FW
India's ready-made garment (RMG) exports surged by 11.9 per cent in August 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, with cumulative exports for April-August 2024-25 reaching $6.395 billion.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of AEPC, emphasized the resilience of the apparel industry amid global challenges like inflation, logistical costs, and the ongoing Red Sea crisis. Despite these hurdles, RMG exports have grown at an average of 7.12 per cent over the last five months, outperforming other merchandise exports, which saw a downturn in August. Sekhri highlighted the industry’s commitment to product quality and compliance with environmental and social standards, positioning India for further global growth.
He expressed optimism about sustaining this growth, noting that India's garment sector is well-prepared to take advantage of shifting global sourcing trends. Long-term policy support, he added, is crucial to providing stability for garment exporters.
In addition, Sekhri outlined AEPC’s 7-point charter of demands to the government, which includes flexibility in fabric imports, the introduction of PLI 2.0 for capacity growth, and an extension of the interest equalization scheme for five years with an increased rate of 5 per cent. Other demands include a level playing field in key markets like the EU and incentives for ESG compliance.
Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, highlighted the trust global brands are placing in Indian products. He noted export growth to Japan, Korea, Australia, Mauritius, and Norway by 7.7 per cent, 16.8 per cent, 12.5 per cent, 6.6 per cent, and 17.3 per cent, respectively, in the first quarter of 2024-25.
Thakur added that the RMG sector is key to generating employment for India's youth and women, stressing the need for government support as global sourcing shifts due to geopolitical changes.
Shein has launched a €10 million program to identify, nurture, and develop young designers across Europe. Managed by a dedicated team, the initiative plans to onboard 250 European designers over the next five years through the Shein X Designer Incubator program.
Shein X enables designers to focus on their creative work while the brand handles the retail, marketing, and production aspects. This model allows designers to showcase their work to a global audience, earn profits from sales, and retain ownership of their designs.
To date, nearly 100 designers have participated in the Shein X program, with their products available in over 150 international markets.
Through this program, Shein aims to support the next generation of designers while also advancing its sustainability and circularity goals, says Leonard Lin, President, Shein- EMEA region.
SanMar Corporation, a leading US supplier of promotional products, has joined Bluesign as a System Partner, enhancing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and responsible chemical management. This partnership aligns with SanMar’s long-term sustainability goals and strengthens its leadership position in the industry.
By adopting Bluesign standards, SanMar integrates rigorous environmental and safety criteria into its supply chain, ensuring responsible production from materials sourcing to manufacturing. The Bluesign system, known for its focus on reducing the environmental footprint of textile production, positions SanMar alongside a global network of companies dedicated to minimizing their environmental impact.
Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign technologies AG, commended the partnership, highlighting SanMar’s position as a leader in sustainability within the promotional products industry. He expressed pride in supporting SanMar's efforts toward a more sustainable future through this collaboration.
Emily Gigot, Senior Manager of Sustainability at SanMar, reinforced the significance of sustainability in the industry, expressing enthusiasm about the addition of Bluesign to SanMar's initiatives. She emphasized that the partnership would enable the company to continue offering products that adhere to the highest environmental standards.
Through this collaboration, SanMar is taking key steps to enhance its sustainability efforts, ensuring that both its products and practices remain environmentally responsible and consumer-safe.
Following a 3 per cent contraction in 2023, textile and apparel exports (T&A) by the European Union continued to decline in H1, 2024.
EU's apparel exports declined by 3 per centto €17.8 billion in H1 2024. The decline affected most regions, except Asia, where exports grew by 10 per cent to €4.8 billion, according to data from the French Fashion Institute (IFM). Despite an 18 per cent declined, Switzerland remained the top export destinationfollowed by the UK where apparel exports declined by 5 per cent and the USwhich recorded a 1 per cent drop in apparel exports.
