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China will overtake the US and become the world’s largest apparel market by 2019. Annual apparel sales in China in 2019 would be up 25 per cent from 2014. In comparison, apparel sales in the US would grow just three per cent over last year’s sales. Despite falling yuan, rising raw material and labor costs, China would continue to be a leader in the global apparel market.
The Chinese market is more competitive than the US because no apparel brand in China was able to achieve a market share greater than one per cent in 2014. Domestic brands overall outperform international brands in the Chinese market. Controlling sourcing cost will be equally important for China as well as the United States. Most US apparel imports are Made in China with the applied tariff rate as high as 9.63 per cent for textiles and 16.05 per cent for apparel.
US imports are continuing to rise. Apparel importers in the US expect greater inbound shipments from Asia this season, but they are shipping later. Peak season isn’t July anymore. It’s slipping back a bit for many fashion companies. They are looking at shipping in August, September or even October.
ITMA will be held in Italy from November 12 to 19, 2015. Over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are taking part. Expectations are that more than 1,00,000 visitors from more than 140 countries will participate. ITMA is the world’s largest exhibition of textile and garment machinery technology. It is held every four years in Europe.
The European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) comprises national textile machinery associations from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is the owner of ITMA and ITMA Asia. ITMA has a 64-year history of displaying the latest in machinery and software for every single work process of textile making.
ITMA 2015 is a global marketplace and one-stop sourcing platform for emerging trends and innovation solutions; acquiring new knowledge and best practices; and establishing strategic relationships with industry leaders.
The next ITMA will be held in Spain, June 20 to 26, 2019. The last time the show was in Spain was in 2011. Exhibitors and visitors were impressed with the facilities and infrastructure on site. There were a lakh of visitors from 138 countries. Ninety per cent of the visitors came from outside Spain. The international mix of visitors and buyers was very well received by exhibitors.
www.itma.com/
The Beltwide Cotton Conference will be held in the US from January 5 to 7, 2016. It will bring together stakeholders in the US cotton production sector, including growers, university and researchers, consultants, and industry sales and support personnel. The event will focus on production, processing and marketing problems. It’s aimed at strengthening US cotton’s competitive position in the domestic and global markets and increasing members’ profitability.
Various sessions will focus on new developments, including discussions and reports on new varieties, chemistries and emerging technologies. Conferences will provide updates on weed management strategies. Entomologists will also provide updates on the latest research on neonicotinoid insecticides including their impact on pollinators and possible replacements for this important class of chemistry should alternatives become necessary. Also on the agenda is an overview of current status of unmanned aerial vehicles and how they may be effectively integrated into a precision agriculture program to improve production efficiency and profitability.
There will be 11 cotton technical conferences, ranging from agronomy to weed science. The cotton conferences provide an excellent environment for groups to exchange information. This exchange helps guide cutting-edge research in agronomy, pest management, economics and other important disciplines that can lead to more efficient cotton production, processing and marketing.
https://www.cotton.org/beltwide/
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has scrapped its fifth cotton tender. Not a single bidder submitted bids for procurement of the commodity mainly due to the 10 per cent advance tax. Although TCP’s cotton quality is better than the market’s, the imposition of advance tax restricted millers and traders from participating in the tender. There is no advance tax on cotton buying from the market. So, most traders are reluctant to buy cotton from the corporation.
In addition, offloading of cotton stocks at the time of arrival of the new crop created some challenges for the state-run grain trader. Domestic buyers or textile millers prefer to procure the new cotton crop instead of TCP’s stocks procured during the last season.
Out of five tenders, three were scrapped as bids were less than the reserve price. Some 10,800 cotton bales were offloaded through two tenders. Some 6,800 cotton bales were sold through the first cotton tender and some 4,000 cotton bales in the fourth cotton tender.
In order to stabilise cotton prices in the domestic market, the federal government a year back decided to procure cotton from ginning factories to support farmers and stabilise prices in the domestic market.
www.tcp.gov.pk/
The fourth edition Denimjeans.com, Bangladesh is scheduled for October 7 and 8, at Radisson Dhaka. Nearly 28 companies from around the world are joining the invite only event, which focuses on bringing buyers to Bangladesh. The fashion event ‘Fashionim’ a Mecca for denim connoisseurs is being sponsored by three exhibitors: Envoy Group from Bangladesh, Vicunha from Brazil, and Bhaskar Group from India.
As the denim industry gears up to face competition from ‘athleisure’, this edition of Denim Playground will try and push all denim players to contribute their bit to revamp the industry. The theme of the show is: ‘Denim Playground Dhaka’ where coolest exhibitors from around the world shall bring out their sporty innovations.
Every relevant analysis shows Bangladesh has emerged a leading denim jeans exporter to EU followed by China, who was number one some years back. Last year, Bangladesh shipped over 170 million jeans to EU against 115 million pair of jeans by China. This shows that Bangladesh is now a leader in denim market and will increase its lead over China in coming years. Year 2015 is also witnessing further improving in growth over last year. Denim Playground Dhaka will provide an opportunity to all denim lovers to tap the potential of Bangladesh denim market.
