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Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra Government recently urged for the establishment of the Maharashtra Technical Textile Mission (MTTM) and Maharashtra State Textile Development Corporation (MSTDC) in the state. He also highlighted on the state’s participation in Bharat Textile 2025 in New Delhi.
Emphasising on the need to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for setting up technical textile parks across the state, Fadnavis also emphasised on the importance of implementing the Captive Market Scheme effectively to boost the local textile industry. He directed officials to implement an age-old pension scheme to ensure the social security of an old-age pension scheme for their social security.
Emphasising on innovation and efficiency within the textile department, Phadnavis instructed officials to digitise and automate schemes to improve operations. Furthermore, he encouraged increased use of solar energy in spinning mills across Maharashtra.
Under the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28, Fadnavis called for developing Urban Haat centers. These centers aim to promote and support handloom artisans. He also proposed collaboration with Prasar Bharati to broadcast ‘Kargha,’ a series on the traditional textile industry.
The Chief Minister's directives included measures to support handloom weavers through social security initiatives. The old-age pension scheme is part of these efforts, ensuring financial stability for weavers in their later years. This initiative aligns with broader goals to sustain traditional crafts and provide economic support.
Fadnavis's focus on technical textiles reflects a strategic approach to modernising Maharashtra's textile sector. By establishing MTTM and MSTDC, the state aims to foster growth and innovation in this field. Participation in Bharat Tex 2025 further underscores Maharashtra's commitment to advancing its textile industry on a national platform.
Struggling with severe financial challenges, pivotal cotton research institution, the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) plans to transfer its operations to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) or the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC).
Criticizing the PCCC for its inefficiency, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has recommended its dissolution. A key factor in the committee's financial troubles is the refusal of textile millers to pay the cotton cess—a Rs 50 levy per cotton bale—which funds the PCCC’s operations. It has reduced employee salaries by 50 per cent, and pensions by 80 per cent since June 2022.
The government allocated Rs 656 million in the federal budget for FY2024-25 to cover employee-related expenses, following earlier supplementary grants and loans that proved insufficient. Despite this, the PCCC remains financially unstable.
Established in 1948 under the Cotton Cess Act of 1923, the PCCC operates under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Its mandate includes cotton research, production enhancement, and marketing improvement. However, resistance to cess payments has crippled the committee's ability to fulfill its responsibilities.
The ECC has tasked the Ministry of National Food Security with preparing a case for the Cabinet Committee on Rightsizing to determine the future of cotton research. The ministry has also been directed to consult the Attorney General and provincial advocate generals to expedite court case resolutions.
The ECC has proposed shifting cotton research to the private sector, suggesting that transferring the PCCC to APTMA could better align research with industry needs. Alternatively, integrating the PCCC into NARC could embed its work within broader agricultural research efforts.
As the government weighs its options, the fate of the PCCC remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable approach to revitalize Pakistan’s cotton sector.
Smartex’s mission to transform the textile and fashion industry through zero-waste and full transparency remains unwavering, thanks to the invaluable support of clients, distributors, investors, partners, and friends.
This year, Smartex inspected nearly 100,000 km of fabric, achieving remarkable savings in fabric, water, carbon dioxide, and energy. The ‘Smartex Inspected Fabrics’ Advantage proved 10x more impactful in reducing inefficiencies across knitting, dyeing, and garment factories.
Key outcomes from Smartex’s efforts in 2024 include an impressive 80 per cent reduction in garment waste, leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Fabric waste was reduced by 50 per cent, turning inefficiencies into increased profitability. Additionally, cutting panels saw a 30 per cent increase, optimizing resource utilization across the supply chain. Smartex also achieved a reduction of 3 cents per garment, further enhancing profitability for brands and solidifying its role in driving sustainable industry transformation.
Smartex forged impactful industry partnerships in 2024, including a innovative initiative with a Portuguese facility collaborating with Zara and Hugo Boss. This facility became the first in the industry to specifically request and pay a premium for Smartex Inspected Fabrics. Additionally, a successful pilot project with H&M in Bangladesh catalyzed factory-wide adoption of Smartex technology, demonstrating its value in improving efficiency and quality across the supply chain.