EU’s apparel exports to China increased by 21 per cent, while Hong Kong recorded an 11 per cent increase. Other notable markets which registered a growth in apparel exports included Macau, where exports grew by 28 per cent and the UAE which recorded an 18 per cent rise in exports. However, EU’s apparel exports to Singapore fell by 23 per cent, Canada by 16 per cent, and Australia by 16 per cent.
Meanwhile, EU’s textile exportsdropped by 4 per cent in H1 2024. The US remained the leading textiles market with a nominal 1 per cent decline in exports. This was followed by the UK where exports dropped by 11 per cent and China which registered a 14 per cent rise in exports. Textiles exports to India grew significantly by 36 per centwhile exports toVietnam grew by 20 per cent and exports to Russia plummeted by 27 per cent.
On the other hand, apparel imports by the EU fell by 6 per cent to €38.4 billion in H1,FY2024.Imports from the EU’s largest supplier, Asia, decreased by 5 per cent. Imports from Myanmar, Macedonia, Switzerland, and Tunisia each fell by 16 per cent, while Morocco’s imports remained stable. In contrast, imports from Egypt and the USrose by 18 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.
Textiles imports by the EU also dropped by 8 per centto €15.6 billionin H1 2024. Imports from Asia fell by 8 per cent while imports from Israel declined by 31 per cent, from Taiwan by 22 per cent and from South Korea by 20 per cent. Serbia and Morocco were the only top 20 sourcing countries to report growth in textiles imports during the period.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) held its 66th Annual General Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to reflect on the past year’s performance and challenges. Chairman Rakesh Mehra highlighted the sector's resilience amid global disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain issues, and inflation.
Mehra acknowledged the decline in Textile & Apparel (T&A) exports to US$ 34.8 billion in 2023-24, following a historic high in 2021-22. Despite this, he expressed optimism for recovery, citing positive trade figures and agreements like the India-Australia ECTA and India-UAE CEPA, which could accelerate export growth.
Government initiatives aimed at supporting the sector, such as removing import duties on select cotton varieties and implementing Minimum Import Prices (MIP) on specific knitted fabrics, were also discussed. Mehra underscored the importance of raw material availability at competitive prices and the need for investment schemes to support MSMEs and boost downstream capacity.
He further emphasized the role of international trade agreements, domestic policy reforms, and CITI's initiatives like the Skill Development training program under the Samarth Scheme and PMKVY 4.0. Partnerships focused on ESG and HRDD frameworks were also highlighted.
Mehra concluded by stressing the sector’s growth potential, projecting a market size of $350 billion by 2030 with continued government support and industry collaboration. The meeting also reviewed CITI’s key activities, including its focus on cotton production, sustainability, and participation in international events.
In its 2024 Global Citizenship and Sustainability Report, Ralph Lauren Corp announced its aim to achieve 100 percent sustainably sourced key materials by the end of 2025. Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer along with Patrice Louvet, CEO emphasiseson the company’s commitment to reduce reliance on limited natural resources and inspire global teams to enrich the environment.
The report highlights significant achievements, such as the Cradle to Cradle Certified Denim Flag Trucker Jacket, the Global Recycled Standard-certified 100 per cent Recycled Cotton Polo, and its first Responsible Wool Standard-certified sweaters. Additionally, Ralph Lauren launched its Artist in Residence program with Navajo artisan Naiomi Glasses, focusing on culturally collaborative products.
The company has made notable strides in reducing emissions, cutting coal use from its supply chain, and achieving a 33 percent reduction in emissions compared to the FY20 baseline. It also opened the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention on the West Coast at the University of Southern California's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
In terms of sustainable materials, the company reported sourcing 97 percent of its cotton, 87 percent of its polyester, 92 percent of its wool, and 100 percent of its down sustainably. For the 2024 Olympics, Ralph Lauren created the Team USA collection using recycled polyester and RWS-certified wool. The brand also introduced a 100 per cent Recycled Cotton Clarus Polo Shirt for the Olympic Village wear.
