British fashion retail sales to the EU have plummeted post-Brexit, with exports dropping over 60 per cent from £7.4 billion in 2019 to £2.7 billion in 2023, according to the latest Brexit to Breakthrough report by Retail Economics and Tradebyte. Overall, UK retail sales to the EU have fallen by £5.9 billion.
Clothing, once a top UK export, has been overtaken by health and beauty, electricals, DIY, and gardening, which now account for three-quarters of non-food retail exports. Despite inflation softening the impact, the total value of UK non-food retail exports to the EU has still declined nearly 18 per cent since 2019.
Brexit-related trade frictions including higher logistics costs, customs complexities, and regulatory hurdlescontinue to stifle international online retail. These barriers are limiting UK brands access to the EU’s £322.6 billion e-commerce market.
However, onlinee marketplaces have emerged as a key survival strategy, now accounting for £133 billion (40 per cent) of EU e-commerce. Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, emphasized their importance in helping UK retailers navigate Brexit’s long-term effects.
While Brexit has reshaped UK retail, digital marketplaces are proving essential for brands looking to rebuild European trade and drive future growth.
Heimtextil 2025, held in Frankfurt, Germany, wrapped up as a resounding success, with full exhibition halls, 142 participating nations, and significant increases in both exhibitors and visitors. Over four days, the event welcomed more than 50,000 buyers who experienced the latest collections, materials, and textile solutions from over 3,000 exhibitors. With a marked increase in international participation, the exhibition reinforced its position as the leading global trade fair for home and contract textiles.
Notably, the international share of exhibitors rose to 96 per cent, with leading countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium dominating the showcase. On the visitor side, international attendance also surged to 84 per cent, with particularly strong growth from markets like Argentina, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, Canada, Sweden, South Korea, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the growing demand for trade fairs, stating that in challenging economic times, market presence and resilience were essential. "Heimtextil enabled industry and retail to access new markets and shape global competition," Braun explained. Exhibitors also reported high satisfaction, with 81 per cent achieving their trade fair goals. Visitor satisfaction hit an impressive 94 per cent, demonstrating increased engagement and decision-making among top buyers.
A key highlight of the event was Patricia Urquiola’s immersive installation, ‘among-us,’ which set new standards for textile-based interior design. The installation, aimed at hospitality and retail decision-makers, demonstrated the potential of textiles in architecture and interior design. The atmospheric space combined functional design with innovative textile solutions, offering a forward-thinking vision of future living environments.
Urquiola’s showcase exemplified the increasing role of textiles in shaping progressive, sustainable, and aesthetically bold interiors for retail and hospitality sectors, creating a buzz among trade visitors seeking new concepts and ideas.
The Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated by the Milanese design platform Alcova, provided critical guidance to the retail sector amid evolving consumer preferences and restrained spending. The trend themes ‘Naturally Uneven,’ ‘Radically Restructured,’ and ‘Regenerative’ highlighted the growing consumer demand for durable, high-quality products with ethical and ecological considerations.
Alcova’s Trend Arena showcased contemporary materials, techniques, and production processes, offering solutions for the industry’s ongoing challenges. The 2025 color palette, including tones such as Revival Mud, New Green Deal, and Syntropic Forest, captured the essence of a more sustainable and conscientious approach to interior design.
Heimtextil 2025 also placed a strong emphasis on innovation, with a comprehensive content program featuring over 140 lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Key topics included AI-driven design, circular production processes, and sustainable business practices. The event’s focus on AI demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional textile production and customer care, opening up new business opportunities in the industry.
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, emphasized the importance of Heimtextil as a hub for global knowledge exchange. "With our new partnerships and expertise on circularity, we are helping businesses thrive in a changing world," Schmidt remarked.
The event's extensive program not only addressed the industry's technological advances but also provided a platform for promoting sustainable practices and economic growth within the retail, hospitality, and interior design sectors.
The success of Heimtextil 2025 has set the stage for the next edition, taking place from January 13 to 16, 2026. Patricia Urquiola will return to further develop her innovative design concepts, setting new benchmarks for textile-based room designs. Alcova Milano will also continue its exploration of innovative materials and emerging trends, providing valuable insights that will shape the future of textile interior design.
