FW
The 23rd Vietnam International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition (VTG 2025) officially kicked off on October 15, 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Jointly organized by the Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co, this year’s show is a major international draw. It features over 400 exhibitors spread across 750 booths from 10 countries and territories, including China, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
The three-day event is focused on the future of the industry, spotlighting the latest advancements in automated, digitalized, and advanced machinery. These innovations are crucial for advancing factory digitalization, directly supporting Vietnam's national digital transformation goals and efforts toward product diversification. Attendees will get a comprehensive look at the industry’s future, spanning everything from cutting-edge machinery and next-generation fabric and footwear solutions to quality control and auxiliary equipment for both domestic and international buyers.
More than just a trade show, VTG 2025 serves as a key platform for business networking, cooperation, and investment promotion, offering visitors a chance to explore new technologies, connect with global industry leaders, and update their market trend knowledge to shape their business strategies.
In a nod to global environmental concerns, VTG 2025 is also heavily emphasizing sustainability. According to Pham Dang Khanh, Deputy General Director of Vinexad, the exhibition includes a series of thematic seminars focused on circularity, functionality, and sustainability. These sessions bring together leading experts, pioneering manufacturers, and academic researchers. Their goal is to share insights on developing green supply chains and low-carbon production models, ultimately striving to foster a more sustainable and competitive future for Vietnam’s textile, apparel, and footwear sectors.
Retailers project, 15.8 per cent of their annual sales, worth a staggering $849.9 billion- will be returned this year, according to the 2025 Retail Returns Landscape report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns, a UPS company.
The report estimates, 19.3 per cent of all online sales will be returned in 2025.
Katherine Cullen, Vice President-Industry and Consumer Insights, NRF, notes, returns are now a key strategic area. They provide an opportunity for retailers to create a positive experience for customers and can translate to brand loyalty, she adds.
Gen Z is also driving volume. Consumers between the ages of 18 and 30 averaged 7.7 returns of online purchases over the past year - more than any other generation.
Consumer expectations for the returns process are sharply increasing:
Around 82 per cent of shoppers now cite free returns as a major consideration when buying something, a significant rise from 76 per cent last year. Almost 76 per cent of them are more likely to choose a return option that offers an instant refund or exchange, valuing immediacy.
However, a bad experience can severely impact future business. Approximately 71 per cent of consumers say they are less likely to shop with a retailer after a poor return experience, and four out of five will share that negative story with family and friends.
Retailers are struggling to meet these high customer expectations while grappling with rising operational costs and external pressures like tariffs. Returns fraud remains a major issue, accounting for 9 per cent of all returns. Retailers report increases in costly incidents, including overstated quantity of returns, empty box or ‘box of rocks’ returns and decoy returns, such as sending back counterfeit items.
To combat this, 85 per cent of retailers are now employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect or prevent fraud.
Meanwhile, around two-thirds consumers admit to ‘wardrobing’ (wearing and returning) or ‘bracketing’ (buying multiple sizes/colors to return what doesn't fit), and 45 per cent believe ‘bending the truth’ is acceptable when making a return.
Looking ahead, retailers anticipate, 17 per cent of holiday sales will be returned. To manage the spike and potential fraud, they plan to increase focus on third-party logistics, hire seasonal staff, and extend return windows.
A circular technology company, RE&UP highlighted its innovative circular textile solutions at the Textile Exchange 2025 Conference.
RE&UP is a key participant at Textile Exchange 2025, an event that gathers a global community of innovators, brands, and changemakers. The conference theme, ‘Shifting Landscapes: Connecting Environmental Adaptation and Systems Transformation,’ focuses on how the fashion industry can adapt, innovate, and speed up the transition to circularity.
On Day 1 of the event, Ebru Ozkucuk Guler, Chief Sustainability Officer, RE&UP participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Toward Impactful Textile-to-Textile Recycling Systems.’ She was joined by Suhas Khandagale, H&M and Cyndi Rhoades, Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems. The interactive session addressed the current and future supply of feedstocks for textile recycling, looked at new legislation, discussed sorting issues, and explored practical solutions to accelerate circularity.
