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Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian federal government is stepping up to help cotton farmers in Telangana, a major cotton-producing state, by buying large quantities of their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This move comes as market prices for cotton have been dropping, putting farmers at risk.
G Kishan Reddy, Federal Minister and President – Telangana, BJP says, the government’s actions are benefiting over 900,000 cotton farmers in the state.
He highlights, a government agency, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has set up 110 buying centers across Telangana. So far in the 2024-25 growing season, they've purchased over 21 million quintals of cotton, which adds up to roughly 155.56 billion rupees.
Telangana is the third-largest cotton-producing state in India, and the government has significantly increased its support to farmers there in recent years. Since 2014-15, the Modi government has bought cotton worth over more than Rs 580 billion, providing much-needed financial assistance to farmers. Additionally, the MSP for cotton has more than doubled, going from Rs 3,750 per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs 7,121 in 2024-25.
The government's support goes beyond simply buying cotton. They're also providing farmers with resources like soil testing, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, farm loans, insurance, irrigation, and warehouses. And they're making sure farmers get a fair price for their crops. The CCI steps in to buy cotton whenever market prices fall below the MSP, providing a safety net for farmers.
The Modi government has set MSPs for 22 different crops, including cotton, ensuring that farmers receive at least 50 per cent more than their production costs. The current cotton procurement drive in Telangana reinforces the government’s dedication to protecting farmers' incomes and providing them with financial stability.
The Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025, held on 12–13 March in Cologne, Germany, drew leading industry experts, researchers, and innovators to explore sustainable fibre solutions across textiles, hygiene, and packaging. The event reinforced its position as the premier global platform for the cellulose fibre sector, offering two days of high-quality presentations and robust discussions on advancing eco-friendly technologies.
Cellulose fibres such as viscose, lyocell, and modal, traditionally made from wood-based pulp, are now being complemented by innovations using agricultural waste, recycled textiles, and paper-grade pulp. This shift toward alternative raw materials reflects the industry's growing focus on sustainability and circular economy practices.
This year, biosynthetics were introduced for the first time, gaining significant attention. Experts explored challenges in scale-up, biodegradability, and performance compared to fossil-based synthetics. Sessions covered fibre-to-fibre recycling, marine biodegradability, microplastic reduction, and cutting-edge technologies for pulp and fibre development.
Rahul Bansal of Birla Cellulose highlighted the event’s importance for global collaboration, noting rising investments in cellulose-based product development. Andreas Engelhardt of The Fiber Year reported an annual global capacity expansion of 200,000 tonnes, while Marina Crnoja-Cosic of Textile ETP projected 17 per cent annual growth from 2024 to 2029, driven mainly by Lyocell. Simone Seisl added that Lyocell is replacing declining cotton production due to climate change.
To support future development, CIRFS proposed a unified cellulose fibre standard, including types like viscose, modal, lyocell, and emerging fibres. The proposal received strong backing, including from Ikea, which expressed interest in scaling up cellulose fibre usage.
A key highlight was the ‘Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year 2025’ award. SA-Dynamics (Germany) won for biodegradable cellulose aerogel insulation textiles. Releaf Paper France earned recognition for converting urban leaf waste into fibres, and Uluu (Australia) impressed with seaweed-derived PHA polymers as plastic alternatives in textiles.
Sponsors like GIG Karasek, Birla Purocel, List Technology AG, Valmet, and Dienes played vital roles in the conference’s success. Social media engagement extended the event’s reach, while on-site networking tools fostered collaboration. A traditional German bowling night added a social touch to the proceedings.
With growing momentum, CFC 2025 reaffirmed the industry's commitment to advancing sustainable, bio-based textile solutions.
The US textile industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, faces a complex mix of challenges. The industry employs 471,000 workers and generates $64 billion in annual output. It is a key supplier to the US military, providing over 8,000 products, and is a source of high-tech innovation for sectors ranging from healthcare to aerospace.
However, the industry has been facing numerous challenges, including economic downturns, unfair trade practices like forced labor, ill-conceived trade policies, inadequate customs enforcement, post-pandemic inventory issues, and freight and logistics challenges. These factors have hindered growth and investment, leading to a downturn in business over the past three years.Despite these challenges, the textile industry has shown resilience. In 2024, the value of US man-made fiber, textile, and apparel shipments was estimated at $63.9 billion.
