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Fifth edition of Pakistan’s premier textile and leather exhibition, Texpo 2024is set to generate an impressive $800 million in export orders, nearly double the $420 million achieved at last year’s event.
Scheduled from Oct 23-25, 2024 at the Expo Centre, largest textile exhibition in Pakistan is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif .This mega event will be a game changer for the country’s textile industry as it will present a significant opportunity for international buyers and fostering new business partnerships, emphasizes Zubair Motiwali, CEO, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
Organised by TDAP’s Textile and Leather division, Texpo will highlight Pakistan’s dynamic and innovative contributions to these sectors while providing a platform for global collaboration. The exhibition is set to be attended by a record-breaking 550 foreign delegate, representing key international markets. Among thesewill be delegations from the Netherlands and South America, each with 50 members, eager to explore the opportunities within Pakistan’s vibrant textile and leather industries.
One of the event’s highlights is a much-anticipated fashion show featuring designs from 25 of Pakistan’s top fashion companies, showcasing the latest trends in line with global fashion movements.
With the continuation of Pakistan’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, the country is positioned to benefit from tariff-free access to European markets, a crucial advantage for boosting textile exports.
Addressing concerns about power tariffs, Motiwala mentioned that the government is working to introduce a local electricity supply tariff under 10 cents per unit, which will further enhance the sector’s competitiveness.
Several joint ventures are expected to be signed during the event, strengthening international partnerships and investments in the textile sector. Industry experts see Texpo 2024 as a key opportunity for Pakistan to increase textile exports from $16 billion in FY24 to $19 billion by the end of the fiscal year.
Having reached $800 million last year, leather exports are projected to grow to $1 billion by the close of FY24. One exhibition hall will be dedicated exclusively to leather exhibitors, underscoring the industry’s potential and its commitment to expanding globally. With textile exports experiencing a 14 per cent growth last month, Texpo 2024 is poised to highlight the industry’s successes and pave the way for future growth.
The Bursa Textile Machinery Fair, taking place from November 19-22, 2025, will bring together leading textile machinery manufacturers and industry professionals at a 17,000 square meters venue in Turkiye. The event will feature over 150 companies and more than 250 brands showcasing cutting-edge textile machinery, production solutions, and automation systems.
This major fair will attract global participation, with exhibitors from Turkiye and beyond presenting innovative weaving, knitting, yarn, dyeing, and textile printing technologies. The latest advancements in smart production, digitalization, and sustainable solutions will also be highlighted, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of textile and apparel production.
Thousands of professional visitors, including textile manufacturers, engineers, designers, and investors, are expected to attend, providing an ideal platform for networking and forming new business partnerships. The event promises to create significant opportunities for collaboration, technological integration, and industry growth.
With its focus on innovative technologies, the Bursa Textile Machinery Fair 2025 will be a key meeting point for industry leaders shaping the future of the textile sector.
The fashion industry continues to lag in addressing the ethical and environmental issues, as perthe 10th edition of Ethical Fashion Report by Australian non-profit, Baptist World Aid. The report evaluated460 brands, based on supplier relationships, sustainability, worker empowerment, risk management, and governance. Each company received a score out of 100, with factors like ‘supplier relationships’ and ‘worker empowerment; carrying more weight.
On average, apparel brands scored 32.9 points, while footwear companies lagged behind at 24.2, reflecting weaker safeguards against labor and environmental exploitation in the footwear sector. A significant finding show, that 89 per cent of companies still do not pay a living wage in their final-stage facilities. Only 10 per cent of companies paid a living wage in some facilities, and there was a slight decrease from 2022 in the number of companies committed to addressing this issue.
Sustainability records modest improvements. The use of sustainable fibers has increased from 15 per cent of brands in 2022 to 21 per cent in 2024, and 68 per cent of brands now offer consumers advice on reducing environmental impact, up from 57 per cent. However, half of the companies assessed in 2024 lacked any commitment to climate action. Brands like Temu, Stussy, and Nine West scored 0 in the sustainability assessment.
Despite this, some major brands performed well. Patagonia and Inditex (Zara’s parent company) earned the highest scores of 69 and 66, respectively, followed by Adidas (63), Puma (61), New Balance (60), and Lululemon (58). Interestingly, fast fashion giants H&M and Levi Strauss scored 57 and 56, despite not participating directly in the assessment.
While fast fashion brands like Inditex and H&M ranked in the top 20 per cent, researchers acknowledged criticism, explaining that the report evaluates companies based on their systems to mitigate risks, not their contribution to broader fashion culture. The report will now be released bi-annually to reflect the slow pace of industry progress.