As Heimtextil continues to drive transformation in the textile industry, the 2026 edition promises to deliver even greater value for exhibitors, visitors, and the global textile community.
To enhance its position in the luxury fashion industry and advance its strategic goals, Lanvin Group announced significant leadership and board changes recently.
The group appointed Andy Lew, CEO, St John Knits as the new Executive President of the Lanvin Group. He will replace, Eric Chan, the current CEO, who will transition to the role of a board director. The company says, these changes reflect its commitment to fostering a dynamic leadership team capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth in a rapidly changing market.
With over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, Lew has a proven track record in leadership and operational excellence within the luxury sector. In his new role, he will oversee Lanvin Group’s global operations including strategic management, business development, financial management, supply chain, IT and brand operations. He will also lead the establishment of the group’s second headquarters in Europe.
Lew’s extensive background includes senior roles at Brooks Brothers Group, Ermenegildo Zegna Group, and Nordstrom Inc., where he led business expansions, high-performing teams, and operations in complex global markets.
In addition to the leadership changes, Lanvin Group has also expanded its board members from eight to nine. It appointed Alan Liu as a director, replacing Grace Fang with Eric Chan’s new role as a director also coming into effect immediately.
India’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage, is embracing a transformative journey toward sustainability. Textiles account for 13 per cent of India’s industrial production, 12 per cent of exports, and 2.3 per cent of GDP, employing over 45 million people, including 3.5 million handloom workers. Despite this impressive growth, the sector faces significant environmental challenges, such as waste, water pollution, and reliance on synthetic materials.
To address these concerns, Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, will showcase eco-friendly innovations and sustainable practices. Organized by 11 industry associations with support from the Ministry of Textiles, the event aims to redefine the sector’s future. Held from February 14-17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and from February 12-15, 2025, at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, the expo will span over 2.2 million square feet, covering the entire textile ecosystem under one roof.
Circularity and sustainability are key themes, with exhibitors highlighting water-efficient dyeing processes, organic cotton farming, upcycling techniques, and closed-loop manufacturing. A special pavilion will feature winners of sustainability hackathons and showcase Kasturi Cotton, a globally traceable and high-quality cotton standard.
Bharat Tex 2025 will spotlight innovations that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Renewable energy integration, such as solar and wind power adoption, will be a focal point, alongside sustainable fashion collections emphasizing zero-waste design. Small clusters like Panipat, Tirupur, and Surat will showcase their strides in recycling and decarbonization.
The expo will also address the circular economy with initiatives that transform textile waste into valuable resources. Technologies enabling fibre recycling without quality loss will take center stage, highlighting India’s leadership in circularity. These practices demonstrate the industry’s potential to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
Bharat Tex 2025 goes beyond being a trade show by offering over 70 workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. Topics will range from embedding ESG principles into supply chains to exploring pathways to decarbonization. Sessions on global sustainability standards and strategies for achieving a circular economy will empower participants with actionable insights.
This visionary event aims to ensure the competitiveness of India’s textile sector while aligning with global sustainability standards. By fostering trade, promoting innovation, and preserving cultural heritage, Bharat Tex 2025 will solidify India’s leadership in sustainable textiles. The event underscores a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously.
In a year marked by economic uncertainty and a growing awareness about sustainability, the secondhand market has emerged as a clear winner. New data from Consumer Edge, a leading provider of global consumer insights, reveals that resale spending outpaced traditional retail throughout 2024. This trend, driven by budget-conscious shoppers and a desire for unique items, signals a significant shift in consumer behavior with potentially lasting implications for the retail landscape. "The resale market's strong performance in 2024 is a testament to the changing priorities of consumers," says John Smith, Chief Analyst at Consumer Edge. "Shoppers are increasingly seeking value, sustainability, and uniqueness in their purchases. The secondhand market offers all of these, and platforms like Grailed and Depop have successfully tapped into this growing demand."
Resale spending growth surpassed overall retail spending in 2024. This outperformance was particularly pronounced in the apparel, accessories, and footwear sector.
