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A leading company in advanced textiles and chemical products, Hyosung TNC has collaborated with lifestyle wear expert Gritti to launch new and innovative materials in the intimate apparel market. The two companies signed a technical research business agreement at Gritti's headquarters on March 24, 2024 initiating a collaborative effort to improve product offerings through state-of-the-art fabric technology.
The first product launched by the joint venture company includes AquaFresh25, a high-performance fabric that blends Hyosung TNC's cooling nylon yarn, ‘Creora Aqua-X,’ and functional spandex, ‘Creora Fresh.’ This material has been successfully used in Gritti's Gamtan Bra, demonstrating the partnership's capability to deliver exceptional comfort and functionality in intimate apparel.
Expressing his excitement over the partnership, Kim Chi-hyung, CEO, Hyosung TNC, says, the company will continue to strengthen its collaboration with Gritti in the field of technical research, new product development, and launches.
The agreement focuses on incorporating Hyosung TNC's high-performance fabrics into Gritti's key brands, including Wonderbra, Playtex, and Just My Size. This strategic move aims to broaden the use of innovative materials across Gritti's entire product range, providing consumers with enhanced comfort and performance.
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is expanding its innovation efforts by forging key partnerships with leading mainland research and technology institutions. The institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Donghua University and a Letter of Intent on a Co-operation Framework with the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited and Pudong New Force Incubator. These agreements aim to enhance research collaboration, technology transfer, and industry incubation.
HKRITA Chairman Teresa Yang highlighted the significance of these partnerships, emphasizing their role in facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering technology incubation, and accelerating industry applications. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem that fuels innovation, inspires breakthroughs, and expands advanced technologies in the global market, ensuring sustainable growth and shared success," she stated.
Donghua University, formerly China Textile University, has been a major contributor to China’s textile industry since its establishment in 1951. Under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education, the university will collaborate with HKRITA on research projects focused on textile material circularity, microplastics solutions, and functional fibres. Donghua University President Prof. Xiang Yanxun noted that the collaboration would support China’s carbon neutrality goals and drive industrial transformation in both Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited, backed by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation, and Pudong New Force Incubator will work with HKRITA to develop an innovation platform focusing on bio-renewable materials with low carbon emissions. This partnership aims to incubate sustainable technologies and integrate artificial intelligence with the fashion industry.
Chan Yi Ngok, a representative of the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute, stressed the framework's importance in expanding HKRITA’s presence in Shanghai and fostering deeper industry exchanges. Li Chenfei, Strategic Director of Pudong New Force Incubator, highlighted the collaboration’s role in advancing green technologies and accelerating their commercialization.
A global backlash is intensifying against the rapid proliferation of duty-free, low-value parcel shipments, predominantly originating from China's fast fashion hubs like Guangzhou. These shipments, which have increased exponentially in recent years, are facing scrutiny and regulatory changes in major markets, including the US, Europe, and other developing nations, while simultaneously, the rise of ‘micro-sweatshops’ continues to plague the industry.
US restrictions on certain goods
President Donald Trump recently ordered a halt to the duty-free entry of parcels valued up to $800 into the US, citing concerns over the unchecked flow of potentially dangerous goods, such as fentanyl. This move, temporarily suspended, to allow for the development of inspection protocols, signals a potential shift in international trade and could significantly impact e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and Amazon's Haul, which heavily rely on the "de minimis" exemption.
As per The New York Times report the de minimis rule, which allows low-value parcels to bypass customs inspections and tariffs, has led to the explosive growth of fast fashion, with duty-free shipments to the US increasing tenfold since 2016, reaching four million parcels per day last year. Similar shipments to the EU have grown to 12 million parcels daily.
The European Commission has also proposed ending duty-free treatment for packages worth up to €150, citing concerns about product safety, counterfeit goods, and unfair competition. And South Africa has imposed 45 per cent tariffs on all clothing imports, regardless of value, and Thailand has ended its sales tax exemption for low-value parcels.
Labor conditions in Guangzhou, Yiwu in focus
The heart of this industry lies in cities like Guangzhou and Yiwu, where networks of workshops and factories churn out inexpensive clothing, toys, and other goods for global consumers. Labor conditions within these workshops are often harsh, with workers like Wu Hua earning as little as $5 per hour, including overtime, for 10-hour workdays. They often reside in cramped living quarters above the factories.
Shein and Temu, major players in the de minimis industry, coordinate their supply chains from Guangzhou, collaborating with thousands of small factories across China. Shein, in particular, emphasizes its ability to connect consumers directly with manufacturers, minimizing the need for traditional retail infrastructure. However, some workshop owners are concerned about the demanding requirements and low prices offered by companies like Shein. They also face challenges due to rising labor costs and a shrinking pool of workers, as younger generations opt for higher education and less physically demanding jobs.
The if the US permanently ends the de minimis rule, imported apparel could face significant tariffs and customs processing fees, potentially disrupting the business models of e-commerce companies and impacting consumer prices. Shein claims their suppliers pay workers twice the local minimum wage, and Temu states that nearly 60 per cent of its US sales are now from domestic warehouses with tariffs paid. Thus the future of the de minimis industry remains uncertain as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges and implications of this rapidly evolving trade landscape.