Smartex technology now handles intricate fabrics like jacquard and tubular, overcoming challenges with 99 per cent flawless inspections and 90 per cent+ accurate machine stops. Core Hardware V2 upgrades increased reliability, resilience, and speed for seamless operations.
Smartex showcased innovations at events worldwide, including DTG Dhaka, Bharat Tex, Knit Tech, H&M Tech Forum, Indo Intertex, Saigon Tex, Igatex, ITM, CAITME, and ITMA Asia. Partnerships with six OEMs strengthened the industry’s adoption of cutting-edge solutions.
Looking to 2025, Smartex aims to scale supply chain efficiency initiatives, driving waste reduction, garment quality improvement, and sustainability. Expanded partnerships with garment facilities and brands will continue transforming the industry.
The MTF 2.0 Report released this year provides a roadmap for sustainable, data-driven supply chain transformation, reinforcing Smartex’s leadership in operational excellence.
From product upgrades to strengthened global partnerships, Smartex is setting a new standard for a sustainable and profitable textile-fashion future.
Addressing yield challenges in rain-fed cotton growing regions, Cotton Association of India (CAI) has urged the government to grant funds worth Rs 500 crore to help farmers implement drip irrigation systems.
Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting, Atul Ganatra, President, CAI highlighted, around 67 per cent of India's cotton production relies on rainfall, leading to inadequate water supply during critical flowering and fruiting stages.
This yield disparity between rain-fed and irrigated areas is particularly pronounced in Maharashtra, where approximately 95 per cent of cotton cultivation depends on rainfall.
Similar challenges affect cotton-growing regions in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat. The proposed drip irrigation technology could potentially save 40-60 per cent of water compared to traditional flood irrigation methods.
The association has also called for the removal of import duties, including 5 per cent Basic Customs Duty, 5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess, and 1 per cent Social Welfare Charge, being implemented since 2021-22, to facilitate more affordable cotton imports.
CAI estimates, from 12.68 million hectare in the previous year, cotton acreage in India is expected to decline by over 10 per cent to 11.36 million hectare during 2024-25.
Combined with excessive rainfall damage in major growing regions, this reduction is likely to cause a 7.70 percent decline in production to 30.22 million bales, compared to 32.74 million bales last year.
As per CAI forecasts, from 1.52 million bales last year, India’s cotton imports are likely to rise to 2.5 million bales in 2024-25, while exports are expected to decline to 1.8 million bales from 2.83 million bales.
Reflecting a global price reduction of 13-15 per cent, India’s cotton prices declined from 2.54 to 3.5 per cent.
Scheduled from January 8, 2025-January 12, 2025, at the International Convention City in Dhaka, the highly anticipated international exhibition, Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2025, will create a comprehensive platform to cater to the sourcing needs of the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The trade show will be held concurrently with the 14th edition of GAPXPO 2025,
Positioned as the premier event for RMG manufacturers seeking the latest technology and equipment for the last 22 years, Garment Technology Bangladesh will showcase state-of-the-art sewing, finishing, and embroidery machinery products from global technology providers, alongside a variety of allied products. A favored destination for RMG makers seeking innovative solutions, this curated platform helps enhance their operations.
Expected to attract decision makers, technical experts and sourcing teams from across the nation, GTB 2025 will help them explore latest advancements in garment technology and procure essential equipment for their businesses.
Recognised as one of the largest trade fairs in Southeast Asia, Garment Technology Bangladesh 2025 will not only display cutting-edge technologies but also provide attendees with the opportunity to engage in discussions with world-renowned experts in the field.
On track for substantial growth, revenues from the Australian apparel market are likely to increase to $21.72 billion by the end of 2024, according to Statista. This growth is expected to continue at a CAGR of 2.21 per cent from 2024 to 2029.
Within the Australian market, the women’s apparel segment is projected to generate $11.86 billion in 2024 followed by men’s apparel at $6.35 billion and children’s clothing, which is expected to reach $3.51 billion.
In terms of consumer spending, Australians are expected to spend an average of $812.90 per person on apparel in 2024, reflecting strong engagement with fashion products. By 2029, the Australian apparel market is forecast to reach 1.8 billion items, translating to an average of 63.8 pieces per person in 2024.
While smaller in scale compared to global giants like the US, which is set to lead the apparel market with expected revenues of $359 billion in 2024, Australia's apparel sector shows considerable potential for growth in the coming years.
