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In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary General of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), highlights India's proactive approach towards trade negotiations, emphasizing the potential benefits for the textile sector. With a focus on strategic diplomacy and addressing non-tariff barriers, Chatterjee anticipates a significant easing of restrictions for Indian exporters, particularly in the textile industry, paving the way for new avenues of growth.
India's recent negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) stand out as a milestone, marking the country's first agreement with a European bloc. The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) holds promise, with commitments from EFTA to bolster investments, potentially generating a million job opportunities in India over the next 15 years. Notably, Switzerland emerges as a crucial partner, offering specialized textiles and technology, while India reciprocates with raw materials and intermediate products.
Moreover, recent trade pacts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and EFTA collectively contribute to India's textile trade strategy and economic objectives. The CITI's memorandum of understanding with Swiss Textiles underscores collaborative efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
However, amidst these advancements, challenges persist. The Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI) report highlights a decline in India's textile and garment exports over the past five years, attributed to global uncertainties like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Nonetheless, India remains resilient, buoyed by robust policy measures and trade agreements.
To enhance competitiveness, Chatterjee advocates for a focus on synthetic apparel, technological advancement, and sustainable practices. Leveraging free trade agreements to address non-tariff barriers is crucial in meeting the demands of the fast fashion industry and diversifying India's textile exports. Emphasizing MMF-based products and exploring niche segments like technical textiles are pivotal for sustained growth amidst evolving global dynamics.
As India positions itself as a key player in the global textile arena, strategic negotiations and proactive policies will be instrumental in realizing its ambitious export targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is charting a robust growth trajectory to propel India's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector towards a lofty goal of achieving $40 billion in exports by 2030. Chairman Sudhir Sekhri emphasized India's self-sufficiency in apparel production, owing to its status as a leading producer of various types of fibers and a burgeoning young workforce. He outlined a vision to leverage these advantages, building an integrated ecosystem from Fiber to Fashion, aimed at empowering marginalized communities and bolstering women's employment.
Underpinning this strategy is AEPC's ambitious plan to expand its global footprint. In the current fiscal year, AEPC intends to partake in 17 international trade fairs spanning diverse continents, with a focus on emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, Poland, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia, in addition to established destinations like the EU, USA, and UK. The success of initiatives such as Bharat Tex underscores AEPC's commitment to fostering international partnerships, with plans underway for a second edition to further engage with global buyers.
Highlighting the pivotal role of engagement with international brands and buying houses, officials underscored the importance of enhancing industry perception and compliance standards. A recent roundtable in New Delhi convened stakeholders to discuss avenues for strengthening ties and addressing challenges in the supply chain. Key government representatives emphasized the achievability of the $40 billion target by fostering deeper collaboration and boosting investor confidence.
The AEPC also lauded the Government of India's efforts in securing meaningful Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), citing tangible export growth in regions like Mauritius (16.8 per cent) and Australia (5.7 per cent). Anticipation looms over forthcoming FTAs, particularly with the UK, poised to provide a significant impetus to India's garment industry. With a strong foundation laid and international partnerships burgeoning, the AEPC aims to propel India's RMG sector towards unprecedented heights, signaling a promising future for the nation's textile exports.
Durak Tekstil, a prominent developer of industrial sewing and embroidery threads in Turkey, is set to embark on a significant expansion strategy. The company, renowned for its commitment to research and development (R&D), is preparing to establish a new, enlarged factory at its headquarters in Bursa. Additionally, it aims to inaugurate a regional office in North America next year, marking a pivotal step towards global market penetration.
Founded in 1971 with a focus on providing Turkey with fishing net twine, Durak Tekstil has evolved into a third-generation family-owned enterprise. Its journey from niche to diversified markets, bolstered by a steadfast dedication to innovation, underscores its remarkable growth trajectory. The company's portfolio, now comprising approximately 350 distinct products, continues to evolve through continuous R&D efforts.
Yigit Durak, a member of the company's board, underscores the pivotal role of R&D in driving their success. He highlights the company's expertise in leveraging cutting-edge production technologies to introduce highly differentiated products to the market. Among their triumphs is the Duma, a centerless pre-wound under-bobbin renowned for its impeccable tension control and efficiency gains.
