FW
Experiencing significant growth, Egypt’s clothing exports to the United Kingdom rose to $101 million in 2024. Representing a remarkable 53 per cent increase over the past five years, this growth signals a rising global demand for Egyptian-made garments.
This achievement also positions Egypt as the seventh-largest supplier of apparel to the UK, according to data released by the Ready-Made Garments Export Council. As per figures from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, Egypt’s total clothing exports increased to approximately $2.526 billion in the first eleven months of 2024 from the $2.174 billion recorded during the same period in 2023. This not only highlights the robust growth of the Egyptian garment industry on the global stage but also demonstrates the strength of the Egyptian garment industry in the international market.
Currently, Egyptian companies are participating in the prestigious Fashion London exhibition, a key event in the international fashion industry. This platform brings together leading brands and designers, offering Egyptian businesses a prime opportunity to showcase their latest products and stay abreast of global fashion trends. At the exhibition, Egyptian firms are unveiling new designs specifically tailored for international markets and engaging in bilateral meetings with major importers, aiming to further expand their export reach.
The prices of viscose yarn in India have increased significantly due to persistent supply shortages and the weakening of the Indian rupee. These factors have driven up costs for manufacturers, particularly in major textile centers like Mumbai and Surat. The rise in viscose yarn prices is occurring against a backdrop of volatile demand, influenced by market conditions, seasonal changes, and global supply chain disruptions.
The viscose yarn market has been struggling with limited availability, further compounded by supply chain disruptions resulting from global challenges. Manufacturers are facing difficulties in sourcing raw materials, leading to a squeeze in yarn supply. This situation has resulted in elevated prices, making viscose products more expensive for consumers.
Conversely, polyester yarn markets, especially in Ludhiana, have remained relatively stable despite challenges such as payment delays and weak demand. This stability is attributed to fewer disruptions in polyester production compared to viscose.
Additionally, the cotton yarn market has seen slight price increases as mills shift towards domestic cotton supplies, which are proving to be more reliable amid global disruptions.
This rise in viscose yarn prices underscores the ongoing instability in India’s textile market, with manufacturers adapting to persistent challenges while attempting to balance supply and demand. This situation mirrors broader trends in global textile production, emphasizing the need for sustainable and resilient practices within the industry.
The viscose staple fiber business of the Aditya Birla Group, Birla Cellulose is venturing into the production of viscose fibers enhanced with graphene for use in textile manufacturing. The company has entered into a joint development agreement with the Bhilwara Group Companies in collaboration with Grasim Industries to develop this project.
As per this agreement, Birla Cellulose will partner with two divisions of the Bhilwara Group Companies to develop these enhanced fibers, as reported by Apparel Resources. A specialist in advanced materials, TACC will provide graphene derivatives to Birla Cellulose for yarn production. Subsequently, textile manufacturer RSWM will utilize these graphene-enhanced viscose fibers to create textiles.
Renowned for its strength, durability, and lightweight properties, Graphene is expected to significantly improve textile performance. By incorporating graphene, the companies aim to produce fabrics that are exceptionally durable, resilient, and offer superior heat regulation.
A flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, Grasim Industries specializes in the production of cellulosic fibers, textiles, and yarn, operating on a global scale, according to its official website. Established in 1947, Grasim Industries also encompasses cement and chemical divisions. In FY24, Grasim Industries reported consolidated net revenue of Rs 1.3 trillion (approximately $15.6 billion), with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization totaling Rs 208.37 billion (approximately $2.5 billion).
The 56th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris concluded on a high note, attracting more than 8,500 visitors and strengthening its position as Europe’s top sourcing event for fashion textiles and clothing. Held from February 10 to 12, 2025, at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, the trade fair saw a 10 per cent increase in attendance compared to February 2024. Over 1,250 exhibitors from 32 countries showcased their products, making the event a key platform for business connections and industry insights.