As a part of its strategy to explore new sourcing destinations while reducing local garment production in Russia, Gloria Jeans plans to increase sourcing from Bangladesh by 30 per cent in 2025. Moyeen Ahmed, Regional General Manager-Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, highlights, the company already significantly boosted sourcing from Bangladesh last year and intends to expand this further in 2025.
The move follows Gloria Jeans’ exit from the Uzbekistan market and plans to shut down several production units in Russia. The company aims to shift a part of its production to Bangladesh, alongside China and Vietnam. However, high duties on Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Russia remain a challenge, making its products less price-competitive compared to Vietnam.
Despite these obstacles, Gloria Jeans has experienced steady growth in Bangladesh over the past three years. Moyeen emphasizes on the importance of government support to reduce these high duties. Negotiations to lower duties are yet to succeed, but if Bangladesh can secure duty exemptions, it could become Russia’s largest apparel supplier, unlocking vast export opportunities.
A significant factor behind the company’s success in Bangladesh is strategic advancements in research and development (R&D). Local suppliers have supported Gloria Jeans by providing high-quality fabric, enabling the brand to use over 90 per cent locally sourced materials for denim production. This has helped Gloria Jeans recover and expand its operations in Bangladesh, which previously exported large volumes of shirts and chinos to Russia.
For 2025, Gloria Jeans aims for an annual turnover of $70 million, with denim playing a key role. Bangladesh’s denim suppliers currently account for about one-third of Russia’s denim imports, with leading exporters like ABA Group and Square Group. The company also sources jersey knitwear, sweaters, and outerwear from Bangladesh.
However, high duties—such as 30 per cent on denim and 35 per cent on jackets—pose a major barrier. Vietnam benefits from duty-free access to Russia, giving it a competitive edge. If Bangladesh can resolve these issues, it could become a leading supplier to Russia, driving significant growth for both Gloria Jeans and the country’s garment industry.
Year 2024 has seen dynamic shifts and surprising resilience in the global textile sector. Despite facing numerous challenges, the industry demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and innovate. Here is a look at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs in the textile sector and outlook for 2025.
Factors that dominated 2024
Several factors played a crucial role in shaping the global textile landscape in 2024:
Economic slowdown: The global economic slowdown significantly impacted consumer spending, leading to decreased demand for apparel and textiles. This was particularly evident in major markets like the US and Europe.
Inflation and rising costs: Inflationary pressures and increased raw material costs, especially cotton, squeezed profit margins for textile manufacturers.
Geopolitical tensions: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, particularly those involving China, disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty in the market.
Sustainability concerns: Growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues pushed sustainability to the forefront of the textile industry.
Technological advancements: Automation, AI, and 3D printing continued to transform textile manufacturing processes, improving efficiency and enabling new possibilities.
Performance: Projections vs. Reality
Pre-2024 projections anticipated moderate growth for the textile sector. However, the reality was more complex. While some segments, such as technical textiles and sustainable fashion, experienced growth, overall performance was subdued due to the numerous challenges.
|
Region |
Projected growth (%) |
Actual growth (%) |
|
Asia Pacific |
4.5 |
3.8 |
|
North America |
2 |
1.2 |
|
Europe |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Global |
3.2 |
2.5 |
Source: Statista, 2024 estimates
Winners and Losers
Winners: Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, with their competitive labor costs and established manufacturing infrastructure, continued to attract investment and expand their market share. The domestic textile industry in India also showed resilience, driven by strong government support and a focus on technical textiles.
Losers: Countries heavily reliant on exports to Western markets, such as China and some European nations, faced difficulties due to reduced demand and increased competition.
Bangladesh's resilient growth
Despite global headwinds, Bangladesh's textile industry managed to maintain steady growth in 2024. Factors contributing to this success include:
Competitive labor costs: Bangladesh continues to offer some of the lowest labor costs in the world, making it an attractive destination for textile manufacturing.
Government support: The Bangladeshi government has implemented various policies to support the textile industry, including tax incentives and infrastructure development.
Focus on sustainability: Many Bangladeshi factories have invested in sustainable practices, appealing to environmentally conscious brands and consumers.