Resale momentum surged in the latter half of the year. After a summer lull, resale spending rebounded with a 5 per cent year-over-year growth in October, the highest point of the year.
Peer-to-peer marketplaces are leading the charge. Platforms like Grailed and Depop, which facilitate direct transactions between consumers, saw explosive growth, with year-over-year spend increases of over 180 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. For example, social shopping platform Grailed focused on menswear saw a remarkable increase in popularity, this was because of its curated selection of high-quality secondhand items and a strong community engagement. "Grailed has become the go-to destination for fashion-conscious men looking for unique pieces at accessible prices," says David Rosenblatt, CEO of Grailed. "Our growth reflects the increasing desire for individuality and self-expression through fashion."
Similarly, Depop popular among Gen Z, fosters a vibrant community where users can buy and sell unique fashion finds. The platform's emphasis on individual style and creative expression resonates with young consumers seeking alternatives to mass-produced fashion. "Depop is more than just a marketplace; it's a platform for discovering and celebrating personal style," says Maria Raga, CEO of Depop. "Our users are passionate about sustainability and self-expression, and they're driving the growth of the circular economy."
Moving ahead, the secondhand market is expected to continue growing in 2025. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek ways to stretch their budgets further, the appeal of secondhand goods is only likely to increase. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional retailers. While some brands are embracing the resale market by launching their own secondhand platforms, others risk being left behind if they fail to adapt to this evolving consumer landscape.
Latest CITI analysis reveals India's textile and apparel sector clocked in robust export growth in December 2024. Both textiles and apparel registered double-digit growth compared to the same period last year, signalling a positive trend for the industry.
Textile exports in December 2024 were 12.76 per cent higher than in December 2023, reaching $1,798.49 million. This strong performance was driven by notable growth in several categories, including jute manufacturing (51.58 per cent), handicrafts (14.90 per cent), and cotton yarn/fabs (11.98 per cent). While cumulative textile exports for the period April-December 2024 showed a more moderate increase of 4.87 per cent, this still indicates a positive overall trajectory for the sector
Particulars |
Dec-23 |
Dec-24 |
% Change |
Apr-Dec 23 |
Apr-Dec 24 |
% Change |
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
937.93 |
1,050.31 |
11.98% |
8,670.08 |
8,914.73 |
2.82% |
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
374.57 |
421.51 |
12.53% |
3,428.34 |
3,610.27 |
5.31% |
Jute Mfg. including Floor Covering |
24.97 |
37.85 |
51.58% |
258.93 |
283.93 |
9.66% |
Carpet |
122.98 |
134.23 |
9.15% |
1,037.94 |
1,149.50 |
10.75% |
Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet |
134.54 |
154.59 |
14.90% |
1,172.21 |
1,319.12 |
12.53% |
Textile Total |
1,594.99 |
1,798.49 |
12.76% |
14,567.50 |
15,277.55 |
4.87% |
Apparel exports also performed well, with a 12.89 per cent year-on-year increase in December 2024, reaching $1,462.26 million. This positive momentum contributed to a significant 11.58 per cent rise in cumulative apparel exports for the April-December 2024 period.
Particulars |
Dec-23 |
Dec-24 |
% Change |
Apr-Dec 23 |
Apr-Dec 24 |
% Change |
Apparel |
1,295.27 |
1,462.26 |
12.89% |
10,141.67 |
11,316.09 |
11.58% |
Overall, the combined exports of textiles and apparel reached $3,260.75 million in December 2024, a 12.82 per cent increase compared to December 2023. As for cumulative performance from April to December 2024, the total value of textile and apparel exports grew by 7.63 per cent year-on-year. The share of textiles and apparel in India's total exports rose from 7.53 per cent in December 2023 to 8.58 per cent in December 2024, highlighting the growing importance of this sector to the Indian economy.
In fact, India's textile and apparel sector continued its positive growth path in the last quarter of 2024, reveals the updated CITI analysis from October and November. Both textiles and apparel have shown consistent growth compared to the same period last year, reinforcing the sector's strong position in the Indian economy.