Paris as a global sourcing hub
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris has become an essential meeting point for designers, buyers, and suppliers in the fashion industry. The event reinforced Europe’s significance in global fashion, with the top five visiting countries being France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Many international buyers returned after years of market adjustments, highlighting Paris’s resilience in a shifting fashion landscape. While French buyer participation remained stable, the increased international presence underscored the city's enduring importance in global sourcing.
According to Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, the industry is undergoing a transformation, shifting from budget-focused products to higher-quality offerings. “We have redesigned our trade fairs to cater to mid-range market needs, ensuring a diverse, enriched, and cutting-edge selection at competitive prices,” he said. The event provided an ideal environment for productive business discussions and trend analysis.
Growing interest in African sourcing
A major highlight of the event was the growing interest in African textile sourcing. Ethiopian manufacturers made strong connections with European brands, reflecting the region’s increasing appeal as a sourcing alternative. Maryse Mbonyumutwa, founder of Rwandan sustainable manufacturing platform Pink Mango, engaged in promising discussions with European representatives. “We’ve had encouraging conversations with brands looking to collaborate locally,” she stated.
Buyers and exhibitors reported three days of active engagement. Bangladeshi manufacturer NZ Denim met nearly all its European clients, including Celio, OKaïdi, Kiabi, and Jules. “The show allows us to discuss future materials directly with design teams,” said Najam Us Saqib, the company’s R&D manager. One innovation that drew significant interest was the naturally colored cotton, Ackala Coton, showcased during the Econogy Tour, a dedicated program highlighting companies committed to ecological and social standards in the textile sector.
A platform for all market segments
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris welcomed buyers across various market segments, from mainstream brands to haute couture. A materials manager from a major French clothing brand noted that the event provided opportunities to connect with Indian, Turkish, and Chinese suppliers while scouting materials for future collections. Haute couture designers Livia Stoianova and Yassen Samouilov of On Aura Tout Vu also explored options for an upcoming show production. “For a first visit, we discovered some very interesting and creative materials,” they said.
The next edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris is scheduled for September 15-17, 2025, at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. The event will feature key sectors such as Avantex and Leatherworld, continuing its role as a vital marketplace for the fashion industry.
Source Fashion, Europe's leading responsible sourcing show, wrapped up another successful edition with a remarkable 32 per cent increase in visitor numbers. Now in its third year, the event continues to serve as a key platform for retailers, brands, and wholesalers seeking ethical and responsible manufacturing partners worldwide. This year’s show attracted major retailers, fashion houses, and even sports brands like the NBA and West Ham Football Club, demonstrating its broad industry appeal.
Growing global participation and positive exhibitor response
Over 200 exhibitors from 20 key sourcing regions, including Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, the UK, France, Hong Kong, and Portugal, participated in the event. Leading brands such as John Lewis, Harrods, Next, Asos, Stella McCartney, River Island, Boohoo, and Barbour attended, highlighting the growing importance of responsible sourcing. Exhibitors praised the event for its ability to connect businesses with key buyers, helping them secure long-term partnerships.
Parneet Kaur from Achiever Apparel (India) noted strong engagement: “We’ve seen high footfall and have reconnected with previous clients while meeting new ones. The event builds trust, and it’s great to support both big players and emerging brands.” Luis Oliveira, CEO of Wonder Raw (Portugal), emphasized sustainability’s growing influence: “Sustainability is everywhere, and we should all be concerned about our footprint. This show connects us with like-minded businesses and ethical production partners.”
Industry leaders drive sustainability conversations
Beyond sourcing, Source Fashion has positioned itself as a thought leader in sustainability and supply chain management. Its content program, spread across two stages - The Source Catwalk and Source Debate Stage, offered insights into sustainability, supply chain risk, international trade, and innovation. Discussions tackled pressing industry challenges, from supply chain transparency to circular fashion solutions.
Caryn Franklin MBE, a fashion activist, underscored the event’s impact: “Source Fashion is where I learn and gain knowledge outside my expertise. It’s empowering to see experts shaping the future of sustainable fashion.” Simon Platts, Founder of SP&KO Consultancy, highlighted the event’s rapid growth: “It’s moved on significantly in just six months. The show is about building a community across sourcing, design, tech, and sustainability, ensuring it remains relevant to industry needs.”