Sandeep Agarwal, Founder of Denimsandjeans says, "In last edition, we were fortunate to have the Godfather of denim, Adriano Goldschmied along with popular denim consultant Piero Turk. Goldschmied’s reaction to our exhibition was par excellence. We successfully managed to bring top brands and companies from around the globe.”
With the threat of global warming looming large, this edition will focus on sustainability. “Apart from exhibitions, we are keen to have seminars and panel discussions to address vibrant issues which are crucial to the health of environment,” says Agarwal.
On October 7, there will be a presentation on fashion applications to amplify denim visuals. And October 8 will see panel discussions on profitable environmentally sustainable denim washing organized by GIZ PSES followed by an exclusive presentation ‘Bridging Research in Cellulose Chemistry for Denim Applications’ by Christian Schimper.
The death of 112 workers in an industrial factory fire in 2012 has prompted a Bangladesh court to order 13 people to stand trial. Out of these, two are garment factory owners. Owners of Dhaka’s Tazreen Fashions, Delwar Hossain and his wife Mahmuda Akter, have pleaded not guilty to culpable homicide charges. The accused face trial on October and up to 10 years in jail if convicted. Khandakar Abdul Mannan, the prosecutor said that the court charged the 13 including Delwar and his wife with causing death by negligence.
This is the first time ever in the country’s history that garment factory owners have been prosecuted, making this case a landmark. Bangladeshi officials were compelled by a public outcry to charge Hossain and Akter, along with 11 factory managers and security guards. This was after investigators found that the Tazreen factory had no emergency exits. The police said that the facility’s gates were also locked and workers were forced to jump from windows on upper floors as the fire spread, and many victims were women who were overcome by smoke.
Located in Ashulia district, Tazreen supplied clothes to brands such as Walmart and Enyce. Western brands have come under pressure to ensure safe conditions for Bangladesh’s four million garment workers, who generally earn less than $50 each month, since the incident. Through several alliances and agreements, many retailers have helped fund safety improvements.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources recently said the Ministry has offered textile industry a 24-hour electricity supply at 9 cents per unit if the industry stops using natural gas. However, the offer has been declined by representatives of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). Reason: gas is much cheaper and profitable for textile units. The country’s economy has been facing a serious energy crisis. Even Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has termed gas suspension, unilateral and arrogant. Sohail Pasha, PTEA chairman, and Rizwan Riaz Saigal, vice-chairman, while expressing great concern over the Petroleum Minister's statement, said the textile industry, which was already facing problems would be stressed further due to gas curtailment. The government should stop unilateral decisions as Pakistan is going through a serious economic crisis with escalating cost of production.
Nearly 4 billion cubic ft. per day (BCFD), is Pakistan's local output of natural gas. Demand though is for 6.5 BCFD. To bridge this gap, the government has to resolve the issue at the earliest. The country faces an energy deficit, and is gradually increasing its reliance on imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). It also enjoys the lowest rate on gas import from Qatar and would save up to Rs 100 billion per annum because of the differences in price and efficiency. Abbasi said that the government will encourage the private sector to start the import of LNG.
He said that in future imported gas will be needed for domestic and the country’s oil fields are depleting. He believes that only locally produced can compete with LNG. As natural gas is depleting, the only cheaper alternative is LNG and replacing diesel-based power plants with LNG would save Rs 100 billion a year for the economy, he added.
With clothes undergoing a paradigm shift from just something to cover oneself, to fashionable and trendy, and now eco-friendly, ergonomic and even thermochromic garments, the humble trouser has undergone a major change. Earlier, not much thought was given to comfort and protection of people involved in hard labour. But all that is set to change now. A vertically integrated manufacturer and engineer of patented products, World Patent Marketing, recently announced the Miller Industrial Jeans. This invention would give industrial workers comfort in a pair of trousers.
Scott Cooper, CEO and Creative Director of World Patent Marketing 
points out Global Apparel Manufacturing industry’s turnover is $618 billion a year, while it is growing rapidly in Asia and declining in the US. Companies in developed nations take advantage of cheap labour in emerging markets. As a result, rising number of manufacturers are leaving the US and Europe and setting up operations in North and Central Asia.
Miller Jeans for comfort & protection
The Miller Industrial Jeans offers comfort and protection. Though clothes are used more to make a fashion statement, their basic purpose is to protect the body. The new invention is made of impenetrable material and designed for hard labour. These jeans have pockets that industrial workers and people on the move can easily use. They also have removable knee-pads that protect the wearer, besides being comfortable for walking, kneeling, and moving things around.
The apparel uses rectangular and flexible pads that allows air-flow and doesn't impede blood circulation. The fit is snug and makes use of hook and loop fasteners that secure the knee-pads in place. The good part is, these jeans can be used in any environment, hot or cold and would not wear down due to constant use. Thus, durability is a key factor.
