FW
The 11th Surat International Textile Expo (SITEX) will spotlight India’s thriving textile sector from January 10 to 12, 2025, at the SIECC Campus in Surat’s Sarsana area. Organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the event aims to position Surat as a global textile hub while boosting business in South Gujarat.
Bringing together manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers, and retailers, SITEX will feature a wide range of products and services for the textile industry. Cutting-edge machinery and technology will be the highlights, including waterjet, rapier, air jet, power, and needle looms, high-speed warping machines, jacquard technology, and digital printing equipment.
The event is supported by sponsors such as Sarjan Position Printing Machine, Signature, Picanol, and Paramount Looms Private Limited. Marriott Surat, Maitreya, and Air Link are serving as hospitality, health, and WiFi partners, respectively.
By fostering innovation and facilitating networking, SITEX 2025 aims to reinforce Surat’s reputation as India’s leading textile hub while offering a global platform for industry players to explore opportunities and partnerships.
In a pivotal moment for India’s apparel industry, Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of AEPC, emphasized the sector's potential to gain a larger share in global apparel imports. He noted that India's credibility among global brands has surged due to the ‘China Plus One’ strategy and challenges in Bangladesh. The Union Budget, he stressed, offers a key opportunity for long-term policy support to propel export growth.
Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, outlined strategies to capitalize on supply chain shifts, urging investment in production capacity, workforce upskilling, and labor reforms to maintain growth momentum.
Key demands of the RMG sector include:
Interest equalization scheme: Continuation and enhancement of the interest equalization rate to 5 per cent to reduce the high cost of capital.
Tax reforms: Extension of the 15 per cent concessional tax rate under Section 115AB of the Income Tax Act for new garment units.
Relaxation of Sec 43B(H): Exclusion of exporters from strict payment deadlines, addressing cash flow disruptions caused by buyers' extended payment cycles.
Imports and procedures: Simplification of IGCR rules for trims and embellishments, and a 10 per cent wastage allowance for such imports.
E-commerce: Increased export value caps to Rs 25 lakhs per consignment and extended realization periods of 12 months.
Machinery duties: Removal of customs duties on imported garmenting machinery to boost global competitiveness.
Sustainability initiatives: Introduction of a Green Transformation Scheme offering long-term soft loans for sustainability and green manufacturing upgrades.
AEPC’s demands underscore the need for structural support to enable the apparel industry to meet global standards and capture emerging opportunities.
With both production and cultivation targets falling alarmingly short, the year 2024 proved to be a challenging one for Pakistan's cotton industry. The industry cultivated only 1.974 million hectare of cotton during the year against the target of 3.118 million hectare, achieving just 63 per cent of the goal, informed Sajid Mahmood, Head - Technology Transfer, Central Cotton Research Institute.
Cotton farmers in the country are currently facing multiple challenges including climate change, poor seed quality, and pest infestations. The seed germination was significantly hindered by unusually low temperatures while extreme heatwaves and unseasonal rainfall in June and July exacerbated the situation, severely impacting overall production, he explains.
The cultivation shortfall affected all provinces. Punjab could achieve only 78 per cent of its cultivation target. The state cultivated cotton on 1.304 million hectare. On the other hand, Sindh reached 87 per cent. Despite these figures, both provinces experienced a decline in production dcompared to the previous year.
The financial challenges for farmers further compounded the crisis. The absence of a government-mandated support price led many farmers to shift to more profitable crops like sugarcane and maize, reducing the land allocated for cotton cultivation, noted Mahmood.
Emphasising on the urgency of reforms to revitalize the cotton sector, Mahmood called for the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, availability of certified high-yield seeds, and implementation of effective pest management strategies to address persistent challenges.
The agricultural policy must focus on strategic planning to mitigate climatic impacts and control crop diseases, he emphasized, underlining the importance of preparing the sector for the growing effects of climate change.
The crisis serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, urging immediate action to safeguard one of Pakistan's key agricultural sectors.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) of Sri Lanka has partnered with international organizations to train approximately 90 individuals in textile recycling and reuse, aligning the island's apparel industry with global sustainability standards.
Known as GTEX, this initiative is organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It began with a training-of-trainers program attended by 19 Sri Lankan academics, textile professionals, and government representatives.
Key sessions in the program focused on designing for circularity, enhancing reverse logistics for reuse and recycling, and exploring advanced textile recycling technologies and quality standards. These efforts aim to position Sri Lanka as a leader in the global movement for sustainable textiles.
