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Bed Bath & Beyond is staging a bold comeback following its 2023 bankruptcy and the subsequent closure of all its physical stores. Currently under the ownership of Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc, Bed & Bath aims to shift to a nationwide franchise system, to bring the iconic home retailer back to neighborhoods across America.
This new plan focuses on a highly capital-efficient expansion model. Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman, states, the system is designed to ‘empower entrepreneurs’ to own and operate a store, allowing local owners to deliver personalized service and ‘local flavor’ while leveraging the brand’s national infrastructure, marketing, and technology.
The company will maintain a smaller footprint of corporate stores across the US, but the complementary franchise network is intended to rapidly grow the company's reach, eventually touching nearly every major community in America.
The franchise stores will be turnkey operations, meaning they will be ready-to-open with the layout, design, and setup already complete, allowing franchisees to begin operating quickly. These new locations are specifically designed with a ‘neighborhood feel’ to foster a deeper community connection.
Customers can expect the stores to retain the same core departments that the original Bed Bath & Beyond was known for, including Home, Kitchen Living, Storage & Organization, and Holiday Shoppe.
A key element of this localized approach is product curation: approximately 80 per cent of the items will be standardized and curated by the corporate brand. However, the remaining 20 per cent will be localized by the franchisees, allowing them to showcase regional products and designers tailored to their specific community's tastes. This dual strategy aims to restore Bed Bath & Beyond's presence and trust as one of the country's most reliable home retail brands.
How is Amazon boosting logistics? Explore the company’s massive new centers in Oregon and Indiana, set to hire 3,000 people.
Amazon is expanding its logistics network by opening two new, massive fulfillment centers, including its largest ever in the Pacific Northwest.
The most substantial new facility is located in Woodburn, Oregon, just outside of Portland. According to local media, this sprawling e-commerce distribution center covers 3.8 million sq ft and is four times larger than the terminals at the nearby international airport. The facility is designed to store millions of products and is equipped with highly advanced automation technology, including specialized scanners, conveyor systems, and robots that automatically retrieve, sort, and deliver inbound and outbound orders.
To run this immense operation, Amazon plans to initially hire 3,000 people. The grand opening ceremony for the Woodburn facility was attended by local leaders, including Democratic Congresswoman Andrea Salinas.
Amazon is simultaneously moving forward with another large-scale e-commerce distribution center construction project in Indiana, further boosting its national fulfillment capacity. This rapid expansion highlights Amazon's ongoing strategy to invest heavily in physical infrastructure and automation to speed up delivery times across the United States.
India's clothing fiber sector is on the cusp of a revolutionary decade, moving beyond its traditional identity as a cotton powerhouse to embrace a future where technology, sustainability, and digital commerce form the new foundation of growth. Projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent between 2025 and 2035, this decisive growth phase is driven by fundamental shifts in consumer behaviour and a profound commitment to circularity.
The duel of fibers
At the heart of the Indian textile ecosystem lies cotton, a fiber that still accounts for a commanding 45 per cent market share in 2025 and anchors India's global position with 23 per cent of world production. However, cotton faces mounting structural pressures from its water-intensive cultivation and vulnerability to climate change. The industry is responding with a calculated evolution, investing heavily in organic farming, genetically enhanced seeds, and rigorous traceability schemes backed by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to meet rising international buyer demand for sustainable sourcing.
The true acceleration, however, is being led by synthetic fibers, particularly polyester, which is forecast to outpace overall growth with a robust CAGR of 7.50 per cent from 2025 to 2035. This growth is not merely about volume but about innovation. Polyester’s dominance (38 per cent market share in 2025) is led by its cost-effectiveness, performance features, and, critically, its adaptability for the new era of performance-driven apparel.
The narrative for synthetics has transformed from a focus on low cost to one of sustainability leadership, driven by recycled polyester (rPET) from PET bottles and textile waste, and the emergence of bio-based synthetics. Indian textile parks are rapidly becoming testbeds for high-value specialty fibers like moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and UV-protective variants, directly appealing to the modern, health-conscious consumer.