On October 8, 2024, the ANSI National Accreditation Board, LLC (ANAB) revised its suspension of Intertek’s certification services, extending restrictions across all Textile Exchange standards at Intertek’s India office and imposing limitations on the Organic Content Standard (OCS) globally. This action follows a review of Intertek’s voluntary suspension initiated on July 31, 2024, which initially affected only OCS services in India.
ANAB’s updated suspension prohibits Intertek’s global offices from accepting new OCS clients. However, existing clients in India can still be serviced by approved Intertek offices outside India for certification renewals, excluding scope extensions or updates.
Transaction certificates already issued by Intertek remain valid unless otherwise noted. Other Textile Exchange standards outside India remain unaffected by this suspension.
Intertek’s voluntary suspension and ANAB’s expanded measures highlight strict compliance and accreditation requirements within Textile Exchange's assurance program, aimed at maintaining the credibility of certified fibers and materials globally.
Compared to the same period in 2023, apparel imports by the European Uniondeclined by 3.63 per centduring Jan-Aug’24 period as global slowdown hit apparel consumption.
A key apparel supplier to the EU, Bangladesh registered a 3.53 per cent decline in exports with shipments falling to $12.91 billion, according to Mohiuddin Rubel, Director, BGMEA. This decline aligns with the overall reduction in EU apparel demand but raises concerns about evolving dynamics in global supply chains.
EU’s largest apparel supplier, China witnessed a 4.10 per cent dip in apparel exports with shipments contracting to $15.62 billion. Exports by other major suppliers likeTurkeydeclined by 7.52 per cent to $6.84 billion. India’s apparel exports fell by 2.73 per cent to $3.34 billion, while Vietnam’s shipments declinedby 2.09 per cent to $2.65 billion.
In contrast, apparel exports by Cambodiaincreased by 12.78 per cent. Pakistan's apparel exports to the EU also expanded by 7.3 per cent while Morocco's exports rose by 6.09 per cent, indicating a potential shift in sourcing preferences within the global apparel market.
These varied performances among key suppliers suggest subtle but significant changes in global apparel supply chains as countries like Cambodia, Pakistan, and Morocco emerge as resilient players.
Karl Mayer has launched an innovative range of sun protection textiles using the HKS 2-S machine with a new fineness, E 44. These innovative fabrics deliver an impressive Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) while ensuring exceptional wearing comfort. With a production capacity of 200 kg daily, the HKS 2-S is set to redefine outdoor fashion trends, highlighted at the recent ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 in Shanghai.
Xu Ying, Regional Product Owner for Tricot Machines at Karl Mayer (China), noted the high interest in the E 44 machine’s products, emphasizing their excellent UVA protection. As global temperatures continue to rise, effective sun protection during outdoor activities is increasingly crucial. Research indicates UV radiation increases by 2-3 per cent with every meter gained in altitude, making sun protection essential for mountain sports enthusiasts.
The demand for UV protection products is booming, with projections for the Chinese market to grow from $10.3 billion in 2023 to $95.8 billion by 2026. Notably, sales of women's sun protection clothing on the e-commerce platform Taobao represented a significant portion of total turnover in May 2024.
The new warp-knitted fabrics provide notable advantages over circular knit alternatives, including 30 per cent higher breathability and a UPF more than twice as high. With luxurious, lightweight, and durable qualities, these fabrics promise to enhance outdoor experiences, making them an exciting prospect for customers and international sportswear brands alike.
On October 23 and 24, 2024, Tonello will return to Amsterdam at booth #22, Blue Area, to unveil ‘Metamorphosis - True Italian Workwear,’ an innovative concept that reimagines workwear as a form of art. This striking collection highlights how functional garments can be transformed through responsible technological innovation.
Tonello focuses on the ability to reinvent iconic pieces of Italian tradition, such as overalls and work clothes, emphasizing their significance in daily life. By utilizing DyeMate and the Laundry (R)Evolution technologies, these everyday garments are reinterpreted into modern designs. DyeMate, a patented indigo garment dyeing technology, combines sulfur and indigo dyes to achieve a vintage look reminiscent of classic workwear. The Laundry (R)Evolution employs The Laser and the All-in-One System to create unique, responsible finishing effects.
In Amsterdam, Tonello will also feature collaborations with renowned artists. The Sake project marks the second episode of a creative partnership involving designers Sadia Rafique and Matt Duckett, under the artistic direction of Mohsin Sajid. This initiative merges creativity with technological innovation, resulting in a collective work where denim meets art, showcasing a fusion of style and responsibility.
Additionally, Tonello will present the One Denim collection, created in collaboration with Kingpins, Piero Turk, and Cone Denim. This spectacular collection demonstrates the versatility of a single fabric, showcasing how it can be transformed through advanced washes and finishes.