Ralph Lauren continues to advance circularity efforts, with initiatives like the development of recyclable jeans and jackets that adhere to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s guidelines. The company has also expanded its Ralph Lauren Vintage program and partnered with Re-Verso for a cashmere recycling initiative.
Additionally, Ralph Lauren has reduced its water usage by 26 percent since FY2020. The brand's philanthropic arm, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, donated $6.6 million to over 140 nonprofits, supporting scholarships for underprivileged students through programs like the United Negro College Fund and the Institute of American Indian Arts.
The Indian textile and apparel sector has shown robust recovery in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025 (Q1 FY25), driven by strong domestic demand and increased exports. The latest Wazir Textile Index (WTI) and Wazir Apparel Index (WAI) have both highlighted significant growth, indicating a positive outlook for the industry.
Key highlights
WTI performance: The WTI sales index recorded a 12 per cent increase in Q1 FY25 compared to the previous year. This growth was underpinned by a 29 per cent rise in the WTI EBITDA index, suggesting improved profits for textile companies. The consolidated sales of selected top textile companies also mirrored this trend, rising by 12 per cent during the same period. Moreover, the consolidated EBITDA margin for these companies saw a healthy increase of 2 percentage points.
WAI performance: The WAI sales index indicated a more pronounced growth, increasing by 19 per cent in Q1 FY25. The EBITDA index also grew by 13 per cent, indicating a positive financial performance for apparel companies. Consistent with the WTI, the consolidated sales of selected top apparel companies rose by 19 per cent, while the consolidated EBITDA margin remained unchanged. The apparel companies under review, included: PDS, Pearl Global Industries, Gokaldas Exports, SP Apparels and Kitex Garments. Among them Kitex Garments recorded highest sales growth in Q1 at 31 per cent at the same time SP Apparels was in the red with -2 per cent sales growth. In EBITDA too Kitex Garments led growth.
Overall sector performance: Looking at the performance of a few listed textile and apparel companies under study, consolidated sales increased 6 per cent in Q1 FY25. The consolidated EBITDA for these companies rose by 1 percentage point, indicating a modest improvement in profitability. The companies under study were: Vardhman, Welspun Living, Arvind, Trident, Filatex India, RSWM KPR Mill, Indorama Synthetic, Indo Count and Nahar Spinning. Among these RSWM and Indo Count clocked in maximum growth at 34 per cent and Welspun Living followed closely at 27 per cent. However, Arvind recorded negative growth at -0.1 per cent and Filatex at -1 per cent. However, EBITDA for these two companies were in black.
Ovearall the consolidated sales index increased 6 per cent in Q1 compared to Q1 FY24. Consolidated EBITDA too has gone up by 1 percentage point compared to Q1 FY24.
India’s textile exports and Imports
India’s overall T&A exports have gone up by 5 per cent in Q1 FY25 compared to Q1 FY24. The export of fiber has significantly increased by 17 per cent in Q1 FY25 compared to Q1 FY24. At the same time yarn and fabric exports growth were low at 2 per cent and 0.3 per cent.
India’s T&A imports have reduced by -7 per cent in Q1 FY25 compared to Q1 FY24. Import of home textile has significantly increased by 29 per cent while import of filament has significantly decreased by -32 per cent in Q1 FY25 compared to Q1 FY24.
Factors driving growth
There are several catalysts for the strong performance of textile and apparel sector.
Increased domestic demand: Rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class have led to a boost in domestic demand for textile and apparel products, driving sales growth.
Policy initiatives: Government policies and initiatives, such as the National Textile Policy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, have provided a favorable environment for the sector's growth.
Export growth: Rising exports to key markets have also contributed to the sector's positive performance.
Technological advancements: The adoption of advanced technologies has improved efficiency and reduced costs for textile and apparel manufacturers.