Table: India’s clothing fiber market outlook (2025–2035)
|
Fiber type |
2025 share (%) |
Projected CAGR (2025–35) |
Trends driving growth |
|
Cotton |
45% |
4.50% |
Traceability, organic cotton, climate-smart practices |
|
Polyester |
38% |
7.50% |
Activewear, rPET, performance apparel |
|
Viscose/Cellulosics |
10% |
6% |
Eco-friendly blends, fashion versatility |
|
Wool & Others |
7% |
3% |
Niche luxury, winter wear |
The new consumer, digital, active, and male
Domestic demand is proving to be a powerful tailwind, fundamentally reshaped by two demographic forces: the rise of a digitally-savvy middle class and the exploding menswear segment.
Globally, menswear will account for 39.5 per cent of clothing fiber demand by 2025. In India, this trend is intensified by urban young professionals seeking functional yet fashionable apparel. This demand is most visible in the explosive growth of athleisure and performance wear, which relies heavily on engineered synthetic fibers like polyester, elastane, and nylon. For a segment long considered conservative, men's fashion has entered an era of experimentation, driving fiber manufacturers to prioritise adaptability and performance.
The shift to digital-first consumption with India’s online fashion market projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030 further accelerates this trend. E-commerce platforms and fast-fashion players leverage AI-driven design systems to predict trends and streamline supply chains. This demands fibers that allow for mass customization and on-demand production, emphasizing quick manufacturing characteristics such as flexibility and dye uptake, particularly for fast-moving categories like sportswear.
Circularity, the industry's new economic engine
The most transformative factor is the apparel industry's definitive shift toward the circular economy. Once niche, fiber recycling technologies are now a major draw for investment.
Technology scaling: Both mechanical and advanced chemical recycling methods are being scaled up across India's textile hubs in Surat, Tirupur, and Panipat. These technologies break down used textiles into base polymers, diverting waste from landfills and creating a closed-loop system.
Policy support: The government's National Textile Mission 2030 strategically aligns with these goals, aiming to integrate dedicated recycling clusters.
Brand commitment: Brands are proactively implementing take-back schemes and committing to only using certified, traceable, sustainable fibers.
his paradigm shift signals a break from the throwaway culture of fast fashion, providing consumers with more apparel made from recycled polyester, organic cotton, and specifically engineered blended fibers designed for eventual reuse.
The Balancing act ahead
The future of India's clothing fiber sector, spanning the 2025-2035 period, will be defined by a crucial balancing act: cost vs. consciousness. The industry must simultaneously cater to a price-sensitive domestic market and global fast-fashion clients who require the affordability and scale of traditional materials, while meeting the rising regulatory and consumer-led demand for sustainable, circular, and high-tech fibers.
The success story of the next decade will belong to the Indian textile players who can master this dual mandate: delivering affordable, functional apparel while rigorously adhering to sustainability commitments. With the strong anchor of its cotton legacy, the innovative thrust of synthetics, and the acceleration of digital commerce and circularity, India's clothing fiber sector is uniquely positioned not just for growth, but to reinvent the very fabric of global fashion.
The imposition of an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese goods by President Donald Trump—a move that underscores the fickleness and high-stakes nature of recent U.S. trade policy—has triggered a seismic shift in the global textile and apparel industry. This sudden, massive hike, effective from November 1, 2025, or sooner, effectively raises the total tariff on Chinese goods to over 130%. For a global textile trade that relies heavily on China’s scale and efficiency, this action instantly renders the world’s largest supplier uncompetitive in the critical U.S. market, creating a void of tens of billions of dollars and launching a high-stakes competition among every major textile-exporting nation to absorb the redirected U.S. demand.
The total U.S. textile and apparel import market from China, which once topped $45 billion annually, is now a massive opportunity. The benefits will not be distributed evenly; they will flow primarily to the countries offering the greatest trade stability, cost advantage, and production scale.
Productwise Information: What is "For Grabs"
The products most "for grabs" are those where China had a large market share and has been hit with the steepest tariff increases. This market shift is already well underway, with China's market share in U.S. apparel imports falling to just 15.6% in value by July 2025 (down from 24.6% a year prior). The shift is most pronounced in apparel and home textiles, where China's exports are now subject to immediate, prohibitive cost increases.
