Rs) |
Price Difference (%) |
|
1st |
85.75 |
0.85 |
72.75 |
99 |
26.25 |
36.08% |
|
2nd |
86.25 |
0.85 |
73.46 |
99 |
25.54 |
34.77% |
|
3rd |
86.4 |
0.87 |
75.13 |
100.13 |
24.99 |
33.27% |
|
4th |
86.44 |
0.87 |
75.13 |
100.5 |
25.37 |
33.78% |
As the table reveals, the price difference ranged from Rs 24.99 to Rs 26.25 per kg. As a percentage of the international price, the difference remained consistently above 33 per cent, highlighting a significant cost disadvantage for Indian spinners.
VSF prices also higher in India
Similarly, VSF prices in the Indian domestic market were also significantly higher than international prices. The following table illustrates the weekly VSF price comparison.
Table: VSF price difference
|
Week of January |
Exchange Rate ($/Rs) |
CCF Price ($) |
CCF Price (Rs) |
Domestic Price (Rs) |
Price Difference (Rs) |
Price Difference (%) |
|
1st |
85.75 |
1.61 |
137.8 |
160 |
22.2 |
16.11% |
|
2nd |
86.25 |
1.61 |
138.74 |
160 |
21.26 |
15.32% |
|
3rd |
86.4 |
1.61 |
139.14 |
160 |
20.86 |
14.99% |
|
4th |
86.44 |
1.62 |
139.73 |
160 |
20.27 |
14.50% |
The data reveals a price difference ranging from Rs 20.27 to Rs 22.20 per kg. In percentage terms, the difference fluctuated between approximately 14.50 per cent and 16.11 per cent of the international price. While the percentage difference is lower for VSF compared to PSF, it still represents a notable cost disadvantage for Indian manufacturers.
Reasons for price gap and impact
The CITI report suggests international prices considered are not Indian landed prices. If these raw materials were to be imported into India, additional costs such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), Basic Customs Duty (BCD), and other related charges would be added to the international prices, potentially narrowing the gap. However, the existing disparity still poses a challenge for Indian manufacturers. The report also highlights that domestic prices are specifically for MSME spinners and include discounts, indicating that larger players might face even higher input costs.
This price differential significantly impacts Indian yarn makers competitiveness, squeezing their profit margins and hindering their ability to compete with Chinese manufacturers in the global market. The higher raw material costs could force Indian manufacturers to raise prices for their finished products, making them less attractive to international buyers.
Jains analysis offers a crucial context to these price disparities, highlighting the dominance of Man-Made Fibers (MMF) in the global textile market, with a 70 per cent share. This reinforces the importance of PSF and VSF pricing for India's competitiveness. Jain also points out the stagnation of India's cotton sector, with declining yields, making the focus on MMF even more critical.
He emphasizes the significant price disparity in raw material sourcing between India and China, raising concerns about India's ability to compete effectively. He questions the reliance on tariffs and advocates for a more robust competitive structure that allows for the free flow of raw materials. Drawing attention to the success of countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, Jain underscores the importance of sourcing flexibility, even without abundant domestic raw materials. This suggests that India needs to strategically adapt its policies to facilitate access to competitive raw materials internationally.
The report also notes that CCF was closed from January 25 to February 4, 2025, due to the Chinese New Year holiday, and this period was not included in the analysis. The closure could potentially influence price dynamics in the subsequent weeks, a factor that warrants further observation.
What lies ahead…
CITI’s data, and Jain's expert analysis, underscores the need for a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the price disparity between domestic and international prices of PSF and VSF. It also highlights the importance of policy interventions and industry initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of Indian yarn manufacturers in the global arena. Continuous monitoring of price trends and proactive measures, including potentially rethinking raw material sourcing strategies, are crucial for the sustained growth and development of the Indian textile industry.
Patagonia has successfully streamlined its color management process using Discover e-Solutions (DeSL) Color Lifecycle Management (CLM) software. This technology enhances efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration with suppliers.