Moreover, Durak Tekstil's commitment to functionality is evident in its diverse product range, including SilverPro conductive thread for smart textiles and Fire-Safe threads designed for enhanced safety. Despite facing challenges in 2023, the company anticipates a robust 30 per cent growth this year, buoyed by its expanding international reach, now spanning over 100 countries.
Durak concludes by emphasizing the centrality of R&D in shaping the company's future trajectory. With a dedicated team of 300 in Bursa actively engaged in brainstorming sessions, Durak Tekstil remains poised to further elevate its position as an industry leader, with a growing focus on technical threads driving future revenue streams.
Puma's first-quarter sales met expectations, buoyed by a resurgence in the Americas, sparking a 12 per cent surge in its shares. The company, renowned for its revamped retro footwear like the Palermo, has tapped into the nostalgia trend of the 1970s and 80s, aligning with consumer preferences amidst restrained spending habits and retail inventory challenges.
CEO Arne Freundt expressed optimism, citing a robust order book for the year ahead, particularly highlighting a growing demand for their Palermo shoes. Market sentiments were further uplifted by Freundt's assurance of 2-3 per cent sales growth in the second quarter.
The shift in momentum comes amidst concerns raised by Hugo Boss' cautious outlook, signaling a potential short squeeze. Puma's strategic approach includes ramping up production of Palermo shoes while cautiously avoiding oversupply, echoing Adidas' recent management stance.
Analysts, recognizing Puma's belated but impactful foray into the terrace trend, anticipate sustained growth. Despite challenges posed by retail inventory clearance, Puma saw a 16.8 per cent reduction in inventories, setting the stage for further improvement.
Currency-adjusted sales reached 2.1 billion euros, with a notable upswing in the Americas, fueled by a resurgent US market. Puma's strategic investments in advertising and technology, evidenced by athlete Edna Kiplagat's recent podium finish at the Boston Marathon, underscore its commitment to reclaiming its status as a performance sportswear leader.
However, the running segment remains fiercely competitive, with emerging brands challenging incumbents like Nike and Adidas. Morningstar analyst David Swartz emphasized Puma's uphill battle in this crowded space, signaling the company's need for concerted efforts to expand its market share.
India, the world's largest cotton producer, has witnessed a rollercoaster ride in its cotton yarn exports in recent years. There has been a significant shift in its cotton yarn export scenario between FY23 and the current fiscal year (FY24).
Shifting fortunes
According to the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil), India's cotton yarn exports for FY23 (up to January 2024) reached a value of $2.75 billion, a concerning decline compared to previous years. However, industry experts like Sanjay Jayavarthanan, Chairman of The South India Mills' Association (SIMA), predict an optimistic turnaround in FY24. They anticipate an 85-90 per cent increase in exports, potentially reaching $5.11 billion. This projected growth signifies a much-needed recovery for the sector.
Strategic shifts and policy impacts
The government is actively promoting a shift in focus from exporting raw cotton to higher-value cotton yarn and fabric. This strategy, emphasized by the Ministry of Textiles, aims to capture a larger share of the global textile market and boost profits. "By adding value through processing and manufacturing, we can generate more revenue and jobs within the country," says Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal. Schemes like the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) offer financial assistance to spinning mills for equipment modernization. This investment is expected to improve yarn production efficiency and enhance India's export competitiveness.
However, the impact on cotton farmers remains a mixed bag. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme by the government intends to ensure a fair price for their produce. "The MSP scheme offers some security, but fluctuating international cotton prices can still squeeze our profits,” says, a cotton farmer from Maharashtra.
Destination-wise performance
Despite the overall decline, Bangladesh remains India's top importer of cotton yarn, accounting for over 34 per cent of exports in FY24 (until January 2024). China, previously the leading importer, has seen its purchases decrease due to factors like rising domestic production and a slowdown in its textile industry. However, recent trends suggest a potential increase in Chinese demand in FY24. This shift necessitates diversification. Countries like Vietnam and Peru have emerged as promising new markets for Indian cotton yarn exports, reducing dependence on traditional markets.
