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China’s cumulative textile and apparel (T&A) exports declined 3.4 per cent Y-o-Y to 1.72 trillion from January to October this year. Textile exports declined 3.9 per cent Y-o-Y to CNY 787.93 billion while apparel exports declined by 3.1 per cent Y-o-Y to CNY 934.18 billion. In October, T&A exports declined 8.6 per cent Y-o-Y and 12.5 per cent M-o-M to CNY 164.88 billion Textile exports declined by 6 per cent Y-o-Y to CNY 76.9 billion while apparel exports declined by 10.8 per cent Y-o-Y to CNY 87.98 billion.
In US$-denominated terms, China’s T&A exports declined by 9.2 per cent Y-o-Y to $245.71 billion from January-October 2023. Of these, textile exports declined 9.8 per cent Y-o-Y to $112.55 billion while apparel exports dropped by 8.7 per cent Y-o-Y to $133.16 billion during the period. In October, China’s T&A exports dropped by 8.4 per cent Y-o-Y and 12.3 per cent M-o-M to $22.97 billion. Textile exports dipped 5.8 per cent Y-o-Y TO $10.71 billion while apparel exports declined by 10.6 per cent Y-o-Y to $12.26 billion.
The 10th edition of the international trade show Asia Apparel Expo will be held from February 19 to 21, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Featuring over 250 exhibitors, the show will showcase menswear, womenswear, children’s wear, knitwear, textiles, trimmings, and accessories from India and other Asian countries. It will cater to the demands for finished garments, private label development, and contract manufacturing.
Besides India, exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Thailand, and Ukraine will participate in the show.
Organised by CornAsia with AHK Geran Industry and Commerce, the trade show will feature brands such as the China-based Qingdoo Bloomtex Garment Company, Polish company Tulp Sp, Zahra Apparel from Pakistan, YJ Apparel Limited Partnership from Thailand, and Modatex Group.
The Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) is embarking on a mission to elevate the proficiency of the Indian apparel industry through an extensive expansion of Centres of Excellence (COEs) nationwide. Responding to the escalating demand for advanced skill development, these upcoming COEs will strategically emerge across India in places like Delhi, Karur (Tamil Nadu), Guwahati (Assam), Kolkata (West Bengal), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mumbai, and Sangli (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Trivandrum (Kerala).
These new additions, will complement existing COEs in Noida and Tiruppur, underscore AMH SSC's unwavering commitment to enriching skills and knowledge within the Indian apparel industry.
Roopak Vasishtha, CEO of AMHSSC highlights the pivotal role envisaged for these COEs in cultivating a qualified workforce, adept at meeting the industry's surging demand for excellence. A PwC report accentuates their significance in furnishing the industry with adept personnel. Vasishtha points to an ‘Invest India’ report, that states the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, with an allocated sum of Rs 10,684 crore, is poised to invigorate the production of Man-Made Fiber (MMF) Apparel, MMF Fabrics, and Technical Textile Products in India.
Spring Fair, the UK's premier marketplace for home, gift, fashion, and retail, is set to unveil an enhanced content experience for its upcoming event at NEC Birmingham from February 4th to 7th, 2024. The transformative upgrade includes the introduction of three key features: the Inspiring Retail Stage, Trend Talks, and Masterclass Studio.
Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, expresses enthusiasm about the event's evolution, emphasizing the commitment to elevating the retail industry. The Inspiring Retail Stage will host industry icons and fashion pioneers, offering insights through keynotes and dynamic Moda catwalks showcasing the latest trends.
The Trend Talks stage will delve into the future of retail, presenting insights on trends and product innovations from leading forecasters and creators. The Masterclass Studio aims to enhance retail excellence by featuring free business solution masterclasses led by experts covering diverse topics such as social media skills, buying best practices, retail technology, and conscious consumerism.
With a legacy of over 70 years, Spring Fair has been a pivotal platform for the retail community, fostering discovery and innovation. The upcoming event promises an immersive experience across four key destinations—Home, Gift, Moda, and Everyday—along with fourteen definitive sectors.
The redesigned show layout prioritizes buyer efficiency, ensuring more time to experience the latest products and trends. Stay tuned for updates on the content program and keynote speakers as Spring Fair 2024 continues its tradition of uniting the retail community.
In a pivotal move for the cotton industry, registration has commenced for a cutting-edge six-day training course set to elevate participants' proficiency in the intricate art of cotton classing. Scheduled from May 7-14, 2024, at the esteemed Cotton Exchange in Bremen, Germany, a city deeply entrenched in the history of the cotton trade, this comprehensive program offers a rare opportunity for individuals to delve into the nuances of classifying cotton.