Emphasizing on the need for ongoing brand dedication, Guler said, to create a solution, brands must stay committed, stepping back is no longer an option.
Beyond the panel, RE&UP is showcasing its pioneering circular solutions and working with brands and suppliers to turn sustainability pledges into measurable results. By linking practical solutions with policy insights and on-the-ground innovation, RE&UP is helping the industry move from theory to action, demonstrating that circularity is a tangible path forward.
RE&UP is a circular tech company aiming to reshape the traditional textile-to-textile model. The company produces Next-Gen Cotton and Next-Gen Polyester that perform just like virgin fibers. Backed by Sanko’s decades of textile innovation knowledge, RE&UP has created a seamless circular ecosystem that transforms end-of-life textile waste into high-quality raw materials at scale. This commitment opens up a more responsible and technologically advanced future for textiles and fashion.
The Indian textile and apparel industry has shown the first clear signs of being impacted by the new US tariffs, as export data for September 2025 revealed a significant decline. The figures, compiled by CITI, indicate that the US administration's decision to impose an additional 25% penalty on Indian goods, bringing the total tariff to 50% for many products, has already begun to affect the industry. The tariffs, which came into effect on August 27, 2025, have raised concerns among exporters about a future of dwindling orders and a potential loss of market share.
Sanjay K. Jain, Chairman of the ICC National Textiles Committee, stated, "Things will worsen as pipeline order book shipments get completed as new orders are not coming. Once a customer moves out, it's not easy to get him back. Once skilled labor moves out, it's not easy to get them back."
Apparel exports take a major hit
Apparel exports, a labor-intensive sector and a key employer in India, saw a particularly sharp drop. According to the CITI data, exports for September 2025 amounted to $1,288.75 million, a decrease of 12.83% compared to $1,478.43 million in September 2024. This decline reflects a grim reality for manufacturers who are already facing stalled orders and requests from US buyers to absorb a portion of the tariff burden, as highlighted by a recent industry survey.
Textile exports also down, industry fears worsening situation
The broader textile sector, excluding jute, carpets, and handicrafts, also experienced a downturn. Exports in this category fell by 9.17%, from $2,135.03 million in September 2024 to $1,939.29 million in September 2025. Industry experts express concern that these figures are just the beginning. As existing orders, secured before the tariffs took full effect, are shipped, the true impact of the trade barrier will be revealed. Many fear that new orders are not forthcoming, a situation that could lead to job losses and a drain of skilled labor, which, once moved, is not easily recovered.
A survey by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) further reveals the "domino effect" of the tariffs. About one-third of textile and apparel exporters have reported a turnover drop of over 50% in their US business. This decline is largely due to requests for discounts from US buyers and order cancellations. As a result, around 85% of firms are experiencing an inventory build-up, while over 80% are dealing with an extended credit cycle of 3 to 6 months, which is putting a "substantial strain on liquidity". The survey also found that two-thirds of exporters have been forced to offer discounts of up to 25% to remain competitive in the US market.
The data for September 2025 is summarized in the table below:
|
Particulars |
Sep 2025 |
Sep 2024 |
Growth (%) |
|
Apparel Exports |
1,288.75 (USD Million) |
1,478.43 (USD Million) |
-12.83% |
|
Textiles Exports |
1,939.29 (USD Million) |
2,135.03 (USD Million) |
-9.17% |
Note: Figures for the textile category exclude Jute, Carpet, and Handicrafts.
Goods exports to US down, overall exports up
While the textile sector reels, overall Indian goods exports to the US also saw a significant drop of nearly 12% to $5.5 billion in September. This is the first full month since the 50% tariffs were imposed by US President Donald Trump. Despite this, India's overall goods exports for September held steady, rising 6.7% to $36.4 billion, with overall exports up 7%. This indicates that sectors like electronics, which saw exports rise over 50%, are helping offset the decline in tariff-hit sectors. However, the trade deficit with the US ballooned to $32.1 billion, a 13-month high.