Outlook for 2025, change drivers
Looking ahead, several factors are expected to drive change in the global textile sector in 2025:
Shifting consumer preferences: Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized, sustainable, and ethically produced clothing. This trend will compel brands and manufacturers to adapt their offerings.
Technological disruption: Further advancements in automation, AI, and data analytics will continue to reshape textile manufacturing, leading to increased efficiency and customization.
Circular economy: The concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized, is gaining traction in the textile industry. This will drive innovation in recycling, upcycling, and sustainable material development.
Regionalization of supply chains: The pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Companies are increasingly seeking to diversify their sourcing and manufacturing operations, leading to a more regionalized approach.
Projections and opportunities
Despite the challenges, the global textile market is projected to grow steadily in 2025. The table outlines projected growth rates for key segments:
|
Segment |
Projected Growth (%) |
|
Apparel |
3.5 |
|
Technical Textiles |
6.2 |
|
Home Textiles |
4.8 |
Source: Global Textile Market Outlook, 2025
Opportunities
Sustainable and ethical fashion: Brands and manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices are well-positioned for growth.
Technical textiles: The demand for technical textiles, used in various industries like healthcare, automotive, and construction, is expected to surge.
E-commerce and digitalization: The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms presents new opportunities for textile businesses to reach consumers directly and expand their market reach.
The global textile sector in 2024 has been a testament of resilience and adaptability. Despite facing economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges, the industry has continued to innovate and evolve. Looking ahead, the sector is poised for further transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability. By embracing these changes and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead, the textile industry can ensure its continued growth and success in the years to come.
The flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, RSWM Ltd has been honored with the Silver Award in the ‘Sustainable Fashion and Textile’ category at the prestigious Financial Express Green Sarathi Awards. This accolade underscores RSWM's steadfast commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering sustainable innovation, highlighted through its campaign, ‘Redefining Sustainability – Mapping Initiatives for a Greener Tomorrow.’
At the heart of RSWM’s sustainability strategy is its significant investment in renewable energy. The company operates a 20 MW wind power unit, an additional 40 MW of wind capacity, and a 32 MW in-house solar power plant. This infrastructure ensures a consistent supply of clean energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable power sources.
In addition to renewable energy, RSWM is also integrating biofuels in operations. By 2025, the company aims to meet 75 per cent of its energy needs through biofuels. RSWM has already reduced its carbon emissions by 800,000 metric tons annually and has invested ₹35 crore to convert three of its coal-fired boilers to biofuel. All boilers will be converted by 2025, further reducing reliance on coal.
RSWM also prioritizes sustainable materials in its production processes. The company uses organic cotton, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester, significantly lowering its environmental footprint. RSWM recycles 8,162 metric tons of cotton annually from pre- and post-consumer waste and repurposes 1,830 PET bottles each year into recycled polyester, now making up 50 per cent of its total polyester production. The company follows a zero-waste policy, recycling all fiber waste and integrating it back into production.
Water conservation is another key component of RSWM’s sustainability initiatives. The company adheres to a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy, recycling all wastewater produced in its manufacturing processes for reuse or conversion into potable water for nearby communities. Advanced rainwater harvesting systems are also in place to support sustainable water management.
RSWM’s commitment to sustainability is further validated by international certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, and ISO 14001:2015. Looking ahead, RSWM plans ambitious sustainability goals, including sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035 and reducing the water footprint of new textiles by 30%. Driven by its motto, "We Only Take What We Can Give," RSWM continues to lead in sustainable practices within the textile industry.
Increasing by 9.7 per cent Y-o-Y, China’s cotton production reached 6.164 million tons in FY24, shows data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth was particularly strong in Xinjiang, the country’s primary cotton-producing region.
Both, the area dedicated to cotton cultivation and the yield per hectare improved this year. The total area under cotton plantation increased by 1.8 per cent compared to last year, while the yield per hectare rose by 7.8 per cent to 2,172 kg per hectare, as per the NBS report.
Area under cotton cultivation in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region expanded by 3.3 per cent to 2.45 million hectare. However, cotton cultivation in other major regions declined. This included a 13.6 per cent decline in Yellow River basin and 1.6 per cent contraction in the Yangtze River Basin.
The rise in cotton production, driven by increased yields in Xinjiang, highlights China's ongoing efforts to boost its domestic cotton supply.