Data Table: Top US Apparel Imports from China Facing Prohibitive Tariffs
The table below highlights specific high-volume apparel products (by HS Code) that were major U.S. imports from China in 2024 and are subject to massive, multiple-hundred-percent tariff hikes, indicating the magnitude of the market share that is now shifting.
|
Product Category (HS Code) |
Total US Imports (2024 Value) |
China's Contribution (2024 Value) |
Tariff Increase on China (Example) |
Primary Beneficiary Countries |
|
Cotton Pullovers/Cardigans (HS 611020) |
$7.41 Billion |
$1.04 Billion |
~1,263% |
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh |
|
Man-Made Fibre Pullovers (HS 611030) |
$4.84 Billion |
$0.99 Billion |
~916% |
Vietnam, Honduras, Indonesia |
|
Women's Cotton Trousers/Shorts (HS 620462) |
$4.01 Billion |
$0.67 Billion |
~1,606% |
Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan |
|
Brassieres (HS 621210) |
$2.12 Billion |
$0.58 Billion |
~1,311% |
Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka |
|
Hosiery (HS 611596) |
$1.53 Billion |
$1.10 Billion |
~849% |
Vietnam, Pakistan, El Salvador |
|
Synthetic Fibre Dresses (HS 620443) |
$1.13 Billion |
$0.51 Billion |
~1,115% |
Vietnam, India, Indonesia |
The Winners & High Risk contenders
|
Country/Group |
Category |
Core Competitive Edge |
Primary Product Advantage |
U.S. Tariff Status (Approx. Rate) |
Key Constraint/Risk Factor |
|
Vietnam |
Winner (Leader) |
Strong compliance, existing large scale, and high-quality reputation. |
Certain Apparel categories (already surpassed China in some U.S. value), higher-value items. |
Low & Stable (≈20%) |
Heavy reliance on imported raw materials (fabrics/yarns, often from China). |
|
Bangladesh |
Winner (Volume) |
Lowest labor costs in Asia, massive volume capacity for cut-and-sew. |
Large-volume Ready-Made Garments (RMG), cotton basics (T-shirts, sweaters). |
Low & Stable (≈20%) |
High reliance on imported fabric; infrastructure bottlenecks, social compliance concerns. |
|
India |
High-Risk Contender |
Complete, integrated value chain (farm-to-garment) for cotton. |
Home Textiles (bedding, towels), Cotton Apparel. |
High (≈50%) |
Currently subject to high, separate U.S. tariffs, drastically reducing price competitiveness versus Vietnam/Bangladesh. |
|
Pakistan |
High-Potential Contender |
Vertically integrated cotton-to-garment sector, specialized expertise. |
High-quality Denim, Woven Cotton Products. |
Low/Moderate (≈20%) |
Geopolitical instability, persistent labor compliance concerns, unreliable power supply. |
|
Indonesia |
Niche/Diversifier |
Capacity for more complex, higher-value manufacturing. |
Outdoor Apparel, Athletic Wear, complex garments. |
Low/Moderate (≈20%) |
Higher labor costs compared to Vietnam/Bangladesh, infrastructure limitations. |
|
Cambodia |
Niche/Diversifier |
Strong focus on social compliance and ethical sourcing. |
Sustainability-focused apparel, small-to-mid volume orders. |
Low/Moderate (≈20%) |
Smaller production scale; pressure on labor rights and infrastructure. |
The Winners: Stable and cost-competitive alternatives
The primary beneficiaries are the countries that have already proven capable of handling large-volume U.S. orders and, crucially, enjoy significantly lower U.S. tariff rates.
1. Vietnam: The fastest-growing leader
● Competitive edge: Vietnam is widely seen as the biggest immediate winner. It has already surpassed China in certain apparel import categories to the U.S. Its textile and garment industry is robust and benefits from a strong reputation for compliance and quality.
● The advantage: Vietnam's exports to the U.S. generally face a much lower, more stable tariff rate compared to the prohibitive new rate on China (130%+). This cost disparity guarantees market share.