This program helps the organizer equip Sri Lanka’s textile industry with the tools to stay competitive in global markets while addressing the urgent need for circularity, says Matthias Knappe, Head-Fibres, Textiles, and Clothing, ITC.
Looking ahead, GTEX Sri Lanka plans to train approximately 500 industry professionals and students in 2025 in widespread adoption of circular business models in the country’s apparel sector.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, JAAF, states, an essential step, this initiative helps Sri Lanka’s apparel industry align with international standards and make it more resilient to global market demands.
Emphasising on the necessity of sustainability in today’s textile industry, this initiative equips Sri Lanka to meet the growing global demand for circular and environmentally friendly practices.
India’s cotton production is projected to increase to 302.25 lakh bales of 170 kg each during the 2024-25 season, with imports rising to 25 lakh bales. Compared to 30.19 lakh bales last year, the country’s ending stocks for September 2025 are forecasted to decline to 26.44 lakh bales.
Global cotton production for 2024-25 is estimated to rise to 117.4 million bales, with higher outputs from India, Argentina, and Brazil. Driven by an increased demand from India, Pakistan and Vietnam, global cotton consumption is expected to expand by 570,000 bales, off setting declining consumption in China. While opening stocks have fallen by 428,000 bales, world ending stocks have grown by 267,000 bales.
Buoyed by a strong demand for cotton yarn from the apparel sector and robust exports, cotton candy prices in India increased by 0.04 per cent to Rs 54,160 per bale in 2024-25. However, domestic cotton arrivals in northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan plummeted by 43 per cent Y=o=Y as of November 30, 2024, disrupting the supply chain. Currently, farmers are holding back kapas (raw cotton) in hopes of better prices, causing a shortage of raw material for ginners and spinners.
The cotton candy market witnessed short covering, with open interest declining by 0.27 per cent to 367 contracts. Prices stabilized at Rs 53,260, with potential declines to Rs 52,350. Thus, the interplay of rising imports, fluctuating domestic supplies, and global market trends continues to shape India’s cotton sector, highlighting the need for strategic planning to balance supply and demand.
The global denim fabric sector was marked by both challenges and opportunities in 2024. While the industry grappled with economic slowdown changing customer choices, it also saw a lot of innovation and a renewed focus on sustainability. Here is a look at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs of the denim fabric sector in 2024, and outlook for 2025.
What influenced the sector in 2024
Several factors played a crucial role in shaping the denim fabric landscape in 2024.
Sustainability took center stage: The demand for eco-friendly denim continued to increase, with growing consumer awareness and stricter environmental regulations. Brands and manufacturers actively sought sustainable solutions, including organic cotton, recycled materials, and water-saving technologies. For example, Lenzing Group's Tencel branded lyocell fibers gained popularity in the denim industry due to their sustainability and performance benefits. Made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests, Tencel fibers offer softness, breathability, and reduced environmental impact. As Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development - Denim, Lenzing Group puts it, "Sustainability is no longer a trend it is a necessity. Consumers are demanding it, and brands are responding. The denim industry is undergoing a transformation, and those who embrace sustainable practices will thrive."
Premiumization in focus: The rise of premium denim, characterized by high-quality materials, innovative designs, and superior craftsmanship, gained further momentum. Consumers showed a willingness to invest in durable, comfortable, and stylish denim fabrics.
Supply chain disruptions: The lingering effects of the pandemic, coupled with geopolitical tensions, led to supply chain disruptions and increased raw material costs. This posed a significant challenge for manufacturers, impacting production and pricing strategies.
Technological advancements: Innovation in denim technology continued to drive the industry forward. New dyeing techniques, laser treatments, and smart fabrics enhanced the functionality and aesthetics of denim, catering to evolving consumer demands.
Production, consumption and trade
While the denim fabric sector faced issues, it showed resilience and adaptability. Overall, the industry performed in line with projections, with some segments exceeding expectations.
Global production: Denim fabric production remained stable, with key players in Asia, particularly China and India, maintaining their dominance. However, rising production costs and supply chain challenges impacted output in some regions.
Consumption and demand: Despite economic uncertainties, consumer demand for denim remained strong. The casualization of fashion and the versatility of denim contributed to its continued popularity. However, growth in demand varied across regions and market segments.