Future outlook
The positive trends observed in Q1 FY25 suggest optimism for India’s textile and apparel sector. Continued growth is expected with factors such as rising domestic consumption, expanding export markets, and technological advancements. However, challenges such as rising costs of raw material, global economic uncertainties, and competition from other countries could impact the sector's future performance.
However, the bottomline is India’ textile and apparel sector has shown strong recovery in Q1 FY25, with higher sales and profits. The positive trends suggest a promising outlook for the sector, but it is essential to closely monitor evolving market dynamics and address potential challenges to sustain this growth trajectory.
The US fashion, apparel, and textile market is undergoing a significant change, driven by evolving consumer behavior, economic fluctuations, and technological advancements. This market, valued at $368.8 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $514.9 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.91 per cent during the forecast period.
The change drivers
Several factors are contributing to the reshaping of the US fashion market. Growing disposable income is a major one. Rising incomes is empowering consumers to spend more on discretionary items like fashion and apparel. This coupled with growing population, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, is pushing up demand for trendy and affordable clothing.
Then there is the e-commerce boom. The proliferation of online shopping platforms has revolutionized the way consumers purchase fashion, offering convenience and a wider selection. Moreover, growing awareness about environmental and social issues is prompting consumers to seek out sustainable and ethically produced fashion. And innovations like 3D printing and virtual reality are transforming the design, production, and retail experience in the fashion industry.
Meanwhile consumer behavior is evolving in response to these market drivers and certain clear trends are evolving.
• Value-consciousness: While consumers are willing to spend on fashion, they are increasingly seeking value for their money, looking for quality products at affordable prices.
• Personalization: Consumers are demanding personalized shopping experiences and products that cater to their individual styles and preferences.
• Experiential retail: The rise of online shopping has led to a decline in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. To stay relevant, retailers are focusing on creating immersive and experiential shopping environments.
• Social media influence: Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences and driving trends in the fashion industry.
• Sustainability focus: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices, seeking out sustainable and ethically produced brands.
• Rapid consumption: The fast fashion trend has led to a rise in clothing consumption, with Americans buying a new piece of clothing every five days on average. This highlights a shift towards quantity over quality, contributing to environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices in the industry.
Table: Market Size and Per Capita Consumption
|
Year |
Market size (billion $) |
CAGR (%) |
Per capita consumption ($) |
|
2018 |
284.5 |
- |
865.4 |
|
2019 |
303.5 |
6.68 |
923.3 |
|
2020 |
254.7 |
-19.37 |
774.3 |
|
2021 |
331.1 |
30 |
994.3 |
|
2022 |
353.5 |
6.77 |
1,051.50 |
|
2023 |
368.8 |
4.33 |
1,096.10 |
|
2024 |
393.1 |
6.59 |
1,166.50 |
|
2025 |
420 |
6.84 |
1,244.40 |
|
2026 |
449.6 |
7.05 |
1,328.10 |
|
2027 |
481.9 |
7.19 |
1,417.30 |
|
2028 |
514.9 |
6.85 |
1,508.30 |
Shifting purchase channels
The way consumers purchase fashion is also undergoing a change. Post-pandemic, online shopping has become the preferred channel for many consumers, offering convenience, a wider selection, and competitive prices. With the increasing use of smartphones, mobile commerce is rapidly gaining traction, allowing consumers to shop anytime, anywhere.
And to cater to the evolving consumer, retailers are adopting an omnichannel approach, integrating online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience. Social media platforms are increasingly being used for product discovery and purchase, blurring the lines between social networking and e-commerce.
The moot point is that the US fashion, apparel, and textile market is in a state of flux, due to a number of factors that are reshaping consumer behavior and purchase patterns. The trend of rapid consumption, with Americans buying a new piece of clothing every five days, underscores the influence of fast fashion and highlights the need for sustainable practices within the industry. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, businesses must adapt to the changing demands of the market, embrace technological advancements, and prioritize sustainability. The future of fashion good with continued growth and innovation expected to drive the market.