● Challenge: Vietnam's industry still relies on imported raw materials (especially fabrics and yarns, often from China), which increases lead times and reduces the national value-add for full-package orders.
2. Bangladesh: The volume powerhouse
● Competitive edge: Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter, specializing in large, low-cost Ready-Made Garment (RMG) orders, particularly cotton basics. Its competitive advantage is driven by the lowest labor costs in Asia.
● The advantage: Like Vietnam, Bangladesh enjoys a low U.S. tariff rate, making its finished goods far cheaper than Chinese alternatives. Orders for bulk items (T-shirts, sweaters, undergarments) are expected to surge here.
● Challenge: The industry is heavily reliant on imported fabric (often from India, China, or Vietnam) for most of its production. Infrastructure bottlenecks, social compliance concerns, and a less diversified product range (focus on knitwear) limit its ability to capture high-end or specialty textile business.
The ‘High-Potential’, ‘High-Risk’ contenders
These countries possess the capability but face distinct headwinds that may limit their immediate absorption of Chinese market share.
3. India: The vertical integration hurdle
● Competitive edge: India is the only country with a complete, integrated value chain from cotton farming to finished garments, making it a strong competitor for Home Textiles (bedding, towels) and Cotton Apparel. Indian textile exports to the U.S. have been growing steadily.
● The challenge (The Trump volatility impact): Despite the huge opportunity, India's ability to capitalize is severely constrained by existing U.S. tariffs on its goods (imposed in a separate trade dispute context). While 50% is better than 130%+, it is drastically higher than the 20% tariff faced by Vietnam and Bangladesh, causing Indian exporters to already report order diversion to competitors. The fickle nature of the current U.S. administration's tariff policy signals India’s stable trade position with the U.S. is currently in doubt.
4. Pakistan: Cotton and denim niche
● Competitive edge: Pakistan has a highly competitive, vertically integrated cotton-to-garment sector, with a global reputation for high-quality denim and woven cotton products. It is a natural fit for complex cotton-based apparel shifting out of China.
● Challenge: Geopolitical instability and persistent concerns over labor compliance and power supply represent major risk factors for U.S. buyers seeking stable, long-term supply chain partners.
5. ASEAN Countries (Indonesia, Cambodia): Niche and diversification
● Competitive edge: Indonesia specializes in higher-value, more complex garments like outdoor apparel and athletic wear. Cambodia, while smaller, is noted for its focus on social compliance, making it attractive to sustainability-focused U.S. brands.
● Challenge: Indonesia is a higher-cost source compared to its peers. Both countries face pressure on labor rights and infrastructure, but their tariff rates are generally more favourable than India’s current rate.
The Loser (Other than China): The U.S. consumer
The ultimate, unavoidable consequence of this tariff escalation is the cost burden shifting directly to the American consumer and retailer.
● Massive inflationary pressure: An effective 130%+ tariff on Chinese textiles—which make up nearly $40 billion in U.S. imports—will either be absorbed by U.S. brands through major profit cuts, or, more likely, passed on as significantly higher retail prices for everything from basic T-shirts and jeans to home furnishings.
● Supply chain shock: The abruptness of the 100% hike creates panic. U.S. buyers need immediate alternatives for the upcoming seasons, forcing a disorderly and expensive relocation of production that few substitute countries can match in terms of scale and speed.
● Uncertainty and instability: The fickle nature of the U.S. policy decision—the willingness to impose a blanket 100% tariff overnight—signals extreme unpredictability. Global sourcing managers are now not just looking for lower costs, but for political stability, making them wary of relying too heavily on any single non-China destination, especially one (like India) already subject to its own significant, separate U.S. duties.
The global textile industry is braced for a turbulent six months. While Vietnam and Bangladesh are poised to capture the lion's share of the redirected orders due to their existing low-tariff access, the underlying volatility of U.S. trade policy guarantees that this market shift will be characterized by chaos, rising costs, and a frantic search for reliable, long-term non-Chinese partnerships.
