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From the point of view of global apparel import trends, the recent rise in Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports reveals a compelling picture. The first half of fiscal year 2024-25 shows a significant rise across major markets, highlighting shifts in sourcing strategies and evolving consumer demands.
The EU, a cornerstone of Bangladeshi RMG exports
The European Union's continued dominance as Bangladesh's primary market is undeniable. Accounting for roughly 50 per cent of the total RMG exports, the EU's imports reached $9.87 billion, a 15.22 per cent increase year-over-year.
Table: Bangladesh RMG exports to EU markets (July-Dec 2024-25)
|
Country |
Import value ($ bn) |
Growth rate (%) |
|
Germany |
2.47 |
14 |
|
Spain |
1.7 |
3 |
|
Netherlands |
1.06 |
>10 |
|
France |
1.09 |
>10 |
|
Poland |
0.79 |
28 |
|
Italy |
0.77 |
<10 |
|
Denmark |
0.56 |
>10 |
Diversification and growth: While Germany remains the top importer, the substantial growth in countries like Poland (28 per cent) indicates a diversification of import destinations within the EU. This could reflect changing consumer preferences or strategic sourcing decisions by retailers.
Varying growth rates: The disparity in growth rates, from Poland's high to Spain's modest increase, suggests that market-specific factors are at play. These could include economic conditions, retail trends, and competitive pressures.
The US a strategic shift
The US which accounts for 19-20 per cent of Bangladesh's total RMG exports, has emerged as a crucial growth market. The 17.55 per cent increase in imports ($3.84 billion) is significant, particularly in light of geopolitical trade tensions.
The imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods by the US has created a window of opportunity for alternative sourcing destinations like Bangladesh. Therefore, US buyers are actively seeking to diversify their supply chains to mitigate risks associated with reliance on a single source. This shift is not merely about cost; it also reflects concerns about supply chain resilience and ethical sourcing.
Expanding horizons
Bangladesh's success is not limited to traditional markets. The 6.70 per cent growth in exports to the UK ($2.16 billion) and the 14 per cent increase in exports to Canada ($640 million) are noteworthy. Furthermore, the strong performance in emerging markets, with a total of $3.37 billion, demonstrates Bangladesh's growing competitiveness.
Table: Bangladesh RMG exports to emerging markets (July-Dec 2024-25)
|
Country |
Import value ($ mn) |
Growth rate (%) |
|
Japan |
600 |
5.7 |
|
Australia |
430 |
7.5 |
|
India |
370 |
18 |
|
Korea |
230 |
2.84 |
|
Turkey |
220 |
43 |
India's rise: The 18 per cent growth in exports to India is particularly significant, reflecting the growing demand for affordable apparel in the expanding Indian market.
Turkey's remarkable growth: The 43 per cent growth in exports to Turkey highlights the potential of this market.
Diversification: The expanding footprint in markets like Australia, Japan, and Korea showcases Bangladesh's ability to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. As noted by the BKMEA president, buyers are demanding lower prices despite rising production costs. This could squeeze profit margins for Bangladeshi manufacturers. Infrastructure and supply chain bottlenecks are another bane. Gas and electricity shortages, as well as reliance on imported yarn, pose significant challenges to the industry. Banking activities and law and order situations also need to be addressed to sustain export growth.
Despite new tariff hikes and Amazon’s attempts to carve out a slice of the budget-friendly e-commerce pie, Chinese giants Temu and Shein remain steadfast in their ambition to conquer the US market. Their confidence, industry analysts suggest, stems from a potent combination of agile supply chains, data-driven strategies, and a deep understanding of the price-sensitive American consumer.
The narrative of Temu and Shein's rapid ascent is well-documented. Leveraging China's vast manufacturing ecosystem and direct-to-consumer models, they have flooded the market with ultra-low-priced apparel, home goods, and electronics. Temu, launched in the US in 2022 by PDD Holdings, and Shein, which also expanded its US presence that year, have capitalized on a perfect storm of inflation-weary consumers and the allure of "treasure hunt" shopping experiences.