Particulars |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Oct-23 |
Nov-23 |
Dec-23 |
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
985.12 |
1,012.54 |
1,050.31 |
854.21 |
897.65 |
937.93 |
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
398.75 |
405.82 |
421.51 |
345.87 |
358.12 |
374.57 |
Jute Mfg. including Floor Covering |
32.15 |
35.42 |
37.85 |
21.54 |
23.87 |
24.97 |
Carpet |
128.54 |
131.87 |
134.23 |
110.32 |
118.65 |
122.98 |
Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet |
145.21 |
149.85 |
154.59 |
125.87 |
130.21 |
134.54 |
Textile Total |
1,689.77 |
1,735.50 |
1,798.49 |
1,457.81 |
1,528.50 |
1,594.99 |
Textile exports showed consistent growth over the three months leading to December 2024. October and November saw increases of 15.91 per cent and 11.56 per cent respectively compared to the same months in 2023. This culminated in a 12.76 per cent year-on-year rise in December, reaching $1,798.49 million. All key categories within textiles contributed to this growth, highlighting the broad-based strength of the sector.
Particulars |
Oct-24 |
Nov-24 |
Dec-24 |
Oct-23 |
Nov-23 |
Dec-23 |
Apparel |
1,358.92 |
1,410.55 |
1,462.26 |
1,185.42 |
1,240.87 |
1,295.27 |
Apparel exports too followed a similar trend, with October and November registering strong growth of 14.65 per cent and 13.66 per cent respectively compared to the previous year. December saw a further acceleration, with a 12.89 per cent year-on-year increase, reaching $1,462.26 million.
Overall the combined exports of textiles and apparel showed consistent growth throughout the October-December 2024 period. This sustained momentum underscores the sector's resilience and positive outlook. From April to December 2024, the total value of textile and apparel exports grew by 7.63 per cent year-on-year, driven by the strong performance in the last quarter. The share of textiles and apparel in India's total exports rose from 7.53 per cent in December 2023 to 8.58 per cent in December 2024, further solidifying its contribution to the Indian economy.
Despite the positive growth, the industry faces challenges such as rising raw material costs and increasing competition in the global market. However, the strong performance in December 2024 indicates resilience and potential for continued growth in the textile and apparel sector. The government's support through initiatives such as production-linked incentives (PLIs) is expected to further boost the industry's competitiveness and contribute to its expansion in the coming years.
Profitability of the polyester filament yarn (PFY) sector is expected to improve in 2025 as the production capacity of direct-spun PFY will grow by 3.5 per cent to 1.82 million tons.
Additionally, favorable dynamics in polyester raw materials like PX and MEG, along with stable oil prices and limited RMB depreciation will help prevent significant inventory devaluation.
While a potential US-China trade war 2.0 may shift export demand, China’s cost and scale advantage in polyester will cause orders to shift to exports of raw or semi-finished goods, impacting downstream profits but sustaining upstream stability.
In 2024, the profitability of polyester filament yarn remained challenged due an 8.4 per cent rise in production. Higher operating rates, especially during the Spring Festival, added 1.5 million tons, while 2023’s capacity expansion operated at full capacity, contributing over 4 million tons.
Falling oil and polyester raw material prices devalued PFY inventories significantly during the year, slashing prices by 1,400 yuan/mt. Fixed-price policies briefly improved margins but led to higher inventories, exacerbating losses during the price collapse.
However, since mid-December, the polyester filament yarn (PFY) market has been showing a strong performance, with inventory levels dropping to their lowest in 2024. Two key factors have been driving this improvement: better downstream demand in December compared to November and a steep drop in PFY prices, which encouraged bulk purchases by buyers.
With reduced inventories, PFY prices have rebounded by 500–600 yuan/mt, restoring profitability. Margins for conventional products like POY150D/48F have recovered to 200–300 yuan/mt.
Iluna Group's strategy is deeply inspired by Lavoisier's famous law, guiding its creative process with an emphasis on transformation over creation. Federica Annovazzi, Creative Director of Iluna, explains that today’s true artistry lies in reimagining what already exists. She believes that innovation stems from refining processes, with a focus on sustainable, conscious, and culturally significant transformations in design.