The announcement by President Donald Trump to impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, on top of existing duties, marks a significant escalation in the U.S.-China trade war. This dramatic policy shift, characteristic of the President's recent history of abrupt and high-stakes trade decisions, injects extreme volatility and unpredictability into global supply chains. This most recent move, primarily in response to China's new export controls on rare earth materials, is set to take effect from November 1, 2025, or sooner. For the global textile and apparel industry, which relies heavily on China as a major supplier, this tariff—effectively raising total duties on Chinese goods to over 130% —presents both a colossal supply chain disruption and a massive potential export opportunity for alternative countries, including India.
Should India view this as a stable opportunity?
While the tariff threat immediately positions India as a potential beneficiary in the short term, the opportunity is not stable and is fraught with significant competitive and geopolitical risks.
The Double-Edged sword for India
1. Immediate advantage (The silver lining): The sheer increase in the cost of Chinese textiles and apparel in the U.S. market will render them virtually uncompetitive. This price disparity creates a massive vacuum that U.S. buyers must fill. Indian exporters are reportedly already seeing an "upper edge" and "huge export opportunities"
2. The Competitiveness hurdle (The major risk): India's own textile and apparel sector is already facing a major headwind: U.S. tariffs of 50% on Indian goods, a rate much higher than competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which face tariffs around 20%.
○ This 50% tariff (imposed in a separate development concerning Russia oil purchases) severely undercuts India’s cost advantage, leading to drastic order reductions and factory shutdowns in key hubs like Tiruppur
○ Exporters are offering steep discounts (20-25%) to retain U.S. buyers, effectively exporting at a loss to cover the high duty.
A door opens, but a wall remains
The new 100% tariff on Chinese goods may appear to open a lucrative door for India — but its own 50% tariff acts as a wall. While U.S. brands seek to de-risk their supply chains from China, they are turning toward countries with lower duties and greater trade predictability. As one industry voice put it, “Now this 100% additional tariff on Chinese goods will give us an upper edge... but the 50% tariff has dealt a severe setback to India’s industry. Some exporters are relocating their operations to Vietnam and Bangladesh, where tariffs are significantly lower, at around 20%.” Unless a swift U.S.-India trade deal reduces this barrier, India risks watching opportunity flow past its borders—straight to more tariff-friendly rivals.
The Basket Up for Grabs: Product-wise analysis
China remains the dominant, albeit declining, supplier of textiles and apparel to the U.S. market. The total U.S. imports of textiles and apparel in 2024 were approximately $107.72 billion, with China accounting for the largest share.
Key Chinese Export Categories to the U.S. (Textiles & Apparel)
|
U.S. Import Category (2024 Value from China) |
Total Value (Approx.) |
China's Rank/Share |
Analysis & Opportunity |
|
Articles of apparel, knit or crocheted (HS 61) |
$10.63 Billion |
Top Supplier |
A massive chunk of the market. Includes T-shirts, sweaters, and most sportswear. |
|
Other made textile articles, sets, worn clothing (HS 63) |
$9.37 Billion |
Top Supplier |
Includes home textiles (bed linen, curtains, towels), essential non-apparel items. |
|
Articles of apparel, not knit or crocheted (HS 62) |
$7.76 Billion |
Top Supplier |
Includes trousers, jackets, skirts, and other woven garments. |
|
Footwear, gaiters and the like (HS 64) |
$10.28 Billion |
Top Supplier |
Significant value, often sourced alongside apparel. |
|
Wadding, felt, nonwovens, yarns, twine, cordage (HS 56) |
$0.69 Billion |
Top Supplier |
Intermediate products, crucial for other countries' final garments. |
(Data compiled from U.S. Import Data 2024, HTS codes, and US International Trade Commission reports, e.g., Source: Trading Economics, USITIC)
What all is up for grabs?
Virtually the entire value of Chinese textile and apparel exports to the U.S. is now up for competition. The immediate demand shift will prioritize the high-volume, lower-margin segments like basic knit apparel (T-shirts, undergarments) and standard woven garments (like trousers and basic shirts), where price sensitivity is highest.
