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The 12th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), highlighted a strategic roadmap for India’s textile and apparel (T&A) sector. India’s T&A exports reached 33.2 billion US dollars during April 2024-February 2025, registering a 7.2 per cent increase over the previous year. However, with exports still near the 2015 level, the industry must achieve 18 percent annual growth to reach the 100 billion US dollar target by 2030.
Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM MITRA parks, and ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union and the United States are expected to drive expansion. However, addressing key challenges is essential. Based on deliberations at the National Committee on Textiles and Clothing (NCTC), ATEXCON 2025 outlined five priority areas:
Raw Material Availability - Removing import restrictions on cotton, man-made fiber, and specialized yarns to ensure competitive pricing.
Cotton Import Duty - Eliminating the 10 percent duty on cotton fiber to bridge the supply-demand gap of 3.8 million bales and enhance cost competitiveness.
Investment Incentives - Launching a scheme combining capital subsidies and performance-based incentives, with a special focus on textile processing.
PM MITRA Parks - Accelerating the implementation of integrated textile parks to strengthen the value chain.
Trade Agreements - Fast-tracking free trade agreements (FTAs) with the EU and the US to ensure a level playing field for Indian exporters.
Industry leaders at ATEXCON 2025 also emphasized that GST on ready-made garments should not be increased. Addressing these key areas will enable India’s T&A industry to capitalize on emerging global opportunities and drive sustainable growth.
The nomination committee of H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB has finalized its proposals for the annual general meeting on 7 May 2025. Klas Balkow has been nominated as a new board member, while all current members, except Stina Bergfors, have been proposed for re-election. Karl-Johan Persson is set to continue as chair.
Balkow brings extensive retail experience, having served as CEO of Axfood and Clas Ohlson, with 17 years leading listed companies. “Klas’s expertise in retail and board work will be a valuable asset,” said Stefan Persson, chair of the nomination committee.
Persson also expressed gratitude to Stina Bergfors, who is stepping down after nine years. “Stina’s contributions, especially in tech and entrepreneurship, have been significant,” he noted.
Balkow, born in 1965, has also held senior roles at Procter & Gamble and Bredbandsbolaget. He serves on the boards of Axel Johnson AB and the Swedish Armed Forces’ oversight council. His personal shareholding in H&M is 4,000 shares.
The nomination committee includes Karl-Johan Persson, Stefan Persson, Lottie Tham, Anders Oscarsson (AMF), and Joachim Spetz (Swedbank Robur), representing 87 percent of the company’s total votes. Full proposals will be detailed in the official AGM notice.
Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and strategic growth in its annual and sustainability report for the 2024 financial year, released today on hmgroup.com. A printed version will be sent to shareholders upon request.
CEO Daniel Erver highlighted the company’s progress in integrating sustainability with design and innovation. “Exceptional design and sustainable solutions go hand in hand with our purpose to liberate fashion for the many. Sustainability is fundamental to our operations and long-term success,” he said.
H&M Group also published its sustainability progress report, outlining achievements in decarbonization, material sourcing, and corporate responsibility. The company remains on track to meet its goal of using only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030, with recycled materials already reaching 29.5 per cent, just shy of its 30 per cent target for 2025, a year ahead of schedule.
“We are delivering strong results in reducing emissions and energy use across our supply chain, aligned with science-based targets,” said Leyla Ertur, Sustainability Director.
Key sustainability milestones in 2024 include 89 per cent of materials sourced sustainably or recycled, a 41 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in scope 1 and 2, and a 24 per cent reduction in scope 3 from the 2019 baseline. The company also achieved a 54 per cent cut in plastic packaging from the 2018 baseline, surpassing its 2025 goal.
The number of garment factories using on-site coal boilers decreased to 27, down from 118 in 2022, with a full phase-out planned by 2026. Freshwater consumption in garment suppliers was reduced by 9.5 per cent, nearly reaching the 10 per cent target ahead of schedule. Second-hand fashion expanded to 26 markets through 38 H&M Group stores and Sellpy.
H&M Group also renewed its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and IF Metall, protecting over one million workers worldwide.
The Bangladeshi government plans to ban yarn imports through land ports on concerns raised by local textile millers about misuse and unfair competition.
These land ports lack the required infrastructure to identify the yarn category accurately, argues
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA). This often leads to widespread misuse and harming domestic industries. Therefore, yarn imports should be shifted exclusively to seaports that have better monitoring capabilities, adds the association.
However, apparel exporters, particularly small and medium-sized factories, have expressed concerns over the potential negative impact of such a ban.