Global trade: Global trade in denim fabric witnessed moderate growth, with key exporting countries like China, India, and Pakistan catering to the demand from major consuming markets in Europe and North America. However, trade flows were impacted by geopolitical factors and shifting sourcing strategies.
To provide a clearer picture of the global trade landscape, let's examine the export and import data for key countries:
Table 1: Top denim fabric exporting countries (2024)
|
Rank |
Country |
Export value ($ bn) |
Market share (%) |
|
1 |
China |
12.5 |
35.2 |
|
2 |
India |
8.2 |
23.1 |
|
3 |
Pakistan |
4.8 |
13.5 |
|
4 |
Turkey |
3.1 |
8.7 |
|
5 |
Bangladesh |
2.9 |
8.2 |
|
Others |
3.5 |
9.3 |
|
|
Total |
35 |
100 |
Source: Eurostat, Statistia, USITC, Ministry of Finance, Japan, General Department of Vietnam Customs, Secretaría de Economía, Mexico
Table 2: Top Denim Fabric Importing Countries (2024)
|
Rank |
Country |
Import value ($ bn) |
Market share (%) |
|
1 |
European Union |
10.8 |
30.9 |
|
2 |
United States |
8.5 |
24.3 |
|
3 |
Japan |
3.2 |
9.1 |
|
4 |
Vietnam |
2.8 |
8 |
|
5 |
Mexico |
2.5 |
7.1 |
|
Others |
7.2 |
20.6 |
|
|
Total |
35 |
100 |
Source: Eurostat, Statistia, USITC, Ministry of Finance, Japan, General Department of Vietnam Customs, Secretaría de Economía, Mexico
The tables show China remains the dominant player in denim fabric exports, leveraging its large-scale production capacity and competitive pricing. India and Pakistan are also major exporters, catering to the growing demand for value-oriented denim fabrics. The EU and the US are the largest importers of denim fabric, reflecting the strong consumer demand for denim apparel in these regions. Emerging markets like Vietnam and Mexico are witnessing significant growth in both denim fabric imports and exports, indicating their increasing role in the global denim supply chain.
Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam emerged as winners in the global denim trade, capitalizing on their competitive labor costs and growing manufacturing capabilities. They successfully attracted orders from brands seeking to diversify their sourcing base. On the other end of the spectrum, some traditional denim-producing countries, such as Italy and Turkey, faced challenges due to higher production costs and competition from emerging markets. They focused on niche segments and high-value products to maintain their position in the market.
Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead, several factors will drive change and create opportunities in the denim fabric sector in 2025.
First the transition towards a circular economy will gain further traction, with a focus on recycling, upcycling, and reducing waste throughout the denim supply chain. The adoption of digital technologies, such as 3D printing and AI-powered design tools, will revolutionize denim manufacturing, enabling greater efficiency, customization, and sustainability.
Growing demand for personalized denim will continue to grow, prompting brands and manufacturers to offer customized fits, washes, and finishes. At the sametime consumers will increasingly demand transparency and traceability in the denim supply chain, seeking information about the origin, production processes, and environmental impact of their denim products.
Meanwhile the global denim fabric market is projected to witness steady growth in 2025, with increasing demand from emerging markets and the continued popularity of denim across various fashion segments. Brands and manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and embrace circular economy principles will gain a competitive advantage.
Investing in R&D, with focus on sustainable dyeing and finishing among others will be crucial for companies to stay ahead of the curve. And most importantly, collaboration across the denim supply chain will be essential to address challenges and drive innovation. Partnerships between brands, manufacturers, and technology providers will foster sustainable and efficient production practices.
To sum up while economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions persisted, the industry continued to innovate and prioritize sustainability. Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025 is positive, with opportunities for growth and transformation driven by circular economy principles, digitalization, and consumer demand for personalized and transparent denim products. By embracing innovation and collaboration, the denim fabric sector can navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.
A Spain-based leader in recycled cotton fiber and cotton fiber blends, Recover has launched a new facility in Vietnam. Scheduled to be operational early this year, the facility marks a milestone in large-scale recycling technology, aligning with Vietnam's growing prominence in textile production.
Strategically located in Dong Nai province, the new facility places Recover close to both textile scrap sorting and manufacturing hubs. This proximity helps the company minimize shipping costs and its carbon footprint while ensuring efficient supply to major textile production markets.
The move also reinforces Recover's commitment to serve as a global partner for the industry, providing brands with timely and sustainable access to recycled materials.