Shifting its strategy away from acquiring struggling UK businesses, the Frasers Group has entered into a partnership with Sports Direct to bring the sportswear retailer to Southeast Asia and India.
Teaming up with MAP Active, a major sports, fashion, and distribution operator in South Asia, Frasers Group is launching Sports Direct in five new markets. This initiative supports the group’s ambitious growth plans, which include opening over 350 stores in the region over the long term.
Leveraging MAP Active’s infrastructure, local expertise, and established brand distribution, Frasers Group will position Sports Direct as a leading sports retailer in Indonesia as well as the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Michael Murray, CEO, Frasers Group, states, the group aims to increase its footprint and offer top-tier brands to consumers by combining the proven sports retail model of Sports Direct with MAP Active’s market expertise.
VP Sharma, CEO, MAP Active, adds, the company’s shared vision for excellence in sports retail with the Frasers Group will allow it to create engaging brand experiences, drive customer interaction, and set new industry standards in this vibrant area.
Last month, Frasers Group entered into an agreement with retail conglomerate GMG to introduce British sportswear retailer Sports Direct to the MENA region, continuing its aggressive expansion plans.
This new partnership will enable Frasers Group to expand in the Gulf and Egypt, with a goal of opening 50 new Sports Direct stores in the region over the next five years. The first five stores are expected to open within the first year of the partnership.
Cotton USA, Textile Genesis oraganize workshop to address growing demand for US cotton in Bangladesh
To promote the US Cotton Trust Protocol and the Textile Genesis traceability platform, Cotton USA and Textile Genesis recently held a workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable US cotton within Bangladesh’s thriving textile industry.
The workshop was attended by approximately 70 representatives from mills and manufacturers, who recently joined the US Cotton Trust Protocol. They learnt how to effectively use the TextileGenesis platform, the protocol’s digital traceability tool.
Ali Arsalan, Country Representative, Cotton USA, states, the inaugural US Cotton Trust Protocol and Textile Genesis™ workshop witnessed around 70 supply chain participants who are new USCTP members.
Feedback from these participants indicates, major brands like Levi’s, Next, KIABI, TESCO, and Target are consistently expanding their market share of US cotton-rich products sourced from Bangladesh. This workshop by Cotton USA will support these mills by facilitating their transition to this new platform, adds Arsalan.
In his remarks Arsalan focused on the importance of integrating high-quality, sustainable US cotton into Bangladesh’s textile industry. He reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening partnerships with spinning factories.
TextileGenesis™ aims to not only establish complete transparency from fiber to retail but also ensure the authenticity and origin of sustainable textiles compared to generic alternatives. This platform was specifically designed for premium and sustainable textiles, including wood-based fibers, sustainable cotton, recycled polyester, specialty filaments, silk, wool, and cashmere.
The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with experts and exchange collaborative ideas. It was followed by a networking session which enabled attendees to explore potential partnerships and share insights on advancing sustainability within the textile industry.
CHIC Shanghai 2025, Asia’s largest fashion trade fair, successfully launched from March 11 to 13 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. With 1,175 exhibitors and 1,211 brands spread over 117,200 square meters, the event reflected structural changes in China’s fashion industry under the theme ‘New Brands, New Channels, New Aesthetics.’ Setting a new attendance record, over 165,000 trade visitors explored emerging trends, market opportunities, and innovative fashion concepts.
Innovative exhibitions and immersive experience
The event transformed into a dynamic fashion stage, blending artistic interior design with industry trends. Visitors were welcomed by "little ghost" installations, symbolizing Generation Z’s social energy. The fair showcased a vast range of fashion categories across 12 themed areas, including CHIC Women's, CHIC Men’s, CHIC Young Blood, CHIC Impulses, Denim World, and Outdoor & Sprorts. The CHIC Impulses designer section featured 142 brands, highlighting sustainable production and cutting-edge materials.
A special 10,000 square meter area in the North Hall presented trendsetting brands from celebrities like Wang Hedi (D.Desirable), William Chan (Canotwait), and Joker Xue (Dangerous People). CHIC Winters focused on high-tech innovations in down jackets and leatherwear, while CHIC Men’s featured premium designs from renowned Chinese designers. CHIC Kidz catered to the booming children's fashion market, with brands showcasing school uniforms and functional apparel.
Market expansion and distribution channels
CHIC provided international brands with direct access to China's rapidly evolving retail landscape. Multi-brand boutiques, concept stores, and premium shopping malls, including SKP and Plaza 66, explored collaborations. E-commerce and social commerce, driven by platforms like Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, emerged as key sales channels, with discussions at the China Fashion E-Commerce Innovation Summit addressing digital transformation strategies.
Business matchmaking sessions facilitated connections between global brands and Chinese buyers, while omnichannel retail strategies showcased how online and offline integration is reshaping the market. European brands, highly regarded for their quality and exclusivity, found strategic growth opportunities through local adaptation, digital engagement, and cultural integration.