Table: Value of US textile shipments
|
Category |
Value of shipments (2024) |
|
Textile Mills |
$25.0 bn |
|
Textile Products |
$23.6 bn |
|
Apparel |
$9.8 bn |
|
Man-made Fibers |
$5.5 bn |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The US has a strong position in the global textile market. Export of fibers, textiles, and apparel were $28 billion in 2024. It is the second-largest individual country exporter of textile-related products in the world
Table: Export by category and region (value in billion)
|
Export Category |
Value (bn) |
|
Cotton, Wool, Hair |
$5.0 |
|
Yarns |
$4.0 |
|
Fabrics |
$8.0 |
|
Home Furnishings etc. |
$3.9 |
|
Apparel |
$7.1 |
|
Exports by region |
|
|
Region |
Value (bn) |
|
USMCA |
$12.2 |
|
CAFTA DR |
$3.0 |
|
Asia |
$2.8 |
|
Europe |
$2.1 |
|
Other Regions |
$2.8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
The top export markets for US fibers including cotton fibers are Mexico at $36 billion followed by China at 1.9 billion. Canada, Honduras and Pakistan are the other three in the top five list.
Challenges and the way out
To address the various challenges the sector is facing, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and industry leaders have launched an aggressive lobbying campaign, advocating for policies to support the industry.
On major policy they are looking for is customs enforcement. The industry is pushing for robust enforcement of free trade agreement rules, closing the de minimis loophole, and fully enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) to combat import fraud and circumvention of trade laws. In fact, NCTO is leading a coalition to close the de minimis loophole, which allows low-value shipments to enter the country duty-free, creating an unfair advantage for foreign competitors.
NCTO is also actively involved in advocating the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, expansion of the Berry Amendment (which requires the Department of Defense to purchase 100 per cent US-made textiles and clothing), full enforcement of the Make PPE in America Act, and increased tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports from China.
Looking ahead, the US textile industry anticipates the challenges to continue but remains optimistic about its future. The industry is focused on working with policymakers to enact supportive measures, strengthening partnerships with Western Hemisphere trading partners, and combating illegal trade practices.
From the point of view of global apparel import trends, the recent rise in Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports reveals a compelling picture. The first half of fiscal year 2024-25 shows a significant rise across major markets, highlighting shifts in sourcing strategies and evolving consumer demands.
The EU, a cornerstone of Bangladeshi RMG exports
The European Union's continued dominance as Bangladesh's primary market is undeniable. Accounting for roughly 50 per cent of the total RMG exports, the EU's imports reached $9.87 billion, a 15.22 per cent increase year-over-year.
Table: Bangladesh RMG exports to EU markets (July-Dec 2024-25)
|
Country |
Import value ($ bn) |
Growth rate (%) |
|
Germany |
2.47 |
14 |
|
Spain |
1.7 |
3 |
|
Netherlands |
1.06 |
>10 |
|
France |
1.09 |
>10 |
|
Poland |
0.79 |
28 |
|
Italy |
0.77 |
<10 |
|
Denmark |
0.56 |
>10 |
Diversification and growth: While Germany remains the top importer, the substantial growth in countries like Poland (28 per cent) indicates a diversification of import destinations within the EU. This could reflect changing consumer preferences or strategic sourcing decisions by retailers.
Varying growth rates: The disparity in growth rates, from Poland's high to Spain's modest increase, suggests that market-specific factors are at play. These could include economic conditions, retail trends, and competitive pressures.
The US a strategic shift
The US which accounts for 19-20 per cent of Bangladesh's total RMG exports, has emerged as a crucial growth market. The 17.55 per cent increase in imports ($3.84 billion) is significant, particularly in light of geopolitical trade tensions.
The imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods by the US has created a window of opportunity for alternative sourcing destinations like Bangladesh. Therefore, US buyers are actively seeking to diversify their supply chains to mitigate risks associated with reliance on a single source. This shift is not merely about cost; it also reflects concerns about supply chain resilience and ethical sourcing.
Expanding horizons
Bangladesh's success is not limited to traditional markets. The 6.70 per cent growth in exports to the UK ($2.16 billion) and the 14 per cent increase in exports to Canada ($640 million) are noteworthy. Furthermore, the strong performance in emerging markets, with a total of $3.37 billion, demonstrates Bangladesh's growing competitiveness.
Table: Bangladesh RMG exports to emerging markets (July-Dec 2024-25)
|
Country |
Import value ($ mn) |
Growth rate (%) |
|
Japan |
600 |
5.7 |
|
Australia |
430 |
7.5 |
|
India |
370 |
18 |
|
Korea |
230 |
2.84 |
|
Turkey |
220 |
43 |
India's rise: The 18 per cent growth in exports to India is particularly significant, reflecting the growing demand for affordable apparel in the expanding Indian market.
Turkey's remarkable growth: The 43 per cent growth in exports to Turkey highlights the potential of this market.
