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The Indian textiles ministry has signed MoUs worth over Rs 18, 500 crore to develop seven PM Mega Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) parks across the country. Launched with an aim to strengthen the textile sector, these parks will offer world-class infrastructure and integrated facilities.
According to the ministry, 100 per cent of the required land has been acquired and handed over to SPVs, with environmental clearances secured for sites in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana. To be developed on Greenfield and Brown field sites, these PM MITRA parks will feature plug-and-play facilities, with a government outlay of Rs 4,445 crore over seven years, up to 2027-28.
A vital pillar of the Indian economy, the textile sector contributes nearly 2 per cent to GDP, 10 per cent to industrial production, and 8.21 per cent to overall exports. The industry provides direct employment to over 45 million people, reinforcing its role as a major employment generator. In global rankings, India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles, accounting for 3.91 per cent of global textile exports.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, domestic textile and apparel production reached approximately $175.7 billion, with exports contributing $35.87 billion.
The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured nearly 42.11 lakh bales of cotton worth Rs 16, 215 crore at MSP by December 22, 2024. This benefitted benefiting around 7.75 lakh cotton farmers across cotton-growing states. India retains its position as the world’s largest producer of cotton.
A significant rise from 78.5 lakh in 2013-14, employment in India’s silk sector increased to 94.8 lakh individuals in 2023-24. This growth highlights the sector's expanding role in rural employment and economic development.
The combined efforts under PM MITRA and other government initiatives underscore India's commitment to bolstering its textile and apparel industry.
Korea’s textile industry is projected to face continued sluggish business conditions in 2025, with a decline in exports and production output. Data from the Korea Institute of Industrial Economics and Trade and the Korea Federation of Textile Industries, shows, exports in the textile and fashion industry are expected to stagnate by 1.9 per cent Y-o-Y, totaling $10.34 billion. The increase in Chinese textile product dumping has further reduced the market share of Korean textile products both domestically and internationally.
With Donald Trump returning to power, he is set to introduce high tariffs on Chinese products, leading to a rise in Chinese dumping across Southeast Asia, intensifying competition for Korean companies. Additionally, European fashion brands increasingly favor suppliers within Europe to stabilize their supply chains, further disadvantaging Korean manufacturers.
The output of Korea’s textile industry is expected to decline, particularly in the general-purpose sector. The Korea Institute of Industrial Economics and Trade predicts a 1.0 per cent Y-o-Y decline in output, amounting to 52.6 trillion won in 2025. This downturn is attributed to reduced utilization rates and declining production volumes due to weaker demand for domestic textile products.
Despite these challenges, the chemical fiber sector offers a silver lining. Kolon Industries is poised for improved performance in 2025, driven by strong fundamentals and growth in industrial materials. The company’s facility expansion and a recovery in aramid demand are expected to bolster its industrial materials segment. Similarly, HS effectiveness, supported by its global leadership in tire reinforcement, is predicted to perform solidly. Rising tire demand from European customers is likely to further boost this segment.
While Korea’s textile industry faces significant headwinds from global competition, protectionist policies, and shifting supply chain preferences, the chemical fiber sector’s positive outlook highlights opportunities for growth in niche markets. As the industry navigates these challenges, a focus on innovation and specialized products may be key to sustaining long-term growth.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam has accused Indian textile factory owners of importing cheap labor from Bangladesh.
Besides discussing the matter with the Central Government, Sarma also raised the issue during the North-East Council (NEC) meeting held last month in Tripura.
The virtual collapse of Bangladesh’s textile industry is contributing to this rise in illegal infiltration, reiterates Sarma. This influx is predominantly from a majority community in Bangladesh, he adds.
In recent weeks, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has intensified its efforts to dismantle sleeper cells connected to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a banned terrorist organization with ties to Al Qaeda in Bangladesh. Several arrests have been made, including that of a Bangladeshi national.
The Assam Government is collaborating closely with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to counter these threats. This coordinated effort has led to arrests in other states like Bengal and Kerala as well, Sarma explains.
The government has intensified border security in response to political instability in Bangladesh since August, successfully pushing back thousands of infiltrators, he adds.