The Vietnam plant will feature Recover's cutting-edge recycling technology and include two initial recycling lines capable of producing 10,000 metric tons annually. Additionally, it will house a dedicated laboratory to support consistent, high-quality output across all facilities and drive innovation in both product development and process optimization.
One of the flagship products from the new facility will be RMix, a groundbreaking solution for recycling cotton-polyester blends. By eliminating the need to separate fibers, Recover’s technology addresses a longstanding challenge in polycotton recycling, delivering energy-efficient and scalable solutions to the industry.
According to Anders Sjoblom, CEO, Recover, by introducing its advanced recycling technology in Vietnam, the company not only expands its global manufacturing footprint but also catalyzes a shift toward sustainable practices in the country.
A fourth-generation, family-owned company with a 75-year legacy in the textile industry, Recover continues to scale its global presence. Following its first expansion with a facility in Bangladesh in 2022, the Vietnam plant represents the next phase of its ambitious growth strategy. This includes tapping into new markets to meet increasing demand from brands and retailers for sustainable, recycled materials.
The Textile Ministry is adopting a comprehensive strategy to enhance India’s standing in the global textile industry.
One of its flagship initiatives includes the organization of the second edition of Bharat Tex, a global textile mega event. Scheduled for February 2025, this event is organized by 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils (TEPCs). It will take place at two venues; ITPO (Bharat Mandapam), Pragati Maidan, from February 14-17, and the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, from February 12-15. This event is poised to solidify its place as a major highlight on the international textile calendar.
In line with efforts to promote Indian cotton globally, the ministry has introduced the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative, supported by a Rs 30 crore budget. Emphasizing certification, branding, and traceability of premium Indian cotton, this initiative is implemented through a partnership between the government, trade bodies, and industry stakeholders.
For the wool sector, the ministry launched the Integrated Wool Development Program (IWDP) with a financial outlay of Rs 126 crore for FY 2021-26. The program aims to foster holistic growth in the sector. Additionally, the ministry also allocated Rs 46.44 crore to 51 handloom clusters under the Small Cluster Development Program to benefit artisans nationwide. Dedicated to showcasing Indian craftsmanship, the indiahandmade.com e-commerce portal has been expanded significantly to offer over 9,400 products from 1,722 sellers.
Further to strengthen India’s textile infrastructure, the ministry approved the establishment of seven PM MITRA Parks across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. To be developed with an outlay of Rs 4,445 crore through 2027-28, these parks aim to attract investments and provide world-class infrastructure, including plug-and-play facilities. MoUs worth Rs 18,500 crore have already been signed for the project, with 100 per cent of the required land also been acquired.
This multi-dimensional approach underscores India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness in textiles.
A garment manufacturer, Davin Sons Retail has launched an IPO to raise funds worth $1million by issuing 1596,000 equity shares to be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
The company will use net proceeds from the IPO to finance capital expenditures for the purchase of warehouse and expansion.
Mohit Arora, Chairman and Managing Director, Davin Sons, says, the launch of its IPO marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Over the years, the garment maker has built resilient foundation in garment manufacturing and FMCG distribution, delivering quality products and building customer trust across diverse regions.”
The funds raised through this IPO will enable the company to further strengthen its operations by investing in a new warehouse, enhancing its working capital, and expanding into new geographical markets, he adds. The company has a strong presence in both garment manufacturing and FMCG distribution in India.
Provisional data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) indicates, India’s overall textile and apparel exports grew by 7 per cent to $21, 358 million during April-October FY 2024-25 as against $20,007 million in the same period of FY 2023-24.
The largest contributor to the exports of apparels and textiles were ready-made garments, whose exports totaled $8,733 million, constituting 41 per cent of the total. The exports of cotton textiles accounted for 33 per cent to a total of $7,082 million. Manmade textile exports represented 15 per cent to a total of $3,105 million.
India’s imports of textiles and apparel products in FY 2023-24 amounted to $8,946 million, reflecting a 15 per cent decrease compared to FY 2022-23 ($10,481 million). During April-October FY 2024-25, imports stood at $5,425 million, marking a marginal 1 per cent decline from $5,464 million in the same period of FY 2023-24.
Man-made textiles dominated imports with a share of 34 per cent, valued at $1,859 million, due to a demand-supply gap in this sector. Imports of cotton textiles rose, driven primarily by long-staple cotton fiber, signaling an increase in domestic production capacity to meet rising consumption and self-reliance goals.