As these exporters mainly rely on land ports for quicker and more cost-effective access to raw materials, a sudden ban on them lead to financial distress, warns BGMEA. The move could not only disrupt supply chains and increase production costs, but also Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global apparel market, it adds.
Highlighting the competitive disadvantage faced by local textile millers, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) notes, their yarn prices are significantly higher than those in India and Vietnam. They also point to existing stockpiles due to reduced cash incentives on local yarn, further complicating the situation.
Industry leaders suggest that instead of a complete ban, the government should focus on improving monitoring and customs procedures at land ports. They also advocate for anti-dumping duties to address unfair competition from Indian exporters. The Ministry of Commerce has requested supporting documents from BTMA regarding alleged dumping practices.
The textile sector already faces numerous challenges, including rising energy costs, a dollar crisis, and reduced export incentives. A ban on land port yarn imports could exacerbate these issues, particularly for smaller manufacturers. Exporters are urging the government to reconsider the decision and explore alternative solutions, such as phased implementation or exemptions, to mitigate the potential damage to the industry.
Scheduled from March 31-April 1 at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in Cambodia, the Global Textile Summit 2025 will discuss and make presentations on various aspects of the textile industry in the country.
To be held under the aegis of the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham), the summit will gather business leaders, development partners, and global brands. It will be organized by the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), ILO – Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), and the German development agency GIZ.
Katta Orn, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, emphasizes, the event will showcase the potential of the Kingdom’s textile sector, which continues to attract foreign investment and create jobs, contributing to national economic growth.
This growth demonstrates Cambodia's stability and its capacity to develop industries, particularly the garment sector, states Orn. It also highlights Cambodia as a prime location for investment and export-oriented manufacturing, he adds.
Lim Heng, Vice President, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, notes, the rapid growth of Cambodia's textile industry in recent years is driven by the global economic recovery and political instability in other manufacturing regions. Increased factory openings and export orders, particularly from the EU, the US, and the UK also boosts the sector, he adds. China continues to be Cambodia's primary source of raw materials, Heng informs.
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reports, Cambodia’s textile exports increased by 24.4 per cent to $11.68 billion in 2024. Including apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear, these exports accounted for 44.59 per cent of Cambodia's total exports, which reached $26.2 billion. The summit aims to further promote Cambodia's role in the global textile market.
As per a new report by Consumer Edge, US apparel market is likely to witness significant shifts in 2025 as consumers have decreased their overall spending on clothing, accessories, and shoes by 2 per cent. However, certain brands and categories are registering a strong growth, the report says.
Fast fashion and resale are on the rise as budget-conscious shoppers continue to curtail discretionary expenses. Shein and Uniqlo are emerging as bestsellers as against their competitors H&M and Zara. The popularity of secondhand platforms Depop and Grailed is on the rise though Poshmark is experiencing a decline in profits due to recent fee adjustments and technological limitations.
In contrast, the luxury sector is facing challenges. Spending on single-brand luxury items, like Chanel and Gucci, and multi-brand platforms such as Ssense and Net-a-Porter, has declined significantly. Sales of footwear and athletic apparel have also declined by around 6 per cent due to contraction in consumer spending.
Despite this general downturn, some brands are experiencing notable growth. Womenswear brands Lagence, Modlily, and Halara, along with Quince, are among the top performers. Grailed and Depop are also on the rise, as are jewelry brands like Rare Carat and David Yurman.
All income groups have reduced their apparel spending, with high-income earners reducing theirs the least, as per the report by Consumer Edge. Notably, high-income shoppers are increasing their spending at Hollister, potentially for teen purchases, and also at Depop, Goodwill, and Quince. Louis Vuitton and Cartier have also gained a larger share of this demographic.
Younger shoppers, aged18-24 years, are favoring digital-first brands, with Shein surpassing H&M and Zara. Demand for brands like Skims and Depop is also on the rise from customers in this age group. Gen Z and Millennials, aged 25-34 years are also being attracted by Shein and Uniqlo,
On the other hand, brands like Shein, MyThereasa and Uniqlo are registering a rise in demand from senior citizens aged 65 years and above. However, Ssense is losing market share to competitors like Farfetch.
As per the report, there is a growing trend towards value-driven shopping, with consumers prioritizing affordability and convenience. Fast fashion and resale are benefiting from this shift, while luxury brands need to adapt to remain competitive.
With US investor Redwood Capital Management set to acquire the company, Dutch lingerie retailer Hunkemöller is changing ownership once again. As per a report by WirtschaftsWoche, this acquisition will bring significant changes to the brand.
The focus of this acquisition would be an omnichannel strategy that would help consolidate Hunkemoller’s position as a leading lingerie retailer in Europe, says Brain Grevy, CEO.