However, the sceptre of increased US tariffs, ranging from 10 to 20 per cent on Chinese imports, threatens to disrupt their carefully calibrated business models. Yet, Shein’s executive chairman, Donald Tang, remains unfazed. "We will find a way to deliver the goods," Tang told AFP, emphasizing the company's commitment to maintaining affordability for US consumers. While specifics remain undisclosed, his statement underscores a broader industry sentiment: Chinese e-commerce firms are confident in their ability to adapt and overcome regulatory hurdles.
Even as tariffs pose a challenge, these companies have demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate complex regulatory environments," notes John Smith, a supply chain expert at Gartner. "Their diversified sourcing strategies and willingness to absorb some of the cost increases will likely mitigate the impact."
Unwavering momentum
A report by YipitData says, Temu and Shein have collectively captured a significant portion of the US fast-fashion market, with Temu seeing explosive growth in its first year. While exact market share numbers fluctuate, their combined user base has rapidly expanded, overshadowing Amazon's nascent ‘Haul’ platform. Apptopia data shows that Temu and Shein consistently rank among the most downloaded shopping apps in the US, indicating sustained consumer interest. And a study from Earnest Analytics reveals that consumers are increasingly allocating a larger portion of their online shopping budget to these platforms, particularly among lower-income demographics.
Perhaps what works for Shein's is its supply chain mastery. The ability to produce small batches of clothing based on real-time trend data allows Shein to minimize waste and respond rapidly to consumer demand. This agile supply chain, honed over years, provides a significant competitive advantage.
Temu relies on aggressive marketing. Temu's heavy investment in social media advertising and influencer partnerships has led to its rapid user acquisition. Their strategy of gamified shopping experiences and flash sales has resonated with younger consumers. The Chinese e-commerce giants have perfected the art of leveraging data to anticipate consumer preferences, says Emily Weiss, a retail analyst at Forrester. "Their ability to offer a constantly changing assortment of trendy products at incredibly low prices is a powerful draw for budget-conscious shoppers."
The Amazon challenge
Amazon's ‘Haul’ platform, launched in November 2024, has struggled to gain traction. The platform's inability to match the ultra-low prices and rapid product turnover of Temu and Shein has hampered its growth. As consumers increasingly prioritize affordability, Amazon faces an uphill battle in capturing a significant share of this market.
Despite the looming tariff concerns, Temu and Shein's confidence appears well-founded. Their agile business models, data-driven strategies, and deep understanding of the price-sensitive US consumer position them for continued growth. As the battle for market share intensifies, the e-commerce landscape is poised for further disruption.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Charles Heilig delivered the State of the Industry address at the association’s 21st Annual Meeting on March 27 in Washington, D C.
Heilig, who is also the president of Parkdale Mills, a leading US yarn and cotton product manufacturer, highlighted the industry’s key challenges and achievements over the past year. He presented economic and trade data related to the US textile supply chain and outlined NCTO’s policy priorities for 2024 and 2025.
NCTO has been advocating for strong domestic manufacturing policies, fair trade practices, and supply chain resilience. Heilig emphasized the industry’s efforts to navigate global trade shifts, rising costs, and competition while continuing to invest in innovation and sustainability.
His remarks, as prepared for delivery, along with an industry data infographic, have been made available by NCTO. The meeting, held at the Mayflower Hotel from March 24-27, brought together key textile industry stakeholders to discuss policies shaping the future of US textile manufacturing.
The Good Cashmere Conference 2025 in Hamburg gathered global cashmere industry leaders, NGOs, and scientists to discuss advancements in sustainable cashmere production. The event focused on innovative technologies, animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and transparency in the textile supply chain.
Michael Otto, founder of the Aid by Trade Foundation, emphasized The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) as a transformative force: "Sustainability is a license to operate. GCS is not just a set of rules; it’s a commitment to a better future." Key discussions included virtual reality applications, scientific measures for animal welfare, and blockchain for supply chain transparency.