Bilateral Trade Agreement: A race against time
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are in motion to find a long-term solution. An Indian delegation is in Washington this week for trade talks, with the goal of finalizing the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Both nations are aiming for a fall deadline to conclude the deal. The BTA could provide much-needed relief from the high tariffs and help Indian exporters regain their competitive edge. However, with each passing day, the industry faces the risk of losing customers and skilled workforce, making a swift resolution crucial to prevent a more severe crisis.
The Textile Institute (TI) is set to celebrate a significant milestone at the ITMA Asia+CITME textile machinery exhibition in Singapore later this month.
At Booth B105 in Hall 8, TI will exhibit as a reciprocal member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), highlighting the strength of their collaboration. The two organizations' long-standing partnership has recently been cemented by the appointment of Jason Kent, CEO, BTMA as new Commercial Vice President, TI. The move brings fresh industry perspective and influence to the role.
Corporate membership of The Textile Institute gives organizations access to an international network of professionals, cutting-edge research, and strategic benefits valued at over $12,700 (£10,000) a year, says Kent
This membership provides a wide range of advantages, including global promotion and visibility, invitations to high-level networking and training events, opportunities for collaboration on industry-led research, professional recognition through chartered qualifications, and access to TI’s publications, data, and R&D resources.
As the only global professional body in this sector with a Royal Charter, the Institute drives the industry forward through high-quality events and training courses that equip professionals for the future, notes Stephanie Dick, CEO, TI. Together with their Corporate Members, the Institute tackles skills gaps, developing practical training solutions, and reaching international audiences.
The Textile Institute is uniquely positioned to help organizations stay competitive, connected, and compliant. Though it was first founded in Manchester in 1910, its mission has always been to be ‘not of Manchester, but international.’ With active sections and special interest groups across the globe, it now serves members in over 60 countries, empowering professionals across every link in the textile supply chain.
Along with major trade bodies like CITI and SGCCI, The Northern India Textile Mills’ Association (NITMA) met officials from the Ministry of Textiles and Chemicals to register their intense opposition against the recommended anti-dumping duty (ADD) on Mono Ehtylene Glycol (MEG), warning the government it would deliver a ‘castatrophic blow to the sector. NITMA cautioned , the duty would devastate the predominantly MSME-based downstream industry, jeopardizing millions of jobs and freezing critical investments.
The industry's primary fear is the massive cost escalation the ADD would cause. The proposed duty is estimated to raise MEG costs by an additional 20 per cent.
This hike will practically force MMF units across India to shut down, stated NITMA. The industry is in such a state of shock and panic that unit owners are ready to hand over the keys to their factories, as they cannot sustain this devastating blow, it added.
The downstream sector is already struggling with uncompetitive raw material prices. Before the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality control order, domestic polyester staple fiber (PSF) was already 15–20 per cent pricier than what global competitors, such as those in China, paid. The BIS order has since allowed domestic fiber producers to charge a premium of Rs 6–Rs 7 per kg over imported parity. Imposing the ADD on MEG would widen this uncompetitive gap even further, to approximately Rs 10–Rs 11 per kg, severely crippling MSME units.
The associations have called on the government to reject the DGTR recommendation immediately to safeguard the future of the Indian MMF sector.
Indian textile exporters are actively searching for new customers in Europe and offering discounts to their current US buyers. This shift is a direct response to the impact of high US tariffs, which are reportedly as high as 50 per cent, according to industry executives.
In August, Donald Trump, President doubled tariffs on Indian imports, making them among the steepest for any US trading partner. This move has affected a variety of Indian goods, including garments, jewelry, and shrimp.
Trade negotiations between India and the EU have entered a critical stage, with teams working aggressively to meet a year-end goal for signing a free trade agreement.
The EU is currently India's largest trading partner for goods, with two-way trade reaching $137.5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2024 - an increase of nearly 90 per cent over the last decade. Indian exporters are intensifying efforts to meet the EU's demanding standards related to chemicals, product labeling, and ethical sourcing, textile executives noted.
Exporters are upgrading their production facilities to comply with these requirements, according to Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). Mehta also added that exporters are keen to reduce their current dependence on the US market.
The US was India's largest market for textiles and apparel in the fiscal year to March 2025, accounting for almost 29 per cent of total exports, which were valued at roughly $38 billion.