One of the standout sessions explored how the fashion industry can bridge the talent gap by better aligning academia with industry needs. Experts from Next and Vollebak emphasized the importance of fostering graduate involvement to create a skilled, sustainability-conscious workforce. Another key discussion led by Sasha McFarlane of Future-Proof Fashion focused on Project Interlace, a six-month initiative aligning supply chains with demand signals to reduce overproduction and waste.
A must-attend event for ethical sourcing
Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, celebrated the show’s success: “We have built a trusted buying platform that not only promotes responsible sourcing but also drives job creation, education programs, and stability in manufacturing communities. This show has created a game-changing impact in just three years.”
With its growing influence and expanding community of sustainability-focused businesses, Source Fashion has become a must-attend event for industry leaders. The next edition will take place from July 8-10, 2025, continuing its mission to transform fashion sourcing for a more responsible future.
The textile and clothing industry faces constant challenges shaped by innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. Mod'Unica, debuting on 26-27 February at Exponor's Pavilion 1, gathers key industry players to exchange insights and strategies for the sector’s future.
Day one focuses on sustainability and circular economy, with AE Minho and Susana Serrano of Circular Strategy leading discussions. AI and automation in industry will also be explored, along with key projects like RDC@ITV, Waste2BioComp, Digi4Fashion, and Texad. The day ends with Ricardo Costa’s book launch, Happiness is Profitable.
On day two, Daniel Agis, Pedro Garcia (MAAB Consulting), and Elsa Dionísio (Fashion Business Management) will discuss international expansion and sustainability challenges, supported by Modatex.
The University of Beira Interior (UBI) will share insights on new skills for the fashion ecosystem, while a debate on textile waste, led by ORT, and a study on the socio-economic impact of second-hand clothing in the EU and Africa, presented by Humana Portugal, will take center stage. Talks from Resotex, Metaskills4TCLF, and Vetrine projects round out the program.
Organized by ATP - Associaçao Textil e Vestuario de Portugal with Spormex Events, Mod'Unica strengthens Portugal’s position as a sustainable textile hub. The event builds on Modtissimo’s legacy, fostering collaborations across technical, home, and decorative textiles. Entry and sessions are free, making it a must-attend event for industry professionals.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) celebrated its 47th Foundation Day at Apparel House, Gurugram, with senior officials and staff. The event featured a lamp-lighting ceremony and cake-cutting.
Chairman Sudhir Sekhri highlighted AEPC’s role in advocating for the apparel industry, stating, “AEPC’s 47-year journey reflects its commitment to protecting and promoting exporters.” He credited government initiatives and AEPC’s efforts for the 11.6 per cent growth in apparel exports from April 2024 to January 2025, despite global challenges.
AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur noted strong export growth in key markets -13.8 per cent in the USA, 8.9 per cent in the UK, 10.6 per cent in Germany, and 19.7 per cent in Spain. Gains were also seen in FTA partner countries, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, and the UAE.
AEPC expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for supporting the garment industry. Key initiatives like PM MITRA, PLI, RoSCTL extension, and targeted FTAs are expected to drive further growth.
Government steps, including the Export Promotion Mission, Bharat-Trade-Net for export documentation, enhanced credit support for MSMEs, and national skilling centres, will boost the sector’s momentum.
Looking ahead, AEPC aims to expand Indian apparel exports by entering new markets and supporting sustainable practices. The council has also launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of its initiatives.
Executive committee members congratulated AEPC employees for their contributions, reaffirming the council’s commitment to market intelligence, trade facilitation, and policy advocacy.
In response to customers’ demand for this breathable and comfortable fabric, shapewear brand Spanx has unveiled its maiden collection crafted from Supima cotton.
The new Spanxshape Invisible Supima Cotton collection reimagines a few of Spanx's top-selling shapewear styles in Supima cotton, blending them with Lycra elastane and the brand's signature shaping technology.
