China has regained its position as India's largest trading partner in fiscal year 2023-24, edging out the US by a narrow margin, as per Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) statistics. This shift has significant implications for the textiles, apparel, and fashion sectors in all three countries.

China previously held the title of India's top trading partner from 2013-14 to 2017-18, and again in 2020-21. This dominance was largely due to China's established manufacturing base and competitive pricing in textiles and apparel. Indian consumers have a long-standing preference for affordable Chinese clothing, while China relies on Indian cotton, a key raw material.

China's dominance stems from a total trade volume of $118.4 billion with India, edging out the US by a mere $100 million. While India's exports to China rose by 8.7 per cent, imports grew a substantial 44.7 per cent, highlighting a growing trade deficit. This trend reflects China's established position as a manufacturing powerhouse, catering to India's demand for affordable clothing and textiles.

The US seeks closer ties

 Despite losing the top spot, the US-India trade relationship remains strong. . The US, is focusing on a strategic shift. The US is actively seeking to deepen economic ties with India, focusing on areas like high-tech goods and advanced textiles. This could lead to increased collaboration in areas like sustainable and innovative fashion within the US and Indian markets. While bilateral trade remains strong, the US is prioritizing diversification of its trading partners and fostering innovation in the textile industry. 

India's balancing act

India sits at the centre of this dynamic. The increased trade with China offers access to a vast and cost-effective production base. However, the growing trade deficit and potential security concerns are prompting India to explore alternative partnerships and boost domestic manufacturing. The government's initiatives like the ‘Make in India’ program aim to incentivize local production and reduce reliance on imports.

The impact on textiles & apparel

The global textile industry is witnessing a shift towards ethical and sustainable practices. This trend is creating opportunities for Indian manufacturers to position themselves as a more responsible alternative to China.

Competition: Renewed India-China trade could intensify competition in the global textile and apparel market. Both countries are major exporters, and a focus on cost-effectiveness might lead to price wars.

Supply chain reliance: India's dependence on Chinese suppliers might continue, potentially hindering efforts to develop a robust domestic textile manufacturing industry.

Shifting consumer preferences: Growing awareness of ethical sourcing and sustainability practices could push Indian fashion brands to look beyond China for suppliers, especially in Southeast Asia.

Indeed, the evolving trade landscape between India, China, and the US presents both challenges and opportunities for the textiles, apparel, and fashion industries. Here's what to watch out for:

India's policy focus: Will India implement policies to promote domestic textile manufacturing and reduce reliance on Chinese imports?

US-China trade relations: How will the ongoing trade war between the US and China impact global supply chains and sourcing strategies?

Rise of alternative suppliers: Can Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam capture a larger share of the Indian apparel market?

The future of textiles, apparel, and fashion trade now hinges on how these three major players navigate the changing geopolitical and economic landscape.

Valued at $194.1 billion in 2022, the global kidswear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent from 2023-32 to reach $286.9 billion by 2032. The market encompasses a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories designed specifically for children aged 0 to 17. 

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the apparel segment held the largest share in the global kidswear market in 2022, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This segment includes outerwear such as coats and jackets, special occasion dresses, tops like blouses and sweaters, and bottoms like trousers and skirts. 

There is a growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion, driven by the desire for eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. The digital transformation has reshaped the market as e-commerce and online shopping continue to expand. 

Character licensing remains popular, and there is an increasing selection of inclusive and gender-neutral clothing. The rise of fast fashion has catered to parents seeking trendy and affordable items for their children. The market growth is supported by the increasing number of children globally, rising disposable incomes, parental aspirations for quality wardrobes, and awareness of children's clothing quality.

Holding the largest share in 2022, the boys segment is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Athleisure clothing also remains popular for its comfort and adaptability. Environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly aware of sustainability and eco-friendly clothing options. 

By distribution channel, the supermarket & hypermarket segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. These supermarkets and hypermarkets not only offer a wide range of kid-friendly clothing and promote private label brands that provide cost-effective yet premium options but also embrace seasonal promotions and sustainability, and enhance their online presence to attract customers.

Region-wise, Asia-Pacific dominated the kids wear market in 2022 and is expected to continue this trend during the forecast period. The region's growing and younger population drives the demand for children's clothing, creating opportunities for manufacturers and retailers. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the apparel industry due to strict lockdown restrictions. Additionally, the pandemic has led to changes in consumer behavior, with more people staying at home. These changes have had both positive and negative impacts on the kids wear market.

Amnesty International, Clean Clothes Campaign, and Human Rights Watch are calling for a halt to Sri Lanka's proposed labor law reforms. The organizations allege the reforms would weaken worker protections and violate international standards.

These concerns echo those of Sri Lankan unions and civil society groups who have been protesting the reforms for months. The proposed changes reportedly remove international minimum standards like the eight-hour workday and protections against unfair dismissal. Additionally, limitations on overtime pay, annual leave, and freedom of association are worrying signs for worker rights.