For Summer 2025, Iluna introduces three key creative moods: Simpleness, Essences, and Divine. Simpleness celebrates the beauty found in everyday life, inspired by Ken Scott’s floral maximalism, which comes to life in intricate laces. Essences reflects the timeless purity of water, symbolizing fluidity and evolution, drawing inspiration from Iris Van Herpen's sensory and movement-driven design. Finally, Divine invokes Eastern spirituality through delicate flowers, blending botany and luxury fashion, inspired by Guo Pei’s artistic fusion of Chinese imperial style and European fashion.
Iluna Group, a pioneer in sustainability, has been committed to environmental responsibility since 2018 with its Green Label range. The company ensures full control over its production chain, from polymer to finished lace, with transparency and traceability through the Higgs Index. Its share of sustainable production has risen from 3 per cent in 2018 to over 50 per cent in 2022.
In total, Iluna has produced 7.5 million meters of Green Label lace, saving significant water resources. Innovations include GRS-certified Lurex nets, special finishes like printing and flocking, and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and Roica EF, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainability and responsible innovation.
Apparel exports from India recorded a significant 12.9 per cent growth in December 2024 compared to the same month last year, according to Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). He highlighted that the sector has maintained robust growth over the past six months despite global challenges and subdued demand from major markets.
Sekhri emphasized that this is an opportune time for India to strengthen its global footprint by entering new markets and leveraging platforms like Bharat Tex 2025. The upcoming expo will facilitate new business alliances, expand sourcing networks, and promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian textile sector.
From April to December 2024-25, ready-made garment (RMG) exports totaled $11,316.2 million, marking an 11.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. India also achieved impressive growth in key markets: 14.3 per cent in the USA, 8.1 per cent in the UK, 9 per cent in Germany, 20.7 per cent in Spain, and 33.6 per cent in the Netherlands. Notably, exports to free trade agreement (FTA) markets like Korea (22.7 per cent), Japan (9 per cent), Australia (9.8 per cent), and Mauritius (16.6 per cent) also surged.
Sekhri attributed this success to improved product acceptance, compliance-focused factories, and industry-friendly government policies. He expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for Indian apparel exports, driven by adaptability to changing consumer trends and innovation.
Bharat Tex 2025 promises to be a vibrant platform showcasing the synergy of sustainability, global branding, and innovation, enabling the industry to scale greater heights.
The polypropylene yarn market is evolving rapidly, driven by growing demand for sustainable and high-performance textiles. With the industry focusing on cost efficiency and cutting-edge fibre technologies, advancements in polypropylene and functional yarns are at the forefront. Yarn Expo Spring, taking place from 11–13 March 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, will serve as a platform to showcase these innovations.
Sustainability, smart materials, and advanced manufacturing processes have made functional textiles more durable and versatile. Polypropylene (PP) yarn is widely used in clothing, carpets, industrial textiles, geotextiles, and medical applications. As industries demand adaptable materials, the polypropylene yarn market is projected to reach $38.3 billion by 2037, growing at a CAGR of 5.7 per cent.
Asia-Pacific, led by China and India, dominates the polypropylene yarn market. China’s robust textile manufacturing sector positions it as a top producer and exporter. Yarn Expo Spring 2025 will highlight this leadership with exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations.
Notable participants include Guangdong Modern High-Tech Fiber Co Ltd, China’s top polypropylene filament manufacturer with an annual output exceeding 50,000 tons; Shandong Tengzhou Huamao Textile Ltd, known for high-tenacity PP yarn and fibres; and Qingdao Bangte Ecological Textile Technology Co Ltd, which develops green and functional fibres like Greenwarm with antiseptic properties. Taiwan’s Neshin Spinning Co Ltd and Suzhou Pure-fiber Textile Technology Co Ltd will also display advanced functional yarns.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and CCPIT, Yarn Expo Spring runs alongside key industry events, offering exhibitors and buyers unmatched networking and business opportunities.
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