Supima cotton's extra-long fibers create a softer, smoother, and more durable fabric than traditional cotton. This blend offers the comfort of cotton with the powerful shaping capabilities Spanx is known for.
Kiana Miree, Chief Merchandising Officer, Spanx says, with the new Spanxshape Invisible Supima Cotton collection, the brand offers multiple options for cotton shapewear.
The collection includes bottoms with targeted stomach control panels for 360-degree shaping, along with lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking properties. Available in core colors and on-trend hues, the Spanxshape Invisible Supima Cotton line offers a variety of tops and bottoms.
Vietnam's textile and apparel (T&A) industry aims to strengthen its global position by generating exports worth $47-$48 billion by 2025. The industry’s exports rose by 1.8 per cent Y-o-Y in early 2024. This growth was fueled by free trade agreements and international market recovery.
With this, Vietnam has emerged as the second-largest exporter in the world, trailing only China, with export earnings rising by 11 per cent to $44 billion in 2024. Key export destinations for the country include the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea. Notably, Vietnam's exports to the US have doubled since 2018, reaching nearly 20 per cent in 2024, driven by order shifts from China.
Major corporations like Nike, Adidas, and Puma are relocating production from China to Vietnam, alongside FDI from Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Significant investments, such as Texhong Group's yarn factory expansion and Shenzhou International's $150 million investment, signal continued growth. Many Vietnamese firms have secured substantial 2025 export orders.
Despite this progress, challenges persist. Competition from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with their lower labor costs and US GSP benefits, puts pressure on Vietnam. Vietnam's reliance on China for 80 per cent of raw materials makes it vulnerable to cost increases from US-China trade tensions.
The risk of US tariffs on Vietnamese textiles looms, particularly concerning origin of goods regulations. Vietnam must effectively manage this issue to avoid anti-dumping or trade defense tariffs.
To address these challenges, Vietnam is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy. This includes developing domestic fiber and fabric production, fostering supporting industries, and promoting domestic supply chains. The government is also working to facilitate small and medium-sized business participation in the global supply chain. Companies are encouraged to adopt advanced technologies like automation and AI for increased productivity and eco-friendly manufacturing.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is actively diversifying export markets, prioritizing the EU, Japan, and South Korea to reduce dependence on the US and capitalize on existing FTAs. With strategic planning and leveraging opportunities, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a world-leading textile and garment center.
India and the United States are exploring tariff reductions on key sectors as part of a proposed trade agreement aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade. India is considering lowering tariffs on labor-intensive goods like gems and jewelry and textiles in exchange for the US reducing tariffs on its industrial goods exports to India. The current effective customs duty on Indian garment exports is 20% or a combination of tariffs.
Earlier this year, the two nations set an ambitious target – ‘Mission 500’ – to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. To achieve this, they plan to negotiate the first phase of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by Fall 2025. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $82.53 billion between April and November of the current fiscal year.
Both sides have committed to increasing US industrial exports to India and Indian exports of labor-intensive manufactured products to the US. While both countries have agreed in principle to tariff cuts, the specifics of the agreement, including the sectors involved, are still under discussion. Details will be finalized once negotiating teams are in place.
India has already taken steps to rationalize customs duties in its recent budget, benefiting some American exports. These include lower duties on fish hydrolysate, synthetic flavoring essences, ground installation for satellites, and motorcycles based on engine capacity.
India's top exports to the US include engineering goods, followed by gems and jewelry, and ready-made garments. Key Indian imports from the US include crude oil, petroleum products, cut and polished diamonds, electric machinery, and aircraft parts. While increased agricultural trade is also a goal, discussions on tariff reductions in this sector have yet to begin.
These commitments were made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US earlier this year. Following meetings between leaders, both countries pledged to improve market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and enhance supply chain integration. India also committed to increasing its purchases of petroleum products and liquified natural gas from the US. India currently ranks tenth among nations exporting to the US. The US is India's top export destination and fourth-largest source of imports.