Aruna Kashyap from Human Rights Watch stresses the importance of transparency and consultation, warning that implementing these reforms without adequate discussion could have severe consequences for Sri Lanka's garment industry and worker protections.

Ineke Zeldenrust from Clean Clothes Campaign emphasizes the vulnerable position of workers during the economic crisis, noting that Sri Lankan workers urgently require legal safeguards and strong unions. She expressed concern that the reforms might violate international labor and human rights standards.

The Sri Lankan government has not yet responded to the criticism. The proposed reforms come at a time of economic hardship for the country, with many Sri Lankans struggling to afford basic necessities. Weakening worker protections could exacerbate these issues and lead to further unrest.

Swiss sportswear brand On has appointed Laura Miele as its independent board member, where she will also serve on the audit committee.

Currently engaged as the President, Electronic Arts-Entertainment and Technology, Miele oversees the company’s portfolio of licensed and owned IP, along with the its central development services and CTO organisations. 

Before assuming this role in 2023, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of EA. Over the past few decades, Miele has played a pivotal role in executing several complex structural transformations at EA, including leading the company’s shift to digital delivery, expanding into new consumer demographics, and actively growing EA’s player network.

In addition to her role at EA, Miele has been involved in managing commercial, creative, and central technology teams. She served as a governor of the British Film Institute in 2022 and is a member of the Paley Media Council and the NAACP Entertainment Advocacy Council. She also serves on the Advisory Board for The Game Awards and previously held a position on the board of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Founded in the Swiss Alps in 2010, the brand On, has since expanded its presence to more than 60 countries.

The fashion industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is poised to grow at a CAGR of 48 per cent from 2021-25, as per a recent report by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority.

According to this report, the fashion industry contributed 1.4 per cent to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2022. The total value of the fashion sector, including international brands, stood at $24.6 billion in 2022, with the domestic fashion industry valued at $12.5 billion.

Burak Cakmak, CEO, Fashion Commission, emphasised the Kingdom’s broad transformation across various industries, including architecture, music, film, art, and food. He noted that the diverse initiatives led by the Fashion Commission are revolutionising the fashion sector, elevating local talents to global stages while focusing on growth and sustainability.

The Fashion Commission focuses on developing local talent. It has launched comprehensive educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to nurture the growth of Saudi nationals in the fashion sector. Additionally, the commission supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing essential resources to help businesses scale and grow.

As of 2022, the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia employed over over 230,000 people, according to the Monsha’at report. Women made up to 52 per cent of this workforce. By 2027, the women’s apparel market in the Kingdom is projected to grow by 20 per cent, while the men’s market is expected to expand by 27 percent during the same period.

AlphaTauri introduces Cirrus, an innovative Spring/Summer 2025 collection that transcends traditional seasonal constraints. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of Cirrus clouds, the collection emphasizes lightness, breathability, and fluidity through advanced technology and minimalist design.

Cirrus features ultra-light jackets and parkas that integrate micro-holes and laser perforations for superior ventilation, alongside ripstop weaves and ultra-matt finishes that ensure durability without compromising weightlessness. The knitwear range further embraces this ethos with innovative knit structures and strategic ribbing for enhanced airflow, utilizing 3D wholegarment technology to ensure seamless motion and reduced environmental impact.

Highlighting user-focused innovation, AlphaTauri blends technical and natural fibers to enhance performance and aesthetics. Premium cotton yarns plated with cooling Lyocell, Coolmax blended with cotton and cashmere for moisture-wicking comfort, and linen-cotton blends structured with 3D wholegarment technology illustrate the fusion of functionality and design.

The color palette draws from summer’s delicate hues, combining sandy beige, cloud grey, navy, fog blue, stone, off-white, and pink mist for a tranquil and sophisticated ensemble. Outerwear ranges from €230 to €650, knitwear from €180 to €300, and women’s Power Stretch Jersey items from €160 to €320, making Cirrus a versatile, stylish solution for unpredictable weather.

Chanel plans to increase its investment in its retail network by at least 50 per cent this year as the French design house aims to secure prime locations amid fierce competition with other luxury groups.

Owned by the billionaire Wertheimer family and headquartered in London, Chanel will continue to further integrate its supply chain with fresh acquisitions, following a dozen such deals last year.

The brand has also acquired buildings on New York’s Fifth Avenue and Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Made famous by the pioneering designs of founder Coco Chanel, the company has seen rapid growth as sales hit $19.7 billion last year, a 16 per cent increase from 2022 on a like-for-like basis, while operating profits rose 10.9 per cent to $6.4 billion.

Chanel has also more than doubled its revenues and headcount over the past decade, according to Leena Nair, CEO. The brand remains one of the most resilient alongside top-tier players such as Hermès and Brunello Cucinelli, benefiting from their high-end positioning and wealthy client base. Chanel reported double-digit sales growth across all categories, with Europe and Asia growing in the high teens and low 20s, respectively, despite industry concerns about the slowing Chinese economy. The Americas saw a softer growth rate of 2.4 per cent.