Since its launch in 2019, GCS has grown into the largest sustainable cashmere standard, with over 50 fashion brands, including H&M, Marc O’Polo, and The White Company, using GCS-certified fibers. From 2024 to 2025, labeled textiles increased by 30 per cent. Conference experts stressed the importance of ensuring positive experiences for cashmere goats, translating scientific research into practice through training, digital solutions, and model farms. GCS verification shows 100 per cent compliance with core indicators and over 90 per cent fulfillment in social and animal welfare aspects.
With cashmere production dependent on Inner Mongolia’s fragile grasslands, biodiversity preservation was a key topic. NGOs, scientists, and brands highlighted the need for sustainable grazing practices to protect the ecosystem from climate change.
Looking ahead, innovations like blockchain for tracking cashmere and virtual reality tools for training are set to further improve sustainability. "The future of cashmere relies on our ability to cultivate a truly sustainable legacy," Otto concluded. Alex Barnett of The White Company added: "The conference combined animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and transparency, offering valuable insights into the future of responsible cashmere production."
British fast-fashion retailer Primark plans to further expand its operations in the United States by opening new stores in Georgia, South Carolina, and an additional store in Texas.
Spanning 96,400 sq ft, these stores will be located at Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina; The Parks Mall at Arlington in Arlington, Texas; and Augusta Mall in Augusta, Georgia.
Kevin Tulip, President, Primark US, says, these expansions by the company demonstrate its dedication to providing quality and affordability to a wider range of US customers. Through these expansions, the retailer plans to offer customers a diverse collection of fashion and accessories at affordable prices.
Having first entered the US market in 2015, Primark opened its flagship store in downtown Boston. These new additions will increase the retailer's total US store count to over 30.
Online visitor registration for ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is now open, offering a 50 per cent discount on badge prices for early registrants. The exhibition will take place from 28 to 31 October 2025 at Singapore Expo.
Visitors who register before 28 September can avail early bird rates of S$50 for a four-day badge and S$25 for a one-day badge at www.itmaasiasingapore.com. Standard online rates will be S$60 and S$30, while onsite rates will rise to S$100 and S$50, respectively. All fees include GST.
Touted as the leading textile technology exhibition driving regional growth, ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is expected to attract industry professionals from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Alex Zucchi, president of CEMATEX, emphasized the exhibition’s role in helping manufacturers optimize production efficiency, increase output, and enhance product quality. Gu Ping, president of the China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), highlighted that the event will showcase cutting-edge textile solutions, fostering business collaborations.
Jemmy Kartiwa Sastraatmadja, chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) and ASEAN Textile Industry Federation (AFTEX), noted that the exhibition will strengthen ASEAN’s textile industry by showcasing modern technology. He stressed the importance of keeping pace with global trends and adopting eco-friendly production methods to tackle textile and garment waste.
According to the show organizers CEMATEX, CTMA, and CCPIT TEX over 770 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions have already secured stand space. The exhibition will serve as a vital platform for industry leaders to explore advanced machinery and sustainable solutions.
At the 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), industry leaders reinforced their commitment to ethical labor practices by implementing a stringent Code of Conduct to prevent child and forced labor. This initiative ensures compliance with national and international labor laws, safeguarding workers' rights across the supply chain.
Signatory factories must not engage in bonded or forced labor and must ensure all work is performed voluntarily without coercion. The code mandates that no child under 14 years is employed in factories or supply chains, aligning with both Indian regulations and international labor standards. If a higher minimum age is required by law, factories must comply with that threshold. Additionally, young workers aged 14 to 18 are prohibited from hazardous tasks, night shifts, and exposure to harmful substances.
To prevent child labor, factories must have strict recruitment policies, verify proof of age through official documents, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance. If child labor is detected, companies are responsible for rehabilitation and remediation. Suppliers and subcontractors must also adhere to these standards.
To combat forced labor, factories must implement policies prohibiting bonded labor and human trafficking. Workers must be informed of their rights in a language they understand and provided with written employment contracts. Employers are prohibited from retaining workers’ identification documents, and all employment must be free from coercion or threats.
The code aligns with Indian labor laws, including the Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Child Labor Prohibition Act, as well as ILO conventions on forced and child labor. By enforcing these guidelines, the Indian textile industry aims to promote ethical sourcing, enhance brand reputation, and eliminate exploitative labor practices, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and fair labor standards.