Highlighting the broader implications of the infiltration issue, Sarma reiterates the importance of addressing these challenges to maintain national security and economic stability. With strong coordination between state and central agencies, Assam continues to bolster its efforts to tackle illegal immigration and potential terrorism threats.
Valued at $425.5 billion in 2022, the global activeewar market to grow at a 6.2 per cent CAGR to reach $771.8 billion by 2032.
Growing awareness of physical activity's benefits, such as enhanced focus and problem-solving skills, drives increased spending on activewear among youth. Educational systems worldwide have incorporated fitness programs into curricula, fostering interest in physical activities. Furthermore, government-led sports competitions at various levels have encouraged youth participation, boosting demand for fitness-related products. This heightened focus on fitness and sports has played a pivotal role in propelling the activewear market’s growth.
However, the rising popularity of e-sports presents a notable challenge to the activewear market. With the proliferation of digital media, widespread internet access, and social platforms, e-sports have gained significant traction, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young individuals are adopting sedentary lifestyles, leading to decreased engagement in traditional physical activities, which may impact the demand for activewear.
The global activewear market is segmented by product type, fabric, gender, distribution channel, and region. The product type segment is dominated by ready-to-wear, fashion outerwear, sports shoes, and swimwear while the fabric category is led by Polyester followed by nylon, cotton, neoprene, etc. The women’s segment leads the market, reflecting growing demand for fitness-oriented products tailored to women.
Offline channels currently hold a significant market share, though online channels are rapidly growing. In 2022, North America led the market with an expected CAGR of 4.9 per cent driven by robust consumer demand and strong market leadership.
A few of the major players in the activewear market include Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lululemon Athletica, Under Armor, Columbia Sportswear, Skechers, ASICS, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. These companies continue to focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their market presence to stay competitive.
The Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) organized an industry event under the leadership of Dr. Romesh Khajuria, Chairman, and Suresh Thakur, Executive Director, on December 27, 2024, at Udyog Bhavan, Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi. Focusing on the industry’s potential to transform industrial hemp and allied fibers, the event emphasized on the benefits of blending hemp with wool for a sustainable production.
With a focus on India's commitment to becoming a global leader in eco-friendly textiles, the gathering underscored the rising demand for sustainable fibers and unveiled strategic plans for the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025. The event announced plans to foster international partnerships, particularly with South Korean delegates, to establish Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that would facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investments in India.
Karan Sarsar unveiled an ambitious vision for India’s premier event, Bharat Tex 2025 which will feature a a dedicated pavilion for innovative hemp and allied fiber products, a sustainable fashion show showcasing garments made from hemp and wool and a knowledge-sharing conference to engage policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders
These initiatives will highlight the versatility of industrial hemp and elevate its profile on the global stage.
At the event, Awega Green Technologies announced plans to launch a pilot project for industrial hemp farming in Uttarakhand. This project will help promote sustainable agricultural practices besides enhancing farmer incomes, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and developing a robust supply chain for hemp production.
Kanika Sood emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural practices with sustainable goals to support the growth of the hemp industry.
Giriraj Singh, Textile Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promote commercial hemp production. He pledged to support a proposal for Pushkar Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand involving the Ministry of Textiles and the Textile Commissioner, to align policies and foster growth in this promising sector.
The event concluded with a collective vision to leverage the vast potential of industrial hemp in redefining sustainable textiles. Khajuria and Thakur expressed optimism about India's ability to lead the global movement for eco-friendly fashion and fiber production.
Driven by a rising demand for garments made in the country, the United Kingdom has significantly increased its apparel imports from Cambodia. Dominated by a growing demand for unisex apparel, the total value of these imports reached $675 million.
The garment industry in Cambodia benefits from competitive production costs and a strong compliance to international quality standards. The export-driven textile sector in the country attracts UK buyers on account of its affordable manufacturing and a growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion in the country.
Reinforcing the country’s position as an important player in the global trade, Cambodia’s garment manufacturers continue to capitalize on the growing demand for versatile, inclusive and eco-friendly products in the UK with the country remaining a crucial market for Cambodia’s apparel industry.
This trend is likely to continue with Cambodia’s exports continuing to grow in the coming years UK remains a crucial market for Cambodia’s apparel industry. This trend will continue in future too with Cambodia’s exports growing further in the coming years. This growth will be driven by shift to high-quality production and growing emphasis on sustainability.