Reasons for gains and losses
Several factors contribute to the volatility in India's cotton yarn exports. Global cotton price fluctuations significantly impact India's export competitiveness. A rise in domestic cotton prices can make Indian yarn less attractive to international buyers. When global cotton prices are high, other countries can offer more competitive rates, explain experts. Demand fluctuations in the global textile industry, particularly in major importing countries, can also lead to a decline in demand for Indian yarn. Additionally, the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Market Access Initiative (MAI) in reducing export costs and increasing competitiveness will be crucial for sustained growth.
The road ahead
India's cotton yarn export sector holds immense potential for growth. By focusing on value addition through processing and garment manufacturing, adopting technological advancements to improve efficiency, and strategically marketing to emerging markets, India can navigate global challenges and reclaim its position as a leading yarn exporter. This requires a collaborative effort from the government, industry leaders, and cotton farmers to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for the sector.
Pincroft, a renowned specialist in dyeing, printing, and finishing, particularly recognized for its advanced camouflage ranges for military applications, has undergone a comprehensive modernization of its Thermex continuous dyeing system at its Adlington dyehouse in Lancashire, UK. The upgrade, aimed at aligning the line's performance with the latest Monforts standards, enhances automation features, providing operators full control over the system.
The modernization initiative encompassed the installation of new control cabinets, gear motors for fabric transport drives, and advanced control systems such as PC, PLC, touch panels, and frequency inverters. These upgrades, sourced from Monforts HQ in Germany, directly contribute to operational efficiency and product quality.
Furthermore, Pincroft has augmented its energy sustainability efforts by installing a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, enabling the production site to generate 67 per cent of its electricity needs and recover heat for various textile operations.
With over a century of expertise in fabric treatment processes, Pincroft boasts an annual production capacity of 50 million meters. Its meticulous pre-treatment procedures ensure optimal fabric quality, priming materials for dyeing and printing applications. Leveraging extensive knowledge in commission textile dyeing and eco-friendly methods, Pincroft delivers precise and consistent color shades meeting diverse fabric requirements.
Partnering with Carrington Textiles since 1998, Pincroft has become a key player in supplying workwear, flame-retardant, waterproof, and defense fabrics globally. The company's enhanced capabilities, coupled with its strategic collaboration, have significantly expanded its export footprint to over 80 countries, notably serving armed forces worldwide.
The upgraded Thermex system at Pincroft's Adlington plant now boasts unparalleled reliability, ensuring cost-effective dyeing operations for both large and small batches of woven fabrics. Monforts, known for its robust and durable machinery, emphasizes the importance of retrofitting existing lines with advanced technologies to maximize performance and energy efficiency, underscoring its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
At the ‘Bombay Times Fashion Week 2024,’ Amity University Mumbai's School of Fashion Design and Technology (ASFT) showcased a dazzling collection titled 'Tarang.' Featuring 20 garments crafted by 18 talented student designers, the collection fused textures, colors, and innovative designs, symbolising a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Gracing the runway as the showstopper was Esha Velankar, holder of titles such as Miss Cocoaberry Diva and Miss Unity International 2021–2022, who not only mesmerised the audience with her graceful stride but also unveiled her own collection. She showcased a garment adorned with intricate ‘wings’ inspired by the art of ‘Kirigami,’ symbolising a profound sense of liberation and creativity.
Professor (Dr) AW Santhosh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Mumbai, emphasised the institution's commitment to nurture young talent and foster excellence in the field of fashion design. He lauded the collaborative efforts between the university and the fashion industry, which have enabled students to shine on prestigious platforms like the Bombay Times Fashion Week. Professor (Dr) Bhawana Chanana, Director of Amity School of Fashion Technology, highlighted the thematic depth and technical sophistication of 'Tarang' The Collection. From fluid drapery to intricate surface embellishments, the designs showcased a seamless marriage of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, reflecting a rich tapestry of creative expression.
Amity University Mumbai's School of Fashion Technology has emerged as a beacon of innovation and creativity in India's design landscape, offering students a holistic education that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and industry exposure. With a focus on digital innovation and interactive design, the institution is preparing the next generation of fashion leaders to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global market.