The 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), highlighted a strategic roadmap for India’s textile and apparel (T&A) sector. India’s T&A exports reached 33.2 billion US dollars during April 2024-February 2025, registering a 7.2 per cent increase over the previous year. However, with exports still near the 2015 level, the industry must achieve 18 percent annual growth to reach the 100 billion US dollar target by 2030.
Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM MITRA parks, and ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union and the United States are expected to drive expansion. However, addressing key challenges is essential. Based on deliberations at the National Committee on Textiles and Clothing (NCTC), ATEXCON 2025 outlined five priority areas:
Raw Material Availability - Removing import restrictions on cotton, man-made fiber, and specialized yarns to ensure competitive pricing.
Cotton Import Duty - Eliminating the 10 percent duty on cotton fiber to bridge the supply-demand gap of 3.8 million bales and enhance cost competitiveness.
Investment Incentives - Launching a scheme combining capital subsidies and performance-based incentives, with a special focus on textile processing.
PM MITRA Parks - Accelerating the implementation of integrated textile parks to strengthen the value chain.
Trade Agreements - Fast-tracking free trade agreements (FTAs) with the EU and the US to ensure a level playing field for Indian exporters.
Industry leaders at ATEXCON 2025 also emphasized that GST on ready-made garments should not be increased. Addressing these key areas will enable India’s T&A industry to capitalize on emerging global opportunities and drive sustainable growth.
The nomination committee of H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB has finalized its proposals for the annual general meeting on 7 May 2025. Klas Balkow has been nominated as a new board member, while all current members, except Stina Bergfors, have been proposed for re-election. Karl-Johan Persson is set to continue as chair.
Balkow brings extensive retail experience, having served as CEO of Axfood and Clas Ohlson, with 17 years leading listed companies. “Klas’s expertise in retail and board work will be a valuable asset,” said Stefan Persson, chair of the nomination committee.
Persson also expressed gratitude to Stina Bergfors, who is stepping down after nine years. “Stina’s contributions, especially in tech and entrepreneurship, have been significant,” he noted.
Balkow, born in 1965, has also held senior roles at Procter & Gamble and Bredbandsbolaget. He serves on the boards of Axel Johnson AB and the Swedish Armed Forces’ oversight council. His personal shareholding in H&M is 4,000 shares.
The nomination committee includes Karl-Johan Persson, Stefan Persson, Lottie Tham, Anders Oscarsson (AMF), and Joachim Spetz (Swedbank Robur), representing 87 percent of the company’s total votes. Full proposals will be detailed in the official AGM notice.
Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and strategic growth in its annual and sustainability report for the 2024 financial year, released today on hmgroup.com. A printed version will be sent to shareholders upon request.
CEO Daniel Erver highlighted the company’s progress in integrating sustainability with design and innovation. “Exceptional design and sustainable solutions go hand in hand with our purpose to liberate fashion for the many. Sustainability is fundamental to our operations and long-term success,” he said.
H&M Group also published its sustainability progress report, outlining achievements in decarbonization, material sourcing, and corporate responsibility. The company remains on track to meet its goal of using only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030, with recycled materials already reaching 29.5 per cent, just shy of its 30 per cent target for 2025, a year ahead of schedule.
“We are delivering strong results in reducing emissions and energy use across our supply chain, aligned with science-based targets,” said Leyla Ertur, Sustainability Director.
Key sustainability milestones in 2024 include 89 per cent of materials sourced sustainably or recycled, a 41 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in scope 1 and 2, and a 24 per cent reduction in scope 3 from the 2019 baseline. The company also achieved a 54 per cent cut in plastic packaging from the 2018 baseline, surpassing its 2025 goal.
The number of garment factories using on-site coal boilers decreased to 27, down from 118 in 2022, with a full phase-out planned by 2026. Freshwater consumption in garment suppliers was reduced by 9.5 per cent, nearly reaching the 10 per cent target ahead of schedule. Second-hand fashion expanded to 26 markets through 38 H&M Group stores and Sellpy.
H&M Group also renewed its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and IF Metall, protecting over one million workers worldwide.