DeSL, a leader in digital transformation for fashion and retail, highlights Patagonia’s success with CLM, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. “With DeSL’s CLM, we’ve improved our color evaluation workflow, automated lab dip reviews, and tracked production yardage using spectral data,” said Matt Swartz, Sr Color & Surface Design Manager at Patagonia. “The web portal also centralizes communication and documentation with suppliers.”
The CLM solution enables Patagonia to manage both spectro-readable and non-spectro-readable submits, reducing errors and improving color accuracy. By automating key processes, the brand enhances operational efficiency while aligning with its sustainability goals.
DeSL values its ongoing partnership with Patagonia and remains dedicated to supporting its technological and environmental advancements.
The Global Sourcing Expo, recognized as one of the Top Global Fashion Expos by Forbes, is set to return to Sydney from June 17-19, 2025, before heading to Melbourne in November. This highly anticipated event continues to build on its 15-year legacy, attracting thousands of leading global suppliers in apparel, footwear, textiles, and homewares.
Last year’s Sydney expo saw a 48 per cent year-on-year rise in attendance, with over 4,450 visitors attending the three-day event. Marie Kinsella, CEO of International Expo Group, says this growth reflects the increasing need for a centralized sourcing hub.
“The show was designed to solve a major challenge for Australian trade buyers eliminating the need to travel abroad to connect with global suppliers. Here, they can engage with hundreds of manufacturers, brands, and industry experts, all under one roof,” she said.
The 2025 edition promises an enhanced experience with a dynamic exhibitor lineup, insightful seminars, and key industry partnerships. The Sourcing Seminar Series will return, featuring experts discussing the latest trends, eCommerce strategies, AI in marketing, sustainability, and supplier management.
“With an outstanding speaker lineup and pressing industry topics, this year’s seminar series is set to be our best yet,” Kinsella added.
Once again, the event will feature the China Clothing Textile Accessories Expo, showcasing high-quality products from diverse global brands.
Exhibitor registration is now open, and booths are filling fast. “With just four months to go, we encourage exhibitors to secure their stands and stay updated via our social media channels,” said Kinsella.
The Global Sourcing Expo Sydney is a must-attend event for fashion buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals looking to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead of industry trends.
British Wool has reported a nearly 25 per cent rise in auction prices, driven by strong demand from buyers. The buoyant market comes as sheep and beef sectors face rising costs.
The organisation, which holds 18 online auctions annually, typically offers between 1,000 and 1,500 tonnes per sale. So far in the 2024/25 season, 57 per cent of the year’s wool has been sold, with some key types exceeding 60 per cent. Most of the 10 auctions held to date have seen full clearances.
British Wool Chairman Jim Robertson highlighted the positive trend, urging farmers to send in their remaining wool. “We appreciate prices are not at the level we’d like, but they are improving. This is encouraging, and we need more farmers to return their wool to maximise returns,” he said.
British Wool continues to push for greater use of British fleece in manufacturing, working with retailers and brands. Recent initiatives include a partnership with Shaun the Sheep to promote wool carpets.
“As a collective, we focus on adding value for our members,” Robertson added. “Our efforts to create demand translate into more competitive auctions and help move British wool beyond being just a commodity.”
The organisation remains committed to supporting UK sheep farmers, ensuring wool collection services and sustainable demand. Robertson urged members to send in any remaining wool, emphasizing ongoing market interest.
“With demand still strong, now is the time to act,” he said. “If you have wool on-farm, contact us to arrange delivery or collection.”
Leading labour rights groups warn that factory owner influence in Bangladesh is undermining the garment industry’s top workplace safety programme, endangering workers. In a memorandum to global apparel brands, the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC), Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), and Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) call for urgent reforms to restore the programme’s integrity.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, a binding agreement between brands and unions, has saved thousands of lives. However, in 2020, its Bangladesh operations were transferred to the Ready-Made-Garment Sustainability Council (RSC), where employers gained influence, weakening enforcement and sidelining worker representatives.