For all these years Central Asian country Uzbekistan was known as a cotton powerhouse. However, now the country is shifting from a focus on raw cotton exports to a vertically integrated manufacturing powerhouse. This evolution was underscored at the recent ITMF Annual Conference and IAF Fashion Convention held in Samarkand, where Uzbekistan's progress and potential were on full display.
Shifting sectoral standing
Indeed Uzbekistan still remains a significant cotton producer, but the focus has shifted towards value addition. The lifting of the cotton boycott in 2022, after Uzbekistan addressed forced labor concerns, has opened doors to major international markets and boosted industry confidence.
The country is investing in modern ginning and spinning facilities to produce high-quality yarns and fabrics, reducing reliance on raw material exports. Yarn production is a key pillar of the sector, with a growing emphasis on finer counts and specialized yarns for the apparel industry. Investments in state-of-the-art spinning mills have enabled Uzbekistan to expand its yarn exports and cater to diverse market demands.
Fabric manufacturing is rapidly expanding, driven by investments in weaving and knitting technologies. Uzbekistan is producing a wider range of fabrics, from basic cotton to technical textiles, contributing to the country's export diversification. Meanwhile the garment industry too is experiencing unprecedented growth, backed by favorable government policies, skilled labor, and access to international markets. Uzbekistan is attracting major global brands and retailers, further boosting its garment exports. Uzbekistan's Prime Minister says "We are creating all the necessary conditions for foreign investors and are ready to welcome new investments into the sector." This highlights the government's proactive approach to attracting foreign capital and expertise.
The just concluded ITMF and IAF events highlighted several key trends
• Export growth: Uzbekistan aims to triple its textile and apparel exports to $6.5 billion by 2026. In the first half of 2024 alone, exports exceeded $1.7 billion, reaching 85 countries.
• Investment: The government's supportive policies are attracting foreign investment. South Korean textile major Youngone Corporation, for instance, operates two factories in Uzbekistan and plans further expansion with a $55 million investment, creating over 5,000 jobs. As Kihak Sung, Chairman of Youngone Corporation says, "We believe in Uzbekistan's potential. The country offers a favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and strong government support."Similarly, Global Textile Group, a vertically integrated Uzbek company, has expanded significantly, becoming a prominent player in the industry. Their growth underscores the potential for domestic companies to thrive in the evolving textile landscape.
• Sustainability: Uzbekistan is embracing sustainable practices. The country is actively promoting organic cotton production and investing in eco-friendly technologies.
Indeed, with right policies in place and investments, Uzbekistan's textile and apparel sector is poised for significant growth, driven by its strong fiber base, expanding manufacturing capabilities, government support, and focus on sustainability. And the recent ITMF & IAF event highlighted the country's ambition and progress. With its strategic location, competitive advantages, and commitment to ethical practices, Uzbekistan is emerging as a key player in the global textile landscape
The sixth edition of Texhibition Istanbul Fabric, Yarn, and Textile Accessories Fair, held from September 11 to 13, 2024, showcased the Turkish textile industry’s strength and commitment to innovation and sustainability. Organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık AS in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), the event featured 539 exhibitors, ranging from woven and knitted fabrics to textile accessories and artificial leather. With a special emphasis on yarn, the fair attracted over 24,000 visitors from 117 countries, reinforcing Turkiye’s global influence in textiles.
Expanding global reach and supply chain resilience
Ahmet Oksuz, Chairman of ITHIB, emphasized Texhibition's increasing global relevance, noting that the event has attracted 130,000 visitors over the past two years, establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading textile fairs. He pointed out that Texhibition has played a key role in stabilizing and expanding the global supply chain, even in the face of challenges within the fashion industry. The fair has offered exhibitors valuable opportunities to explore new markets and gain advantages, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of Turkiye's textile sector despite the industry's economic downturn.