A leader in air interlacing and texturing jets, Heberlein Technology plans to showcase its latest products at GTTES in Mumbai, India. The products to be displayed by the company include a new housing generation HemaJet-LB06 and DTY jet insert Ape43, featuring a record small 0.65 mm orifice for superior performance in extremely low denier yarns.
Minimizing yarn displacement, the Ape043 ensures smooth production of ultra-fine yarns upto 20 denier with developing any knots. This aligns with the increasing demand for high-quality fabrics in global markets and supports the rapid growth of polyamide filament production capacity. Featuring an energy-efficient technology, the APe043 jet has a positive impact on the mill’s profit.
Compatible with the Herberlein jet core series, the HemaJet-LB06 jet housing machine proves to be an deal solution for various air texturing process requirements. The machine can adjust the distance between the impact body and the jet core using various gauges, allowing for precise control and optimization of the texturing process.
A reliable solution for ATY industry, the Heberlein jet core machines are suitable for a wide range of requirements like compact and uniform yarns from 30dtex up to 3,000dtex or softer. These machine produce textile yarns through a higher overfeed potential.
The company also plans to display its PolyJet-SP3 machine for spinning textile yarn. Known for achieving yarn with unmatched even and uniform interlacing density, the PolyJet-TG-3-HP405A/WO70 (TopAir) machine impresses with strong, reliable knots for high-tenacity yarns (HT and HMLS). Heberlein’s PolyJet-TG-3 achieves more than 12 knots per meter with 1100f98dtex and 1670f98dtex. Additionally, yarn parameters of tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity show smaller variations, for ultimate quality benefits, as well as improved unwinding behaviour of the bobbins.
The high-performance air interlacing jets for textile and technical yarns -PolyJet series SP-3 and TG-3 offer a unique quick-release system to enable jet packs to be exchanged with just a single 180-degree turn. They also feature a compact, space-saving design and a roll bar to protect the ceramic surfaces.
Year 2024 was a dynamic one for the global textiles sector, marked by shifting geopolitical sands, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Here is a look at the winner and loser countries in global textiles trade (fibers, yarns, and fabrics).
Key events, factors and their impact
Russia-Ukraine war: The ongoing conflict continued to disrupt supply chains, particularly for cotton and synthetic fibers originating from the region. This led to price volatility and sourcing diversification, benefiting countries like Brazil and India, who increased cotton exports.
US-China trade tensions: While tensions persisted, their impact on the textile sector was less pronounced than in previous years. However, some manufacturers continued to diversify sourcing away from China, benefiting Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Sustainability concerns: Growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues pushed sustainability to the forefront. Brands increasingly sought eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing, benefiting countries with robust sustainable textile production practices.
Technological advancements: Automation, AI, and 3D printing continued to transform textile manufacturing. Countries that invested in these technologies gained a competitive edge in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Shifting consumer preferences: Demand for personalized and functional textiles, including athleisure and performance wear, grew significantly. Countries with agile and responsive manufacturing capabilities were better positioned to cater to these evolving demands.
Performance vs. reality
While the global textile market faced headwinds, overall growth exceeded projections. The World Trade Organization (WTO) predicted a 3 per cent growth in textile trade volume for 2024. However, preliminary data suggests a growth rate closer to 4.5 per cent, which was largely due to strong demand in emerging markets and a rebound in developed economies.
Table: Projected and actual growth
|
Region |
Projected Growth (%) |
Actual Growth (%) |
|
Asia |
4 |
5.5 |
|
North America |
2.5 |
3 |
|
Europe |
2 |
2.8 |
Emerging trends
Certain trends evolved and clearly emerged this year.
Nearshoring and reshoring: Rising transportation costs and geopolitical uncertainties encouraged brands to relocate production closer to consumer markets. This trend benefited countries in close proximity to major consumption hubs.
Circular economy initiatives: The push for circularity in the textile industry gained momentum. Countries with strong recycling infrastructure and initiatives supporting closed-loop systems attracted investment and market share.
E-commerce growth: The continued rise of e-commerce resulted in demand for textile products, particularly in emerging markets. Countries with robust digital infrastructure and logistics networks were well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Winners of 2024
Bangladesh: Continued its strong performance in apparel exports, benefiting from competitive labor costs and preferential trade agreements.