Future of fashion and CHIC’s role
CHIC reinforced its position as a critical industry hub, reflecting China’s shift from a manufacturing base to a leader in fashion innovation. AI-driven design, automated production, and sustainable practices are defining the industry's future. Recycling technologies, biodegradable fabrics, and circular economy models are gaining momentum, while local brands are merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion.
With CHIC September scheduled for September 2-4, 2025, in Shanghai, the fair remains an essential platform for brands seeking to expand in China’s dynamic fashion market.
Apparel Group, a leading lifestyle and fashion conglomerate, has strengthened its presence in Bahrain with the grand opening of 19 new stores at The Avenues - Phase 2. The expansion solidifies its role as a key player in the region’s retail sector, occupying nearly 10 per cent of the mall’s total retail space.
The milestone event was marked by the launch of 10 stores on March 12, with the remaining locations set to open soon. The new outlets bring an extensive portfolio of globally recognized fashion, footwear, and lifestyle brands to Bahrain, catering to the evolving preferences of local consumers.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing Bahrain’s retail landscape. “The grand opening of 19 stores at The Avenues - Bahrain underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional retail experiences. This expansion not only strengthens our market position but also contributes to Bahrain’s economic growth and retail sector development.”
Apparel Group’s continued expansion in Bahrain reflects its long-term strategy of investing in high-potential markets. By introducing diverse brands and enhancing the shopping experience, the company is driving retail innovation, creating jobs, and supporting the country’s economic progress. The move reaffirms Apparel Group’s role as a key force in shaping the future of Bahrain’s retail industry.
Sri Lanka's apparel exports rose by 2.3 per cent to $407.93 million in February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Preliminary data from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) shows, though overall exports grew, their performance varied across key markets. For instance, exports to both the US and the UK markets declined.
Exports to the US declined by 7.43 per cent to $153.11 million, while shipments to the UK registered a sharper fall of 14.58 per cent to $54.85 million in February 2025.
Conversely, apparel exports to the European Union (excluding the U.K.) grew by 7.54 per cent, reaching $120.69 million, and exports to other countries increased by 39.85 per cent, totaling $79.28 million.
Total apparel exports rose by 12 per cent to $845 million in the first two months of 2025,, compared to the same period in 2024.
Exports to the US market increased by 8.12 per cent to $322.86 million during the months of January and February, while exports to the EU (excluding the U.K.) grew by 17 per cent to $250.18 million. Meanwhile, exports to the UK registered a slight decline of 0.21 per cent, bringing total exports to $116.42 million for the two-month period.
Exports to other countries showed the strongest growth, rising by 23.16 per cent to $155.54 million from January to February 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Although the overall apparel exports figures indicate resilience, the downturn in the US and UK markets highlights ongoing challenges. This prompts industry stakeholders to explore alternative markets and develop strategies for sustained growth.
Last year, Sri Lanka's apparel export earnings grew by 5 per cent Y-o-Y to $4.7 billion.
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) will host The Boys Club, a dedicated menswear showcase, at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI on March 27 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
The showcase will feature three collections: Metamorphosis by Anurag Gupta, Monolith by Linetribe, and Nawabs of Bengal by Roy Calcutta. It aims to highlight the increasing influence of contemporary menswear and further strengthen the presence of menswear in the Indian fashion industry.
Emphasizing on the council’s commitment to supporting menswear designers, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, following the success of FDCI India Men’s Weekend 2025 in Jaipur, the Council is carrying that momentum forward with this showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week.
The council is proud to see Indian menswear evolving, and support emerging designers, two of whom will be making their debut at the fashion week, he adds.
The 2025 edition of Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI will be held from March 26-30, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
Inditex-owned fast-fashion retailer, Z ara has opened a new-style Asia flagship store in Nanjing, China. Through this move, the brand aims to close underperforming stores and focus on larger, more prominent retail locations.
In its new Chinese store, Zara aims to introduce several new features including enhanced digital integration and spaces designed to encourage customers spend more time shopping. If successful, the brand plans to introduce these features in other markets also.
The brand aims to particularly revitalize its presence in China as multinational brands targeting middle-class consumers in the country have faced challenges due to a general slowdown in spending, as well as increased competition from local brands.
Spanning 2,500 sq m across two floors in Nanjing's central business district, Xinjiekou, the new Zara store includes a salon for private shopping experiences, featuring a lounge area and private fitting rooms.
It also boasts a ‘fit check’ studio with multiple cameras and lighting setups, allowing customers to record video content and download it directly to their phones. Both the salon and studio can be booked through the popular social messaging app, WeChat. The downstairs area of the store features the first Zacaffe coffee shop outside of Spain.
To optimize its retail space by concentrating on flagship stores in prime locations and boosting online sales, Inditex has been reducing its global store footprint in the last few years.n
As recently as 2019, the company had 570 stores in China, its largest physical presence outside of Spain. However, by January 31, 2025, this number had decreased to 132.