India’s competence to grab the basket
India's strengths are concentrated in specific areas, which align with portions of the Chinese export basket:
1. Cotton and Cotton-Based products: India has a complete value chain, from raw cotton to finished goods. It is highly competitive in Home Textiles (towels, bedsheets, curtains) and Cotton Apparel (knitwear from Tiruppur, woven goods). In 2024, India held an approximate 7.96% share of U.S. textile imports, selling $9.71 billion worth of textiles. India's textile exports grew by 17.2% in 2024, outpacing China (14%) in the textile segment .
2. Specialty and High-Value items: India also has competence in niche markets like silk and certain high-end cotton and blended fabrics.
3. End-to-End manufacturing: Unlike countries that specialize only in garmenting (like Bangladesh, which imports most of its fabric), India can supply yarn, fabric, and garments, offering better supply chain control.
However, to convert this competence into market share, India needs:
● Policy intervention: Urgently addressing the 50% U.S. tariff to create a level playing field with Vietnam and Bangladesh.
● Scale and speed: China's dominance is built on massive, vertically integrated factories and rapid turnaround. Indian manufacturers need to ramp up capacity and improve logistics efficiency to absorb the massive orders that are shifting.
Case Study and Data Analysis: India vs. Competitors
The most crucial data point is the effective U.S. tariff rate on imports, as this directly determines the final landed cost for U.S. buyers.
|
Exporting Country |
Pre-Tariff China (Hypothetical) |
New Tariffs on China |
Vietnam/Bangladesh (Approx.) |
India (Current) |
|
Effective U.S. Tariff Rate (%) |
30% (Pre-Sept 2019 avg) |
130% + |
≈20% |
50% |
|
Competitive Impact |
Highest |
Uncompetitive |
Highly Competitive |
Severely Disadvantaged |
Leading suppliers to U.S. fashion brands, intend to shift operations
Faced with the existing 50% U.S. tariff, leading suppliers to U.S. fashion brands, have expressed intentions to shift major parts of its operations to its manufacturing units in Bangladesh and Vietnam in the coming months, clearly demonstrating that for a U.S. buyer, a zero-cost Chinese import becoming unviable does not automatically mean a shift to India. It means a shift to the next most cost-competitive and stable option, which, due to the tariff differential, is currently Vietnam or Bangladesh.
The 100% additional tariff on China; a seismic shift
The 100% additional tariff on China creates a seismic shift, freeing up tens of billions of dollars in export value. For India, this is a short-term, high-potential but high-risk opportunity. Converting it into a stable, long-term gain is conditional upon the Indian government successfully negotiating a reduction in the U.S.'s 50% tariff on Indian goods, thereby allowing Indian exporters to leverage their core competence in cotton-based textiles and apparel. Otherwise, the majority of the shifting "basket" will be claimed by India's Southeast Asian competitors.
Levi Strauss & Co reported strong financial results for Q3, FY25, leading the company to raise its full-year outlook.
The company posted $1.5 billion in net revenues, marking a 7 per cent Y-o-Y increase on both a reported and organic basis. The DTC channel was a primary driver of growth, with net revenues increasing by 11 per cent. The e-commerce segment grew by 18 per cent while the DTC accounted for 46 per cent of total net revenues in the quarter, reflecting the success of the company's ‘DTC-first’ strategy.
Performance was strong across all regions, led by Asia where net revenues rose by 12 per cent while net revenues in Americas grew by 6 per cent and revenues in Europe increased by 5 per cent.
The company’s gross margin expanded by 110 basis points (bps) to 61.7 per cent, primarily due to a favorable channel mix and price increases.
Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is cementing its reputation as a global leader in sustainability, with top manufacturers like Brandix, Teejay Lanka, Hirdaramani, Hayleys Fabric, and MAS Holdings showcasing major strides in climate action, circularity, ethical practices, and community impact.
These manufacturers are at the forefront of the Net Zero movement. Brandix has cut emissions by 84 per cent and achieved Net Zero certification at five facilities, aiming for a Net Zero status across all its global locations by 2030. Hirdaramani is the country's first company to get SBTi approval for Net Zero targets.