New research reveals employer interference has weakened safety enforcement, allowed non-compliant factories to keep exporting, and delayed a crucial boiler safety programme.
The RSC emerged after resistance from factory owners backed by the Sheikh Hasina government. With Bangladesh’s political shift, NGOs urge brands to push for restructuring the RSC to remove employer control, ensuring it can protect garment workers without obstruction.
The memorandum stresses that brands must uphold safety commitments, pay fair prices to suppliers, and support reforms. The Accord remains the strongest model for workplace safety, but its governance must remain free from corporate interference.
The issue will also be a key topic at this week’s OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, highlighting global interest in binding agreements for human rights compliance.
“A governance reset is crucial to safeguard workers’ rights and maintain alignment with due diligence laws,” said Ineke Zeldenrust of CCC. NGOs urge brands to act swiftly to protect workers and sustain Bangladesh’s position in global apparel production.
Karl Mayer Technical Textiles is celebrating the strong market response to its latest innovations, the Max Glass Eco and TM Weft 2. Launched last year, both machines saw above-average demand in 2024, with double-digit sales in key markets like China and India.
The momentum continues in 2025. “In the first week of January alone, we received eight inquiries from China for our TM Weft 2,” said Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager. The rise in interest follows successful installations in a Chinese textile hub, where the machine is reducing wastewater impact and boosting efficiency for traditional waterjet weaving mills. The TM Weft 2 also appeals to warp knitting customers seeking new applications.
Offering a 20 per cent performance boost over its predecessor, the TM Weft 2 stands out with its improved crankcase system, ease of use, and durability. Meanwhile, the Max Glass Eco is gaining traction in the wind power industry, producing high-output glass fiber fabrics at speeds of up to 1,800 rpm. With optional modifications available, it meets diverse production needs while offering a shorter amortization period.
With strong market alignment and cost-effective advantages, Karl Mayer’s latest machines are driving increased adoption across key textile sectors.
Poised for a significant expansion, the global custom apparel market is projected to grow by 8.4 per cent CAGR or 2.45 billion from 2025-29, according to a Technavio report.
Representing a CAGR of 8.4 per cent, this growth will be driven by factors such as an increasing prevalence of internet and smartphone usage alongwith rising popularity of the DIY culture and maker movement.
Despite this positive outlook, the market faces challenges like counterfeit products, particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region, especially China. This widespread sale of fake custom apparel undercuts legitimate brands, as these counterfeit items are often sold at significantly lower prices, disrupting the market and harming brand reputation.
Growth in the global custom apparel market is being shaped by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The market adopts popular customization techniques including embroidery, screen printing, sublimation, and heat transfer. Personalized designs, such as graphic t-shirts and custom logos, remain highly sought-after, fueled by innovations in digital printing and direct-to-garment technology.
Another crucial trend gaining momentum is sustainability. Eco-conscious consumers continue to demand custom apparel made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and lyocell. Beyond individual consumers, businesses across various sectors, including hospitality, logistics, and fashion, are leveraging customized apparel as a powerful branding tool.
The DIY culture is further influencing market dynamics. The demand for tools and equipment that enable at-home customization, such as sewing machines and screen-printing kits, is on the rise. This trend empowers individuals to create their own personalized apparel, contributing to the overall market growth.
As a key member of the Bharat Tex Trade Federation, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will showcase India's growing prominence in the global textile and apparel sector at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025, held in New Delhi from February 14-17, 2025.
CMAI's ‘Brands of India’ pavilion will feature over 40 leading Indian retail brands, highlighting the strength of domestic apparel manufacturers and retailers. This showcase will include prominent names across the fashion spectrum, from established players to emerging designers.
CMAI will also host key panel discussions. Its panel discussion titled, ‘India Size: No More Misfits’ will address the country's first standardized size chart initiative, discussing its potential to improve garment fit and boost e-commerce. Another panel, ‘Value Retail: Consumer's Delight, Industry's Opportunity,’ will explore the booming value retail segment and its impact on the apparel landscape.