Hard labour just got easy
Miller jeans inventor Gilbert M says plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and mechanics have to kneel, stand and move around a lot and these jeans are best for them. Also, people working in construction sites may be unaware of the presence of a nail on the floor as they kneel, and this invention works for them as well. Gilbert says the jeans can save people from accidents while being ergonomic and comfortable and protection is of paramount importance.
The moot point is that the Miller Industrial Jeans is a unique apparel invention that promises to make the already hard labour of construction a bit easier to bear.
With clothes undergoing a paradigm shift from just something to cover oneself, to fashionable and trendy, and now eco-friendly, ergonomic and even thermochromic garments, the humble trouser has undergone a major change. Earlier, not much thought was given to comfort and protection of people involved in hard labour. But all that is set to change now. A vertically integrated manufacturer and engineer of patented products, World Patent Marketing, recently announced the Miller Industrial Jeans. This invention would give industrial workers comfort in a pair of trousers. </br>
</br>
Scott Cooper, CEO and Creative Director of World Patent Marketing points out Global Apparel Manufacturing industry’s turnover is $618 billion a year, while it is growing rapidly in Asia and declining in the US. Companies in developed nations take advantage of cheap labour in emerging markets. As a result, rising number of manufacturers are leaving the US and Europe and setting up operations in North and Central Asia. </br>
Miller Jeans for comfort & protection
</br>
The Miller Industrial Jeans offers comfort and protection. Though clothes are used more to make a fashion statement, their basic purpose is to protect the body. The new invention is made of impenetrable material and designed for hard labour. These jeans have pockets that industrial workers and people on the move can easily use. They also have removable knee-pads that protect the wearer, besides being comfortable for walking, kneeling, and moving things around.</br>
</br>
The apparel uses rectangular and flexible pads that allows air-flow and doesn't impede blood circulation. The fit is snug and makes use of hook and loop fasteners that secure the knee-pads in place. The good part is, these jeans can be used in any environment, hot or cold and would not wear down due to constant use. Thus, durability is a key factor.</br>
Hard labour just got easy
</br>
Miller jeans inventor Gilbert M says plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and mechanics have to kneel, stand and move around a lot and these jeans are best for them. Also, people working in construction sites may be unaware of the presence of a nail on the floor as they kneel, and this invention works for them as well. Gilbert says the jeans can save people from accidents while being ergonomic and comfortable and protection is of paramount importance.</br>
</br>
The moot point is that the Miller Industrial Jeans is a unique apparel invention that promises to make the already hard labour of construction a bit easier to bear.</br>
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Alvanon has collaborated for a Fit Movement. This collaboration would provide FIT’s School of Business and Technology with advanced technical fit tools and provide students with encouragement, mentoring and class seminars that cover the business of fashion.
Janice Wang, Alvanon CEO points out that Alvanon’s Fit Movement is designed to nourish, grow and re-establish the art and science of apparel manufacturing in New York City. To attain this, Alvanon is working with industry associations and schools, and supplying them with tools, technology and training that address the manufacturing sector of the fashion business.
Steven Frumkin, Dean, Fashion Institute of Technology, has been instrumental in bringing his school’s support to the re-skilling of NYC apparel manufacturing. Together, they are helping to cultivate new generations of ‘hands on’ artisans, such as patternmakers, who are essential to garment production.
Alvanon’s association with FIT focuses on the school’s Technical Design Department. Alvanon is also a member of FIT’s Technical Design Advisory Board, which focuses on current curriculum challenges and strategies to provide students with additional practical experience.
Alvanon has replaced the School of Business and Technology’s existing inventory of fashion tools with men’s, women’s, children’s and plus size AlvaForm fit mannequins, grading blocks, and its Virtual AlvaForm through its Fit Movement collaboration with FIT.
The European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing, will hold a conference titled ‘Innovating for Sustainability in European Textiles and Clothing’, in Brussels on October 28, 2015. The topics of discussions include: textile sustainability of the 21st century with European thought leaders, present industry innovators and technology disruptors working on the sustainability solutions of tomorrow, and demonstrate tools and solutions that EU initiatives bring to the industry across Europe. The discussion will focus on how digitisation and material circularity can facilitate completely new market approaches and business models.
The Brussesl conference will be attended by representatives from entire European fibres, textile and clothing value chain, industry federations, research and technology organizations, consulting and service companies, policy makers, and the media. An EU research and innovation funding seminar and project brokerage event on October 29 will be held after the event at the same venue.
European textile and fashion products are popular for their creativity, innovation, quality and increasingly the environmental and social responsibility with which they are produced. According to the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing, continuous improvement in materials, production processes and supply chain management can further enhance the sustainability performance of the EU’s textile and clothing industry.
To achieve these major changes, though, radically new concepts, technologies and business models are needed.