The industry is also heavily invested in the circular economy. MAS diverted an impressive 99 per cent of its waste from landfills, and Brandix achieved a 90 per cent recycling and recovery rate. Teejay reused or recycled 3,900 tons of material and was appointed the patron company for the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group by the UN Global Compact Sri Lanka. Hirdaramani is furthering its commitment with ‘Mihila Tex,’ a new sustainable textile mill.
Powering this push is a growing commitment to renewables. MAS Holdings reported that 397 per cent of its energy comes from renewable sources, contributing to a 24.04 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019 baseline. Teejay Lanka has also expanded its renewable energy footprint to 14 per cent of its total consumption.
The social impact extends well beyond the factory. MAS created 2.1 million opportunities through community initiatives and increased women’s participation in management to 26 per cent. Brandix awarded over 1,000 scholarships and facilitated 47,000 pints of employee-donated blood. Hirdaramani’s decade-old ‘Wonders of Well-being (WOW)’ program has even gained global recognition, including case studies from Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Sustainability is being driven by innovation, not just compliance. MAS saw a notable 40 per cent of its revenue generated from sustainable products, while Teejay approved 410 new, sustainable fabrics in the last fiscal year. Hirdaramani also won a Silver Award at the Global Chemical Leasing Award 2024 for its innovative natural detergent using soapberries.
Underpinning these efforts are strong governance and transparency practices. All four companies adhere to rigorous global standards, with Teejay aligning its reporting to GRI and IFRS S1 & S2, and Brandix reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on wage violations and corruption.
Collectively, these milestones solidify Sri Lanka’s apparel sector as a responsible sourcing destination, illustrating how the industry is successfully shaping a future where fashion and responsibility go hand in hand.
Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) successfully pre-launched its new Apparel Training Centre (ATC) at the Magus Fashion City, Bhiwandi, on October 7, 2025. Supported by Magus Fashion City, this strategic initiative signals a major commitment to enhancing skill development within India’s garment sector. The pre-launch event drew over 50 garment manufacturers and industry representatives.
The ATC is being spearheaded by Naveen Sainani, Hon General Secretary, CMAI and Anand Golecha Chairman-Sub Committee, ATC. The center aims to build an industry-ready workforce, boosting manufacturing productivity and empowering workers through targeted training designed to meet future industry requirements.
At the pre-launch, Sainani emphasized the center’s mission saying, CMAI Apparel Training Centre at Magus Fashion City, Bhiwandi will serve as a strategic hub for upskilling local garment workers, promoting productivity, and developing a skilled workforce prepared to meet global industry standards. CMAI plans to run the center with extensive industry collaboration to uplift the garment manufacturing community.
This latest launch builds on CMAI's impressive history in apparel training, which dates back to 2008. The association has previously trained over 1,600 women sewing operators in Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park, successfully enabling employment opportunities.
Under the government's Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) (Component II of the Ministry of Textiles), CMAI was an appointed Implementing Agency. The organization surpassed its original mandate of training 35,000 trainees, ultimately training a total of 43,645 individuals and successfully placing 33,490 into relevant factory jobs by March 2018.
Established over sixty years ago, CMAI is the most representative association of the Indian apparel industry, boasting over 7,000 members and serving more than 50,000 retailers. Its membership spans manufacturers, exporters, brands, and ancillary industries.
Beyond skill development, CMAI plays a crucial role in advocating on industry policies, issuing Certificate of Origin (Non-Preferential) to exporters, and guiding members on ESG initiatives. In 2019, CMAI launched the SU.RE initiative to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. CMAI is the only Indian association that represents the entire apparel sector and trade on prestigious international forums like the International Apparel Federation (IAF) in the Netherlands. The organization also led the creation of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) back in 1978.
At its ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 booth, Karl Mayer is featuring an original pleated skirt next to the new 2-bar tricot machine that produced its material. Noted for its unconventional concept and ‘unbeatable price-performance ratio,’ this machine will manufacture a fabric in gauge E 36 during the event.
Created from a super-stretch warp knit, the pleated skirt transforms the classic skirt into a comfortable, non-creasing, and non-restricting all-rounder with a sporty flair, giving the traditional pleated design a dynamic, fresh look.