Led by renowned experts, Jens Wirth of ICA Bremen and Axel Drieling of FIBRE, the course encompasses High Volume Instrument (HVI) training and manual cotton classing modules. Wirth emphasizes the significance of manual classing, stating that, "a substantial portion of traded goods relies on manual classing," highlighting its crucial role in countries with advanced industrial capacities.
Wirth lauds the tangible progress observed in past sessions, where participants swiftly grasped the complexities of attributing qualities to international cotton standards. Meanwhile, Drieling, a stalwart in HVI technology, will unravel the intricacies of this cutting-edge method, offering participants profound insights into its applications within the cotton industry.
Designed to cater to a diverse audience, from seasoned professionals to newcomers, this training promises to be a transformative experience, fostering a deeper understanding of cotton classification essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of cotton products.
Pulcra Chemicals, in collaboration with its subsidiary Devan Chemicals, has unveiled DEVAN REPEL, a groundbreaking water repellency brand poised to revolutionize the market. The inaugural product, DEVAN REPEL ONE, is a durable water repellent designed for Polyester and blends, seamlessly merging cutting-edge chemistry with eco-conscious principles.
Promising superior performance, the technology ensures outstanding water repellency across diverse applications, from outdoor wear to technical textiles. Its versatility extends to a broad spectrum of materials, with a pronounced efficacy on polyester and blends. Notably, the solution champions sustainability by being free from perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and isocyanates, contributing to an environmentally responsible approach.
DEVAN REPEL ONE's longevity is a standout feature, safeguarding treated products from the elements and prolonging their lifespan. The introduction of DEVAN EXTENDER GEN3 further enhances performance flexibility, meeting varied requirements without compromising on environmental standards.
Thomas Bremer, Global Head of SBU Textile at Pulcra Chemicals, emphasizes the collaboration's dedication to delivering value. The innovative product caters to diverse industries, from outdoor enthusiasts and athletes to functional textiles like tents, embodying a commitment to innovation and sustainability. DEVAN REPEL ONE is a testament to the continual pursuit of excellence by Devan and Pulcra in pushing the boundaries of textile technology, fostering a more comfortable and sustainable world.
In a pivotal move for Turkey's textile sector, Eastman Naia, a prominent player in the global textile industry, collaborates with key Turkish mills, including Abalıoğlu, Kipaş Textiles, and Pastel by Yılmazipek. Recognizing Turkey's significance, Eastman Naia proudly sponsors Sustainable Talks Istanbul, where Ana Costa, Head of Sales and Global Business Development, sheds light on Next Gen Fibers, showcasing Naia Renew fiber and its groundbreaking molecular recycling technology.
Naia Renew, derived from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified waste materials, stands out for its scalability as both filament yarn and staple fiber. This innovative material, blended with other sustainable fibers, offers endless possibilities for luxurious and eco-conscious fabrics, boasting reduced carbon footprints over its life cycle.
Eastman Naia sets a high standard for transparency and responsibility, ensuring a traceable journey from tree to fiber. The company's commitment is evident through FSC and PEFC certifications, support for reforestation projects, and recent recognition with the Canopy Dark Green Shirt.
To address the environmental challenge, Eastman Naia employs molecular recycling technologies, transforming difficult-to-recycle waste materials into biodegradable resources. As a founding member of the Alliance of Chemical Textile Recycling, Eastman Naia actively contributes to Accelerating Circularity's mission to advance textile-to-textile recycling.
Turkey, poised for a sustainable fashion revolution, holds immense potential to embrace circular strategies. With Eastman's support, the Turkish textile industry is set to play a crucial role in shaping a greener future.
Shelton Vision's WebSpector automated fabric inspection system has witnessed a surge in demand following a successful demonstration at ITMA 2023. The technology, capable of detecting faults on camouflage fabrics at speeds up to 100 meters per minute, has garnered an unprecedented number of orders across various textile sectors. In response to the heightened demand, Shelton Vision is expanding its workforce to meet delivery schedules and accommodate increased capacity.
Mark Shelton, CEO and Managing Director, notes a paradigm shift in the textile industry as a new generation of management embraces imaging technology and automated fabric inspection. The WebSpector, employing machine learning, boasts over 98% defect detection compared to 65% with manual inspection. The system's adaptability to complex patterns, even in distorted fabrics, positions it as a market leader.
Shelton's investment in a purpose-built, high-speed demonstration system underscores the growing interest. While automotive interiors and airbag sectors remain key markets, the technology finds application in performance wear, high-end fashion, denim, upholstery, sunscreen, mattress ticking, window dressings, and carbon fiber composites.