After increasing its investment in the business by 83 percent last year to $1.23 billion, Chanel plans to invest even more in 2024. The brand plans to invest in the US market, which according to Philippe Blondiaux, Chief Financial Officer, is still an under-developed market for luxury based on certain wealth indicators.”

In China, Chanel is ‘under-distributed,’ with only about 18 boutiques in the world’s second-biggest economy, far fewer than some of its rivals. The brand plans to continue investing in China even though Chinese consumers have resumed traveling abroad for shopping.

Some of Chanel’s clients have expressed concerns about steep price increases. The average price of luxury goods tracked by HSBC has risen 50 per cent since 2019, while the cost of a classic Chanel flap bag has more than doubled to over €10,000. Chanel says its price increases reflect higher material costs and inflation and will maintain its current policies. Pricing contributed 9 per cent to its sales growth in 2023, with a 7 per cent increase in volume, Blondiaux says.

PVH signed individual binding agreements to support collective bargaining in Cambodia at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen. The agreements were signed in collaboration with ACT (Action, Collaboration, Transformation), IndustriALL Global Union and member unions. 

These agreements aim to enable higher wages, better working conditions, and sourcing commitments from brands. They will benefit not just PVH’s supply chain in Cambodia but the supply chains of all signatory brands sourcing from the the country 

The template created at the summit sets an example for a positive impact on global human rights in the supply chain and demonstrates things can be achieved with collaboration and commitment to drive progress, says Michael Bride, SVP - Corporate Responsibility and Public Affairs.

These individual binding agreements between brands and IndustriALL Global Union are one of the first-ever brand-supported collective bargaining agreements in the garment and footwear sector. The agreements support effective and sustainable industry collaboration among all actors across the value chain. They showcase strong leadership by brands, employers, and unions in the sector, signaling a new era in wage approaches, freedom of association, and responsible purchasing practices.

Athit Kong, President, Coalition of Cambodia Apparel Worker Democratic Union, opines, the agreements bring all parties in the sector and supply chains to the negotiating table. Kong also notes, as one of the first-ever legally binding agreements, they promote accountability and better social dialogues in these sector

SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution) aims to revolutionise India’s apparel sector through its transformative project being executed in partnership with the British Council. This project engages key SU.RE signatories with the UK's New Landscape program, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainable practices and innovation in fashion.

Structured in three comprehensive phases, this project guides and supports SU.RE signatories through mentorship sessions, the development of actionable plans, and tackling challenges such as consumer perception and stakeholder alignment.

In the first phase, SU.RE delegates participated in a UK Study Tour where they connected with notable figures such as designer Christopher Raeburn and Harriet Vocking, CEO of Eco-Age. They also interacted with the British Fashion Council's Institute of Positive Fashion and grantees from the New Landscapes program, led by the University of Arts London's Fashion, Textiles, and Technology Institute (FTTI) in partnership with the British Council.

The delegation then attended the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, where they co-hosted a leadership roundtable titled ‘Building Circular Systems for India’ with Global Fashion Agenda. This executive-level roundtable, supported by the British Council, aimed to align an actionable roadmap for integrating sustainability in the Indian fashion industry.

The SU.RE delegation included Ashish Katariya, CEO, Peppermint; Darshana Gajare, Head- Sustainability, Reliance Brands; Naveen Sainani, Jt Hon Gen Secretary and Chairman, APEX Awards Sub Committee (CMAI); Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief – Staff, UN Resident Coordinator's Office; Ruchira Das, Director-Arts India, British Council; Sanjay Rastogi, Head -New Business, ESG Leadership, TATA Trent; and Sanjay Navindrachandra Vakharia, CEO, Spykar.

This partnership between SU.RE and the British Council represents a significant stride towards a sustainable future for India's apparel sector, fostering international collaboration and innovation in fashion.

Established in 2019, SU.RE is a joint effort by Reliance Brands, United Nations India, Ministry of Textiles (India), and the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India. As India's largest voluntary commitment to sustainability in fashion, SU.RE initially signed on 16 major brands with the goal of transitioning the Indian apparel industry to sustainable supply chains by 2030.

Spanish fast fashion brand Mango has expanded its retail presence with a new store in Norwich.

Founded in 1984 in Barcelona, Mango has launched many stores across the world. 

The brand’s latest store has been set up in the former home of Accessorise and Monsoon on the upper ground floor of Chantry Place. 

Designed in line with the brand’s New Med store concept inspired by the Mediterranean, the new store offers womenswear from Mango. The store will further accelerate the brand’s expansion across the UK.It launch follows the opening of Flannels in the same centre.  

Daniel López, Director - Expansion and Franchising, Mango, says, with the United Kingdom being one of the brand’s priority markets for international growth, the Chantry Place store helps the brand consolidate its operations in the country. 

The opening of the new Mango store follows another store opening by fellow fashion brand Flannels that inaugurated its store in the former Sports Direct unit of Chantry Place in April.