The MSP - Most Sustainable Product collection, developed with Denim House and Kingpins Show, exemplifies how responsible finishing technologies can achieve high standards of style and innovation while minimizing environmental impact.
Over 500 delegates from the global cotton community convened in Liverpool from October 16-17 for the International Cotton Association's (ICA) traditional trade event and gala dinner. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza and St George’s Hall, the two-day event featured prominent industry speakers, including Arvind Singhal of Technopak Advisors and Colin Iles of Viterra.
Key sessions included a panel moderated by Bill Ballenden of Louis Dreyfus Company, discussing the current legislative landscape, and another focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on the cotton sector, featuring insights from Oliver Jobling (Macrovesta), Joseph Maliszewski, and Jagan Gopinath (Arvind Ltd). The event also included Cotton Connected sessions, addressing arbitration and key cotton regions, led by various industry representatives, including members of the ICA’s Women in Cotton Committee.
During the closing gala, Kim Hanna of TransGlobal Inspections passed the ICA presidency to Mohomed Bashir of Gul Ahmed Textile Mills. In her farewell remarks, Hanna emphasized the necessity of unity within the cotton industry, highlighting recent collaborations, including a historic MoU among the USA, Australia, and Brazil to enhance global cotton interests.
She noted the importance of the ‘Make the Label Count’ initiative, which advocates for fair sustainability claims for cotton against growing synthetic fiber competition. Hanna called for broader engagement at all levels of the value chain and reiterated the ICA's commitment to a balanced trading environment.
Saitex Mill has officially become a Bluesign System Partner, advancing Bluesign's Denim Initiative aimed at driving sustainability in the global denim industry. This collaboration now unites Saitex Mill with Saitex Laundry, which joined Bluesign over a decade ago, to provide an end-to-end sustainable denim production process.
Founded by SanjeevBahl, Saitex is renowned for its eco-friendly garment manufacturing and commitment to reducing the environmental impact of textile production. The company's facilities in Vietnam and Los Angeles employ cutting-edge technologies, such as closed-loop water systems, energy-efficient processes, and the use of Bluesign Approved chemicals to minimize waste and carbon emissions. Saitex’s operations are also certified by Fair Trade, Leed, and B Corp, reinforcing its dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.
The new partnership means brands can now label denim garments as Bluesign Denim, produced entirely within Saitex's facilities. With both the mill and laundry as system partners, brands can ensure their denim meets Bluesign’s strict environmental standards throughout the production process.
Saitex's state-of-the-art fabric mill near Ho Chi Minh City, opened in 2022, incorporates spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing under one roof. Designed with sustainability in mind, the mill reduces energy consumption, harmful chemicals, and water use. It is equipped with solar panels that reduce carbon emissions and features Smart-Indigo technology for hydrosulfite-free dyeing.
Saitex aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with its mill expecting Leed Gold certification by November 2024. The partnership with Bluesign strengthens Saitex’s position as a global leader in sustainable denim manufacturing, contributing to reducing the textile industry's environmental footprint.
Bluesign CEO Daniel Rufenacht praised the partnership, highlighting that brands now have a complete solution for responsibly produced denim.
With concerns over Bangladesh’s garment sector growing, India is slowing emerging as a preferred apparel sourcing destination, says a recent report by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC).
A key factor for US buyers, India’s political stability makes it a reliable choice for brands to source high-value or fashion items from the country compared to other less stable countries, states the report. Brands have more confidence in India’s ability to manufacture and deliver products than in other countries, the report adds.
However, despite this, the Indian apparel market continues face certain challenges like high labor costs, small production units, and expensive logistics. Moreover, it hasa limited capacity to produce man-made fiber (MMF) garments, which restricts its growth potential.
Comparing India with other major garment exporters such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cambodia, the report notes, along with Vietnam, these countries have steadily gained market share from China over the past decade. China’s share of US apparel imports declined from 37.7 per cent in 2013 to 21.3 per cent in 2023. During the same period, India’s share increased from 4 per cent to 5.8 per cent, with apparel exports to the U.S. reaching $4.6 billion last year. While the US remains India’s largest market for apparel exports, Vietnam has emerged as a major competitor, increasing its share from 10 per cent to 17.8 per cent
Hailing the USITC report’s recognition of India strengths, Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), says, the report highlights India’s role as a specialist in high value-added products requiring high-skill levels and offering the highest degree of reliability.
The report also evaluates factors like supply chain reliability and product differentiation, instead of focusing solely on cost, he adds.
With one-third of India’s apparel exports headed to the U.S., India has solidified its position as the fourth-largest supplier to the American market. However, addressing challenges related to labor costs, production capacity, and MMF manufacturing will be crucial for sustaining and expanding this momentum.