Some exporters have already begun offering discounts to retain US customers, states Vijay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Creative Group, whose US exports represent a massive 89 percent of its total shipments.
Agarwal warned, if US tariffs continue to hurt business, the company could be forced to lay off 6,000 to 7,000 of its 15,000 workers. Furthermore, after six months, the company may consider moving production to countries like Oman or Bangladesh.
Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) is significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint in India. On October 14, 2025, the company completed a project involving extension of its Chennai facility, which added 20,000 sq ft of new production space.
This strategic investment aims to drastically improve efficiency and product availability for the rapidly growing apparel sector across India and South Asia. The expansion increases the manufacturing area from 40,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq f and introduces specialized facilities for 100 per cent cotton and 100 per cent polyester interlinings.
Crucially, the new lines enable the local production of items like Chinese-equivalent polyester bi-elastic shirt and polyester woven interlinings. By localizing this production, Freudenberg is cutting lead times for Indian manufacturers from the current 6–8 weeks for imports to just 1–2 weeks. This also offers customers a cost advantage over duty-paid imported goods.
According to Dr Andreas Raps, this expansion marks a milestone in the company’s 27-year journey in India. Jonathan Oh, Senior Vice President, Global Apparel, adds, this investment empowers Indian apparel manufacturers to compete more effectively on the global stage.
The expanded facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery that enhances quality assurance. These new capabilities join existing paste dot, 3P printing, and powder dot printing lines at the Chennai site, broadening the locally produced product range.
Freudenberg Apparel also supports the Indian textile industry through technical solution studios in Chennai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon. These studios provide valuable technical consultations, fusing press audits, and other services that complement the company's enhanced manufacturing capabilities.
The winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2025 will present their projects at the upcoming ITMF&IAF Conference 2025, to be held from October 24-25, 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The event will be co-hosted by Indonesia Textile Industry Association(API).
The objectives of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards including recognizing the progress in the area of international collaboration in the textile industry according to the values of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The four winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Award 2025 include: Bursa Uludag University (Türkiye) for their project titled Unlocking Circular Fashion Design Excellence (ReMODE); Far Eastern New Century Corp(Chinese Taipei) for project titled Biological Recycling of PET/Polyester; Hyosung TNC Corporation (Korea) for project ‘From Waste to Worth – The T2T Collaboration Story,’ and Tangshan Sanyou Group Xingda Chemical Fibre Co (China PR) for their project titled, ‘Next-Generation Textile Materials: Pioneering a New Era of Cross-Industry Collaboration.’
Inditex has opened a new Zara flagship store in Las Vegas. The store was opened within the retail area of the iconic Caesars Palace Hotel, specifically in 'The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace,' which is managed by the Simon Property Group.
Spanning three floors, the store showcases the latest collections from Zara's womenswear and menswear lines. Designed by the chain's in-house architecture department, the outlet features a modern, minimalist aesthetic that sharply contrasts with the hotel's ornate, Roman Empire-inspired neoclassical environment. The store’s main design element is a large central atrium that vertically connects the three levels.
Following the design concept introduced at its Madrid flagship in 2022, the Las Vegas store uses a neutral background to put the collections front and center. It also includes dedicated 'showroom' spaces with distinct interior design for items like footwear, bags, the 'Origin' lines, and the 'Zara Athleticz' men's sportswear.
Emphasizing Zara's signature omnichannel experience, the new store offers customers the ability to check real-time inventory online, utilize assisted self-service checkouts, and benefit from a two-hour collection service for online orders. A dedicated order storage silo with a 500-package capacity supports the popular click-and-collect service. In line with its sustainability efforts, the store features an LED lighting system, uses more sustainable construction materials, and is connected to Inditex's 'Inergy' platform for centralized energy monitoring. It also includes containers for cardboard collection and clothing donations.
This opening strengthens Zara's presence in Nevada, adding to its long-running store at Fashion Show Las Vegas. Nationally, this flagship is part of the ‘30 projects’ that Inditex plans to complete in the United States between 2023 and 2025, confirming the US as its largest market outside of Spain.