Comprehensive industry representation
Texhibition brought together leading names in Turkish textiles, with a broad range of offerings that included woven fabrics, knitwear, and denim. In the BlueBlackDenim Hall, companies like Bossa, Isko, İskur, and Kipaş displayed their latest denim innovations. Established market leaders such as Almodo, Bahariye, Can Textile, and Zorluteks joined high-performance, export-oriented firms to exhibit their latest designs.
A particular highlight was Hall 8, which featured yarn and fiber manufacturers, including Diktaş, Ensar, Karafiber, Korteks, Sasa, and Tepar. These companies showcased the superior quality of Turkish yarn, reinforcing Turkiye’s reputation as a leader in textile manufacturing.
Sustainability takes centerstage
Sustainability was a major focus at this year’s Texhibition, with exhibitors introducing eco-friendly practices. Water-saving dyeing techniques, energy-efficient production, and recycling processes reflected the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Many exhibitors have transitioned to biodegradable and recycled materials, with companies like Maritas Denim showcasing their Regenerative Cotton Project, while Kara fiber emphasized its efforts to reduce carbon emissions through products like Ecocell Lyocell, made from sustainably grown wood.
Korteks, known for its Polymer Recycling Plant, achieved significant milestones in producing polyester yarns from plastic bottles. Aydin Orme demonstrated innovations like Lilacell Lace, crafted from Tencel Lyocell and recycled nylon. Bahariye, a woolen fabric producer, stood out for its sustainable, socially responsible production methods, holding numerous environmental certifications.
International interest and key partnerships Texhibition’s global appeal attracted buyers from Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond. Notable visitors included representatives from major brands such as Alexander Wang, Forever 21, Sainsbury's, and Veronica Beard. Key decision-makers praised the fair’s diversity of fabrics and sustainability efforts. Ines Inhae Huh, SVP Design at Ramy Brook in New York, expressed admiration for the range of prints on display, while Devin James, owner of The Canvas Global, praised the fair as a hub for fashion creativity.
Buyers from countries like the USA, Mexico, and Colombia participated in B2B meetings, generating numerous orders. Mariana Wajsman Nedeff from La Moda Brazil highlighted the efficient atmosphere and fruitful business connections made during the fair.
Trends and innovation in focus
Texhibition also served as a platform for discussions on future trends and technological innovations. Workshops and seminars covered topics such as denim trends, circular value chains in fashion, and sustainability regulations. Keynote speaker MarwaZamaray, European Climate Pact Ambassador, stressed the importance of sustainability compliance in the industry.
The Texhibition Trend Area, designed by IdilTarzi and her team, showcased themes for the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2025-26 season, emphasizing earthy, environmentally friendly colors. Meanwhile, the Innovation Hub, led by designer Arzu Karpol and fabric designer Filiz Tunca, highlighted cutting-edge projects, including illuminated dresses and self-warming jackets.
Turkiye’s green transformation and future goals
Texhibition underscored the importance of Turkiye’s green transformation in the textile industry. With textile exports reaching $12 billion annually and ranked fifth globally, Turkiye’s focus on sustainable and digitalized production is vital to maintaining its competitive edge. The Turkish Ministry of Trade and Turkiye's Exporters Assembly are driving this transformation through initiatives like GreenTIM and EcoTIM, which support companies in meeting European Green Deal regulations.
As Texhibition Istanbul's influence expands, it is set to become a pivotal force in shaping the future of the global textile industry. M Fatih Bilici, Vice Chairman of ITHIB and Chairman of the Texhibition Executive Committee, highlighted that the event will continue driving sustainable growth and attracting international buyers, further solidifying Turkiye’s leadership in textile innovation and reinforcing its global position in the sector.
Texhibition’s success this year reaffirms Turkiye’s role as a global textile hub, offering innovative solutions and sustainable practices that meet the evolving demands of the international market.