Vietnam: Further solidified its position as a key textile and apparel manufacturing hub, attracting investment and diversifying its product portfolio. In fact, Vietnam's rise in the global textile industry exemplifies the impact of strategic policymaking and investment. The country has actively pursued free trade agreements, invested in infrastructure, and fostered a skilled workforce. This has attracted significant foreign direct investment, leading to the development of a robust and diversified textile sector. As Sheng Lu, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware opines, “Vietnam has become a shining example of how a developing country can successfully integrate into the global textile value chain. Their focus on quality, sustainability, and trade liberalization has been instrumental in their success."
India: Witnessed strong growth in textile exports, driven by government initiatives, a focus on sustainability, and the success of events like Bharat Tex 2024.
And the losers are…
China: Faced challenges due to rising labor costs, trade tensions, and increasing competition from Southeast Asia. However, it retained its dominance in specific segments like synthetic fibers.
Pakistan: Struggled with political instability and economic challenges, impacting its textile exports.
Some African Nations: Despite potential, many African countries faced infrastructure constraints and limited access to technology, hindering their growth in the textile sector.
Opportunities for 2025
Year 2025 has started with its own set of promises and opportunities. The textile sector can expect the technical textiles market to witness significant growth, driven by increasing demand from healthcare, construction, and automotive sectors. Countries with strong R&D capabilities and a focus on innovation are poised to benefit.
There will be more focus on regional trade agreements. Bilateral and regional trade agreements will play a crucial role in shaping the textile trade landscape. Countries actively participating in such agreements will gain preferential access to key markets.
On the other hand, personalization and customization will see a boost. Demand for personalized textile products will continue to rise. Companies leveraging technology to offer customized solutions will gain a competitive advantage.
The demand for stylish and high-performance fabrics is surging as consumers increasingly prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. At the heart of this demand lies the importance of yarn variety and quality, which play a pivotal role in determining texture, durability, and visual appeal. Reflecting this trend, the global blended fiber market, valued at $43.37 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $66.52 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.3 per cent.
As per a report by Textile Today, blended fibers such as cotton-polyester, wool-polyester, and cotton-viscose are tailored with varying fiber percentages to achieve the perfect balance of properties like softness, durability, and breathability, serving diverse applications from clothing to home textiles.
Recent advancements highlight the potential of cotton-nylon blends, which offer a compelling mix of durability and cost efficiency. Nylon complements cotton by enhancing its strength, stretchability, and moisture management, countering cotton's natural tendency to stretch and lose shape over time. Research supports the benefits of blending synthetic fibers with cotton, noting improvements in strength and moisture-wicking capabilities. However, this innovation does not come without challenges.
Blending cotton with nylon introduces spinning complexities. Issues such as uneven fiber distribution can lead to yarn imperfections, while nylon's inherent stretch complicates processing. These challenges demand innovative solutions to optimise production and maximize the potential of cotton-nylon blends.
This study seeks to address the spinning challenges associated with cotton-nylon blended yarn production. By optimising fiber selection and spinning parameters, the research aims to enhance yarn quality and performance. The findings could pave the way for a new standard in blended yarns, offering a high-performance alternative for the textile industry while meeting the growing demand for durable, stylish fabrics.
Industria-Academia and Textile Focus has entered into a partnership to revolutionize skill development in Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) manufacturing sector. This collaboration aims to empower the industry by creating a new generation of leaders equipped to drive its future growth.
While the RMG sector has seen remarkable success in recent years, its sustained growth hinges on the development of high-performing professionals. These individuals must possess not only technical expertise but also the strategic thinking and adaptability required to excel in dynamic, team-oriented environments.
Industria-Academia is committed to building these high-performing executives (HPEs) through programs rooted in practical experience. Designed by seasoned industry professionals, these initiatives emphasize a T-shaped skill set—balancing specialized knowledge with cross-disciplinary competencies—and a mindset geared toward innovation and problem-solving.
Industria-Academia’s training approach sets itself apart with its hands-on, real-world focus. Courses are structured to deliver actionable insights, enabling participants to immediately apply what they learn and drive tangible change in their organizations.