Diversification: The expanding footprint in markets like Australia, Japan, and Korea showcases Bangladesh's ability to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. As noted by the BKMEA president, buyers are demanding lower prices despite rising production costs. This could squeeze profit margins for Bangladeshi manufacturers. Infrastructure and supply chain bottlenecks are another bane. Gas and electricity shortages, as well as reliance on imported yarn, pose significant challenges to the industry. Banking activities and law and order situations also need to be addressed to sustain export growth.
Despite new tariff hikes and Amazon’s attempts to carve out a slice of the budget-friendly e-commerce pie, Chinese giants Temu and Shein remain steadfast in their ambition to conquer the US market. Their confidence, industry analysts suggest, stems from a potent combination of agile supply chains, data-driven strategies, and a deep understanding of the price-sensitive American consumer.
The narrative of Temu and Shein's rapid ascent is well-documented. Leveraging China's vast manufacturing ecosystem and direct-to-consumer models, they have flooded the market with ultra-low-priced apparel, home goods, and electronics. Temu, launched in the US in 2022 by PDD Holdings, and Shein, which also expanded its US presence that year, have capitalized on a perfect storm of inflation-weary consumers and the allure of "treasure hunt" shopping experiences.
However, the sceptre of increased US tariffs, ranging from 10 to 20 per cent on Chinese imports, threatens to disrupt their carefully calibrated business models. Yet, Shein’s executive chairman, Donald Tang, remains unfazed. "We will find a way to deliver the goods," Tang told AFP, emphasizing the company's commitment to maintaining affordability for US consumers. While specifics remain undisclosed, his statement underscores a broader industry sentiment: Chinese e-commerce firms are confident in their ability to adapt and overcome regulatory hurdles.
Even as tariffs pose a challenge, these companies have demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate complex regulatory environments," notes John Smith, a supply chain expert at Gartner. "Their diversified sourcing strategies and willingness to absorb some of the cost increases will likely mitigate the impact."
Unwavering momentum
A report by YipitData says, Temu and Shein have collectively captured a significant portion of the US fast-fashion market, with Temu seeing explosive growth in its first year. While exact market share numbers fluctuate, their combined user base has rapidly expanded, overshadowing Amazon's nascent ‘Haul’ platform. Apptopia data shows that Temu and Shein consistently rank among the most downloaded shopping apps in the US, indicating sustained consumer interest. And a study from Earnest Analytics reveals that consumers are increasingly allocating a larger portion of their online shopping budget to these platforms, particularly among lower-income demographics.
Perhaps what works for Shein's is its supply chain mastery. The ability to produce small batches of clothing based on real-time trend data allows Shein to minimize waste and respond rapidly to consumer demand. This agile supply chain, honed over years, provides a significant competitive advantage.
Temu relies on aggressive marketing. Temu's heavy investment in social media advertising and influencer partnerships has led to its rapid user acquisition. Their strategy of gamified shopping experiences and flash sales has resonated with younger consumers. The Chinese e-commerce giants have perfected the art of leveraging data to anticipate consumer preferences, says Emily Weiss, a retail analyst at Forrester. "Their ability to offer a constantly changing assortment of trendy products at incredibly low prices is a powerful draw for budget-conscious shoppers."
The Amazon challenge
Amazon's ‘Haul’ platform, launched in November 2024, has struggled to gain traction. The platform's inability to match the ultra-low prices and rapid product turnover of Temu and Shein has hampered its growth. As consumers increasingly prioritize affordability, Amazon faces an uphill battle in capturing a significant share of this market.
Despite the looming tariff concerns, Temu and Shein's confidence appears well-founded. Their agile business models, data-driven strategies, and deep understanding of the price-sensitive US consumer position them for continued growth. As the battle for market share intensifies, the e-commerce landscape is poised for further disruption.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Charles Heilig delivered the State of the Industry address at the association’s 21st Annual Meeting on March 27 in Washington, D C.
Heilig, who is also the president of Parkdale Mills, a leading US yarn and cotton product manufacturer, highlighted the industry’s key challenges and achievements over the past year. He presented economic and trade data related to the US textile supply chain and outlined NCTO’s policy priorities for 2024 and 2025.
NCTO has been advocating for strong domestic manufacturing policies, fair trade practices, and supply chain resilience. Heilig emphasized the industry’s efforts to navigate global trade shifts, rising costs, and competition while continuing to invest in innovation and sustainability.
His remarks, as prepared for delivery, along with an industry data infographic, have been made available by NCTO. The meeting, held at the Mayflower Hotel from March 24-27, brought together key textile industry stakeholders to discuss policies shaping the future of US textile manufacturing.
The Good Cashmere Conference 2025 in Hamburg gathered global cashmere industry leaders, NGOs, and scientists to discuss advancements in sustainable cashmere production. The event focused on innovative technologies, animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and transparency in the textile supply chain.