Supported by the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), Shelton Vision's technology is gaining traction globally. Jason Kent, BTMA CEO, emphasizes the industry's appetite for machine vision, predicting Shelton's technology to become the preferred solution for fault-free fabric manufacturing. The company, founded in 1940, has become a key player in automated textile inspection, benefitting from extensive research and development investment.
Bluesign, a pioneering force in chemical management systems, announces a groundbreaking advancement in sustainability and transparency with the launch of the public bluesign GUIDE at www.bluesignGUIDE.com.
This move exemplifies their steadfast commitment to shaping a more sustainable future and empowering businesses and consumers alike. The open-access GUIDE requires no registration, encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable practices across industries.
Companies featured in the GUIDE gain heightened visibility, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability. Notably, the GUIDE's integration of direct links facilitates seamless communication of sustainable achievements, emphasizing a dedication to responsible business practices.
With QR codes for effortless certification verification, the GUIDE fosters trust and transparency between companies and consumers. The platform promises real-time updates, ensuring users stay abreast of the latest sustainable knowledge.
As a catalyst for future innovations, the public GUIDE lays the foundation for transformative tools like the CUBE and the GUIDE, evolving from verification mechanisms to dynamic platforms for sustainable material sourcing.
With heightened awareness around health and wellness in the post-Covid era, sports-inspired clothing has injected new vitality into the fashion industry. Particularly, the youth segment seeks stylish attire not only for gym sessions but also for home workouts. The surge in global sports events and tournaments has further amplified the demand for athletic clothing styles.
A recent report on the ‘Sports-Inspired Clothing Market’ by Future Market Insights (FMI), a leading provider of custom and syndicated global market research states, this segment is currently experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.20 per cent. It is projected to reach a global valuation of $315,035.4 million in 2024 and is anticipated to soar to $475,689.7 million by 2034.
In response to this trend, various sports brand manufacturers are expanding their offerings to include a diverse portfolio of sustainable, versatile, and breathable sportswear. This caters specifically to the youth segment, which is keen on following clothing trends, celebrity-inspired styles, and supporting sustainability initiatives. The product portfolio of most athletic-wear brands encompass high-quality tops and T-shirts, hoodies and pullovers, jackets and vests, pants and tights, shorts, skirts and dresses, sports bras, and accessories, catering to a wide range of income levels.
Awareness and social media increase sales
Growing environmental consciousness among affluent consumers requires strategic measures to enhance sales. The impact of social media influencers, brand ambassadors, and celebrity endorsements is proving crucial in promoting eco-friendly features in sportswear products. Concurrently, the surge in online shopping platforms from various countries is saturating the sportswear market.
The FMI report underscored the prevailing trend of oversized essentials crafted from body-sculpting textured materials. Additionally, there is increasing demand for tennis dresses and complementary accessories, reshaping consumer preferences in the sportswear market and presenting new opportunities for industry players.
In this dynamic landscape, major players must consistently innovate their portfolios and navigate challenges to foster brand loyalty, a task made more intricate in a fluctuating economy. Prominent players like Nike are responding to this demand by introducing new products, such as plus-size activewear for sports activities. This range offers breathable wear with an expanded size scale from 0X to 4X. Similarly, niche clothing and accessories brands like Alo Yoga have recently launched muse hoodies and sweatpants featuring jogger-style silhouettes.
Need to address market challenges
FMI's country-specific insights indicate burgeoning sports activity is propelling the US market with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.014 per cent in the global market during the forecast period. Increasing engagement in sports activities is fostering the adoption of sports-inspired clothing, driving the expansion of the US market. Similarly, the workout wear trend is boosting the French market which is expected to achieve a CAGR of 0.022 per cent. France's sportswear segment acts as a fashion hub, placing significant emphasis on recreational activities across all age groups and genders.
Despite the current popularity of sports-inspired clothing, this segment encounters several challenges in its highly fragmented landscape. Leading players must continually compete to offer more versatile and cost-effective designer sports apparel portfolios to stay ahead of fashion trends. Evolving consumer fashion preferences, especially among women, and escalating competition from other fashion apparel brands are factors diminishing the appeal of sports-inspired clothing due to its limited utility. Additionally, disruptions in the supply chain and cross-border tensions have led to a scarcity of materials needed for manufacturing specialized sportswear, presenting a significant limitation.
Nevertheless, the consumer segment inclined towards fitness-inspired purchases of sports-inspired clothing is experiencing rapid growth across all countries. This trend is expected to sustain the global market's revenue expansion in the coming years.