The super-stretch warp knit transforms this classic wardrobe piece into a comfortable, non-creasing, and non-restricting all-rounder with a sporty edge, adding flair to the pleated design.
The rise of high-stretch fabrics from 2-bar tricot machines is revolutionizing the comfort and style of classic apparel.
These textiles boast premium performance features - they are super stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying - making them the go-to material for sportswear, athleisure, and swimwear. They offer a cool, silky feel against the skin, a super soft hand, and exceptional easy-care properties.
A standout benefit is their matchless sun protection. Densely knit fabrics, particularly those produced at the high gauge of E44, offer a UV protection factor that is more than double that of comparable circular knits, driving up demand, especially for outdoor clothing.
The comfort and functional excellence of these engineered smooth warp knits are now exciting the conventional apparel market. Consumers wearing items like suits, shirts, dresses, and skirts are demanding the same level of comfort, easy care, and modern style.
Yarn Expo Autumn 2025 concluded a highly successful run, firmly establishing its position as the premier international platform for the yarn and fiber industry. The event successfully united over 22,000 visitors from 111 countries and regions with nearly 580 exhibitors, creating an unparalleled sourcing hub in Shanghai.
Held concurrently with three other major textile fairs - Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, CHIC, and PH Value - the exhibition offered a comprehensive, all-in-one marketplace. This synergy allowed international and domestic buyers to efficiently source a vast spectrum of products, from raw fibers and fabrics to finished garments, maximizing cross-sector collaboration.
The fair strongly emphasized the industry's crucial transition toward sustainability and innovation. Numerous exhibitors showcased groundbreaking eco-friendly materials, fulfilling a rising global demand for traceable and environmentally responsible products. This commitment was highlighted by Wilmet Shea, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK), who noted, the event's vitality lies in how it ‘connects sustainability-driven solutions with worldwide demand,’ reinforcing the textile industry's progress with resilience and creativity.
Sourcing depth and global exchange
Yarn Expo Autumn provided impressive depth across its floor plan, featuring six specialized product zones and an International Yarn Zone. Suppliers presented a versatile mix that included:
• Natural fibers: With a heightened focus on quality and traceability.
• Innovative synthetics and specialty yarns: Catering to technical and functional fabric needs.
• Sustainable options: Addressing the growing shift toward a circular economy.
Notable exhibitors like Docotton Group AS (Turkiye), PT Dan Liris (Indonesia), and Rutex GmbH (Germany) attracted significant attention with their market-relevant innovations. Further enriching the fair's global profile were dedicated showcases, including the India Pavilion, Pakistan Zone, and Taiwan Zone, which offered concentrated access to each region's textile expertise and fostered new opportunities for cross-border trade.
The visitor profile was equally diverse, spanning spinners, knitters, fashion brands, and trade professionals from every part of the upstream and downstream value chain. This breadth ensures that the industry's latest trends and developments, from vortex-spun polyester to ultra-high-count compact-spun cotton, can be identified and sourced efficiently.
Exhibitor and visitor endorsements
The value of the platform was consistently echoed by the participants. Jimad Khan, International Sales & Marketing Manager, Perino by Woolyarns (New Zealand), said, the experience has been positive, with strong interest, enquiries, and sample requests. The fair is important for connecting with the entire supply chain.
Pradip Debnath, Business Head, Yajur Fibres (India), emphasized, by leveraging the platform helped the company connect with buyers and potential clients from over ten countries simultaneously
Ashwin Jaju, General Manager, Dricomfort (Optimer) in the US, noted, this year, the fair feels more crowded and has a more international presence. Overall, it offers great opportunities for networking and discovering new materials.
Huang Xianglun, Procurement Manager, Lite Trading Co (China), affirmed, as a VIP buyer, the company greatly benefitted from the clear guidance provided by the organizers, which significantly enhanced our procurement efficiency.
The combination of a world-class exhibitor lineup, a strong visitor base, and innovation-focused fringe events - such as the Textile Materials Innovation Forum- cemented Yarn Expo Autumn 2025's role as a vital platform that cultivates fresh ideas and drives the global textile industry forward. The next edition, Yarn Expo Spring, is scheduled for March 11–13, 2026.