A hallmark event of LuLu, the Lulu Fashion Week (LFW) promises five days of fashion extravaganza until May 12. Being held in Kochi, the event showcases the latest spring and summer fashion trends from renowned global brands.
The lineup for LFW includes multiple fashion shows featuring models strutting down the runway in the latest designs. The event is being presented by Pepe Jeans London, powered by Amukti and Peter England, and supported by brands like Louis Philippe, Croydon UK, Sin, among others.
Over 30 runway shows by top fashion brands are scheduled, under the expert direction of leading stylist and fashion choreographer Shie Lobo.
In addition to showcasing trends, LFW will host fashion awards to honor outstanding contributions to the industry. The Lulu Fashion Awards will recognise achievements across various categories, including a coveted award for the style icon of the year.
LFW will also feature a thought-provoking roundtable discussion led by prominent costume designers from the Malayalam film industry. Panelists including Indrans, Maneesh Narayanan, Melwy J, Stephy Xavier, Divya George, Mashar Hamza, and other distinguished personalities from diverse sectors will engage in insightful dialogue.
Possenia, a pioneering force in the cycling industry, proudly announces its achievement as Switzerland’s premier cycling brand to embrace the Bluesign Product label, a significant stride towards sustainable cycling apparel in Europe. Available now on Digitec Galaxus and their own platform, Possenia’s environmentally-conscious premium cycling essentials redefine industry standards.
This milestone underscores Possenia’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, as it becomes the first Swiss cycling brand to obtain Bluesign Product certification for a substantial portion of its product range. The brand aims to transition the rest of its products into Bluesign Product ranges by 2025, reinforcing its dedication to revolutionizing the cycling industry through eco-conscious practices.
CEO and Co-Founder Melissa Vostriakova emphasizes Possenia's ethos, stating, "At Possenia, we're driven by sustainability and the pursuit of possibilities. Being Switzerland’s inaugural cycling brand to offer Bluesign Product reflects our dedication to a happier, sustainable future."
The Bluesign Product label signifies a pinnacle in responsible production, ensuring adherence to rigorous chemical, environmental, and worker safety standards. By collaborating with Bluesign technologies, Possenia ensures its products prioritize both planetary and human well-being.
Executive Member of Possenia’s Board of Directors, Michael Kenyon, articulates the brand's vision of democratizing sustainability in cycling wear, asserting, "Sustainability must be accessible to all, not just a luxury for the privileged few."
Possenia's cycling range predominantly incorporates Bluesign Approved recycled and biodegradable fabrics, highlighting its commitment to ethical manufacturing. Partnering with Bluesign Technologies emphasizes strict chemical management, a crucial aspect of environmental impact reduction.
Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign Technologies, applauds Possenia's alignment with sustainable values, stating, "Possenia understands the importance of preserving our planet's health, a vital endeavor for our society."
The availability of Possenia's Bluesign Product styles on Galaxus signals a significant stride in making sustainable cycling apparel accessible to a broader Swiss market, reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Possenia's mission transcends performance; it aims to empower cyclists worldwide while minimizing their environmental impact—a testament to its dedication to both excellence and sustainability in cycling.
As a superior alternative to spandex, Under Armour is set to introduce a groundbreaking material named Neolast on May 13. The brand will also launch the Vanish Pro tee on Under Armour’s official website.
Neolast is the result of extensive research and development conducted at Under Armour’s innovation labs in Baltimore, along with collaborative efforts at the company’s innovation center at North Carolina State University.
With Neolast, Under Armour aims to tackle key sustainability issues associated with elastane, such as recyclability and solvent usage. The company envisions Neolast as instrumental in achieving its target of reducing spandex in its products by 75 per cent by 2030.
Described as lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying, Neolast embodies the qualities athletes seek in performance wear.
John Hardy III, Senior Director – Product, Under Armour, emphasises the simplicity of design in the Vanish Pro tee, allowing the Neolast material to take center stage. Not only does the durable material promise an extended lifespan for the garment, but it also ensures consistent fit and stretch over time. Under Armour anticipates expanding its range of performance apparel featuring Neolast offering athletes access to the cutting edge of stretch technology.