The company was acquired by Dutch investment firms Parcom Capital and Opportunity Partners in 2022.The previous majority owner, US-based Carlyle Group, retained a minority stake in the company.
However, like many fashion brands, Hunkemöller has faced challenges in recent years. Rising inflation has decreased consumer spending, and the company's financial performance has been affected by global supply chain disruptions, the aftermath of the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.
Currently operating 900 stores across Europe, the lingerie retailer reported an 8 per cent revenue decline in 2024, with sales declining to approximately €542 million. The brand’s EBITDA declined by about 37 per cent to €42.8 million while net losses nearly doubled to €142 million.
Hunkemöller initiated a comprehensive transformation program at the end of last year to address these market challenges and return to growth. The program primarily focuses on enhancing the customer experience across its 750+ stores.
With a strengthened financial foundation through debt restructuring and new capital investment, the company aims to accelerate the implementation of its new corporate strategy.
With US investor Redwood Capital Management set to acquire the company, Dutch lingerie retailer Hunkemöller is changing ownership once again. As per a report by WirtschaftsWoche, this acquisition will bring significant changes to the brand.
The focus of this acquisition would be an omnichannel strategy that would help consolidate Hunkemoller’s position as a leading lingerie retailer in Europe, says Brain Grevy, CEO.
The company was acquired by Dutch investment firms Parcom Capital and Opportunity Partners in 2022.The previous majority owner, US-based Carlyle Group, retained a minority stake in the company.
However, like many fashion brands, Hunkemöller has faced challenges in recent years. Rising inflation has decreased consumer spending, and the company's financial performance has been affected by global supply chain disruptions, the aftermath of the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.
Currently operating 900 stores across Europe, the lingerie retailer reported an 8 per cent revenue decline in 2024, with sales declining to approximately €542 million. The brand’s EBITDA declined by about 37 per cent to €42.8 million while net losses nearly doubled to €142 million.
Hunkemöller initiated a comprehensive transformation program at the end of last year to address these market challenges and return to growth. The program primarily focuses on enhancing the customer experience across its 750+ stores.
With a strengthened financial foundation through debt restructuring and new capital investment, the company aims to accelerate the implementation of its new corporate strategy.
Achieving a significant milestone, leading Indian manufacturer of digital inkjet printers, Colorjet, has earned the prestigious ZED Gold (Zero Defect, Zero Effect) Certification under the Ministry of MSME’s Sustainable Certification Scheme. This accomplishment reinforces ColorJet’s position as a quality-focused and sustainability-driven innovator in the global printing industry.
Awarded to organizations that exceed traditional standards, the ZED Gold Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly practices. ColorJet's success in achieving this certification reflects its dedication to the ZED Gold philosophy: delivering defect-free products while ensuring no negative impact on the environment.
The certification aligns perfectly with the brand’s long-standing mission of sustainable innovation and responsible manufacturing, says Madhu Sudan Dadu, Chairman, ColorJet Group. This achievement is a testament to the brand’s ongoing efforts in process excellence, employee engagement, and green production practices.
Beyond quality and process excellence, this recognition signifies ColorJet’s strong support for national initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ It highlights how Indian manufacturers can excel on a global scale, not only through innovation but also through responsibility and resilience.
ColorJet has consistently believed in the synergy of technology and sustainability. Through significant investment in research, innovation, and environmental responsibility, the company continues to transform the digital printing industry. Its solutions are designed for both high performance and precision, as well as long-term environmental sustainability, ensuring that customers don’t have to compromise between productivity and environmental consciousness.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is set to host a series of conferences in 2025, addressing critical environmental challenges in the textile and apparel industry. These events will bring together experts to explore innovative solutions for sustainability.
The PFAS in Textiles Conference will take place on April 24-25, 2025, at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. With growing concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles, this conference aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to develop improved best practices. Discussions will focus on balancing consumer safety with industry needs while advancing responsible PFAS usage.
On May 19, 2025, Renée Lamb, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, will lead a Digital Learning session on Cotton vs Rayon. The session will examine the sustainability credentials of both fibers, weighing their environmental impact, biodegradability, and consumer appeal. As demand for eco-friendly materials rises, the discussion will explore whether one fiber offers a superior sustainability profile.
The Circularity Conference, scheduled for June 17-18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI, will spotlight the industry's transition toward circular systems. Industry leaders, designers, and researchers will discuss challenges and solutions for creating a sustainable textile economy, emphasizing waste reduction, recycling innovations, and policy frameworks.
AATCC encourages industry professionals to participate in these key events, which aim to drive sustainable transformation across the textile sector.