Furthermore, CMAI will launch the website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory for SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), an initiative focused on promoting ethical and transparent practices within the Indian fashion industry.
For this event, CMAI will collaborate with Reliance Brands Limited, the United Nations in India, and the Ministry of Textiles to establish new benchmarks for sustainability.
Emphasizing the importance of Bharat Tex 2025 for India’s textile and apparel industry, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, highlights the growing demand for sustainable textiles. Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI notes, the industry transformation is being driven by consumer preferences for sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
In addition to these initiatives, CMAI will facilitate the participation of over 100 MSME exhibitors in specialized sections for apparel, textiles, and startups. Bharat Tex 2025 is expected to attract over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers, and 10,000 domestic visitors, solidifying India's position in the global textile market.
The Dyes and Chemicals industry will be a key participant at Bharat Tex 2025, aligning with the Prime Minister’s 5F vision for the textile sector’s holistic growth. The event will take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, opening its doors to visitors on February 12, 2025.
Around 50 leading companies will showcase sustainable products, services, and technologies for textile dyeing, printing, and processing, including natural dyes. The event will host knowledge sessions on Colour Science, covering measurement, automation, and AI, and Natural Dyes & Bio-Based Solutions, focusing on industry challenges.
DyeChem World is the only dedicated exhibition for the textile dyes and chemicals industry. It aims to promote sustainable chemical solutions, processes, and technologies that minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Organized by Textile Excellence, this exhibition provides a platform for industry players to engage with customers and explore the latest advancements.
Dyes and chemicals are vital to the textile and apparel industry, playing a crucial role in sustainability. With growing regulations on eco-friendly manufacturing, the industry is shifting towards sustainable raw materials, processing techniques, and finishing technologies. Textile dyeing, printing, and finishing are among the most polluting stages in production, increasing the need for environmentally friendly solutions.
In 2022, India produced approximately 398,000 metric tons of dyes and pigments, with about 80 per cent consumed by the domestic textile industry. India manufactures around 700 varieties of dyes, pigments, and intermediates, supplying other sectors like paper, plastics, and printing ink. Maharashtra and Gujarat account for 90 per cent of India’s dyestuff production, with over 1,200 factories.
India exported dyes worth $2.25 billion in 2023-24, while imports stood at $297.63 million. The overall chemicals industry exported $20.38 billion and imported $27.11 billion during the same period.
The exhibition will showcase textile dyes, pigments, inks, and colorants, along with textile chemicals, enzymes, and auxiliaries. It will also feature special textile finishes like anti-odor, antimicrobial, wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking, and flame-retardant treatments, as well as water-treatment chemicals for ETP, WTP, and ZLD processes.
US footwear firm Skechers expects FY25 sales to rise to $9.70 billion with sales in Q1,FY25 rising to $2.40 billion.
The brand registered a 12.8 per cent increase in sales during Q4, FY24. This was a result of 18 per cent rise in domestic sales and 9.8 per cent rise in international sales.
The brand’s sales from the wholesale business also increased by 17.5 per cent while its direct-to-consumer sales increased 8.4 per cent during the quarter
Regionally, the brand’s sales in Asia Pacific grew by 3.3 per cent while sales in the Americas increased by 14.2 per cent during the quarter. Sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa expanded by 24.8 per cent, said the Los Angeles-based company.
During the quarter, the company’s revenues increased to $99.3 million as against revenues of $87.2 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
According to Robert Greenberg, CEO, Skechers, the record sales growth achieved by Skechers during the quarter can be attributed to the strong response to the brand’s focus on comfort technology products, and the outstanding contribution of their dedicated team in developing, marketing and managing the strategic allocation of footwear, apparel and accessories worldwide. The brand’s innovative business closely aligns with the needs of consumers of all ages, genders, activities and professions embrace their performance products, he adds.