Michael Otto, founder of the Aid by Trade Foundation, emphasized The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) as a transformative force: "Sustainability is a license to operate. GCS is not just a set of rules; it’s a commitment to a better future." Key discussions included virtual reality applications, scientific measures for animal welfare, and blockchain for supply chain transparency.
Since its launch in 2019, GCS has grown into the largest sustainable cashmere standard, with over 50 fashion brands, including H&M, Marc O’Polo, and The White Company, using GCS-certified fibers. From 2024 to 2025, labeled textiles increased by 30 per cent. Conference experts stressed the importance of ensuring positive experiences for cashmere goats, translating scientific research into practice through training, digital solutions, and model farms. GCS verification shows 100 per cent compliance with core indicators and over 90 per cent fulfillment in social and animal welfare aspects.
With cashmere production dependent on Inner Mongolia’s fragile grasslands, biodiversity preservation was a key topic. NGOs, scientists, and brands highlighted the need for sustainable grazing practices to protect the ecosystem from climate change.
Looking ahead, innovations like blockchain for tracking cashmere and virtual reality tools for training are set to further improve sustainability. "The future of cashmere relies on our ability to cultivate a truly sustainable legacy," Otto concluded. Alex Barnett of The White Company added: "The conference combined animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and transparency, offering valuable insights into the future of responsible cashmere production."
British fast-fashion retailer Primark plans to further expand its operations in the United States by opening new stores in Georgia, South Carolina, and an additional store in Texas.
Spanning 96,400 sq ft, these stores will be located at Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina; The Parks Mall at Arlington in Arlington, Texas; and Augusta Mall in Augusta, Georgia.
Kevin Tulip, President, Primark US, says, these expansions by the company demonstrate its dedication to providing quality and affordability to a wider range of US customers. Through these expansions, the retailer plans to offer customers a diverse collection of fashion and accessories at affordable prices.
Having first entered the US market in 2015, Primark opened its flagship store in downtown Boston. These new additions will increase the retailer's total US store count to over 30.
Online visitor registration for ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is now open, offering a 50 per cent discount on badge prices for early registrants. The exhibition will take place from 28 to 31 October 2025 at Singapore Expo.
Visitors who register before 28 September can avail early bird rates of S$50 for a four-day badge and S$25 for a one-day badge at www.itmaasiasingapore.com. Standard online rates will be S$60 and S$30, while onsite rates will rise to S$100 and S$50, respectively. All fees include GST.
Touted as the leading textile technology exhibition driving regional growth, ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is expected to attract industry professionals from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Alex Zucchi, president of CEMATEX, emphasized the exhibition’s role in helping manufacturers optimize production efficiency, increase output, and enhance product quality. Gu Ping, president of the China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), highlighted that the event will showcase cutting-edge textile solutions, fostering business collaborations.
Jemmy Kartiwa Sastraatmadja, chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API) and ASEAN Textile Industry Federation (AFTEX), noted that the exhibition will strengthen ASEAN’s textile industry by showcasing modern technology. He stressed the importance of keeping pace with global trends and adopting eco-friendly production methods to tackle textile and garment waste.
According to the show organizers CEMATEX, CTMA, and CCPIT TEX over 770 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions have already secured stand space. The exhibition will serve as a vital platform for industry leaders to explore advanced machinery and sustainable solutions.
At the 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), industry leaders reinforced their commitment to ethical labor practices by implementing a stringent Code of Conduct to prevent child and forced labor. This initiative ensures compliance with national and international labor laws, safeguarding workers' rights across the supply chain.
Signatory factories must not engage in bonded or forced labor and must ensure all work is performed voluntarily without coercion. The code mandates that no child under 14 years is employed in factories or supply chains, aligning with both Indian regulations and international labor standards. If a higher minimum age is required by law, factories must comply with that threshold. Additionally, young workers aged 14 to 18 are prohibited from hazardous tasks, night shifts, and exposure to harmful substances.
To prevent child labor, factories must have strict recruitment policies, verify proof of age through official documents, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance. If child labor is detected, companies are responsible for rehabilitation and remediation. Suppliers and subcontractors must also adhere to these standards.
To combat forced labor, factories must implement policies prohibiting bonded labor and human trafficking. Workers must be informed of their rights in a language they understand and provided with written employment contracts. Employers are prohibited from retaining workers’ identification documents, and all employment must be free from coercion or threats.
The code aligns with Indian labor laws, including the Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Child Labor Prohibition Act, as well as ILO conventions on forced and child labor. By enforcing these guidelines, the Indian textile industry aims to promote ethical sourcing, enhance brand reputation, and eliminate exploitative labor practices, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and fair labor standards.
