FW
Year 2024 was a dynamic one for the global textiles sector, marked by shifting geopolitical sands, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements. Here is a look at the winner and loser countries in global textiles trade (fibers, yarns, and fabrics).
Key events, factors and their impact
Russia-Ukraine war: The ongoing conflict continued to disrupt supply chains, particularly for cotton and synthetic fibers originating from the region. This led to price volatility and sourcing diversification, benefiting countries like Brazil and India, who increased cotton exports.
US-China trade tensions: While tensions persisted, their impact on the textile sector was less pronounced than in previous years. However, some manufacturers continued to diversify sourcing away from China, benefiting Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Sustainability concerns: Growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues pushed sustainability to the forefront. Brands increasingly sought eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing, benefiting countries with robust sustainable textile production practices.
Technological advancements: Automation, AI, and 3D printing continued to transform textile manufacturing. Countries that invested in these technologies gained a competitive edge in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Shifting consumer preferences: Demand for personalized and functional textiles, including athleisure and performance wear, grew significantly. Countries with agile and responsive manufacturing capabilities were better positioned to cater to these evolving demands.
Performance vs. reality
While the global textile market faced headwinds, overall growth exceeded projections. The World Trade Organization (WTO) predicted a 3 per cent growth in textile trade volume for 2024. However, preliminary data suggests a growth rate closer to 4.5 per cent, which was largely due to strong demand in emerging markets and a rebound in developed economies.
Table: Projected and actual growth
|
Region |
Projected Growth (%) |
Actual Growth (%) |
|
Asia |
4 |
5.5 |
|
North America |
2.5 |
3 |
|
Europe |
2 |
2.8 |
Emerging trends
Certain trends evolved and clearly emerged this year.
Nearshoring and reshoring: Rising transportation costs and geopolitical uncertainties encouraged brands to relocate production closer to consumer markets. This trend benefited countries in close proximity to major consumption hubs.
Circular economy initiatives: The push for circularity in the textile industry gained momentum. Countries with strong recycling infrastructure and initiatives supporting closed-loop systems attracted investment and market share.
E-commerce growth: The continued rise of e-commerce resulted in demand for textile products, particularly in emerging markets. Countries with robust digital infrastructure and logistics networks were well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Winners of 2024
Bangladesh: Continued its strong performance in apparel exports, benefiting from competitive labor costs and preferential trade agreements.
Vietnam: Further solidified its position as a key textile and apparel manufacturing hub, attracting investment and diversifying its product portfolio. In fact, Vietnam's rise in the global textile industry exemplifies the impact of strategic policymaking and investment. The country has actively pursued free trade agreements, invested in infrastructure, and fostered a skilled workforce. This has attracted significant foreign direct investment, leading to the development of a robust and diversified textile sector. As Sheng Lu, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware opines, “Vietnam has become a shining example of how a developing country can successfully integrate into the global textile value chain. Their focus on quality, sustainability, and trade liberalization has been instrumental in their success."
India: Witnessed strong growth in textile exports, driven by government initiatives, a focus on sustainability, and the success of events like Bharat Tex 2024.
And the losers are…
China: Faced challenges due to rising labor costs, trade tensions, and increasing competition from Southeast Asia. However, it retained its dominance in specific segments like synthetic fibers.
Pakistan: Struggled with political instability and economic challenges, impacting its textile exports.
Some African Nations: Despite potential, many African countries faced infrastructure constraints and limited access to technology, hindering their growth in the textile sector.
Opportunities for 2025
Year 2025 has started with its own set of promises and opportunities. The textile sector can expect the technical textiles market to witness significant growth, driven by increasing demand from healthcare, construction, and automotive sectors. Countries with strong R&D capabilities and a focus on innovation are poised to benefit.
There will be more focus on regional trade agreements. Bilateral and regional trade agreements will play a crucial role in shaping the textile trade landscape. Countries actively participating in such agreements will gain preferential access to key markets.
On the other hand, personalization and customization will see a boost. Demand for personalized textile products will continue to rise. Companies leveraging technology to offer customized solutions will gain a competitive advantage.
The demand for stylish and high-performance fabrics is surging as consumers increasingly prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. At the heart of this demand lies the importance of yarn variety and quality, which play a pivotal role in determining texture, durability, and visual appeal. Reflecting this trend, the global blended fiber market, valued at $43.37 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $66.52 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.3 per cent.
As per a report by Textile Today, blended fibers such as cotton-polyester, wool-polyester, and cotton-viscose are tailored with varying fiber percentages to achieve the perfect balance of properties like softness, durability, and breathability, serving diverse applications from clothing to home textiles.
Recent advancements highlight the potential of cotton-nylon blends, which offer a compelling mix of durability and cost efficiency. Nylon complements cotton by enhancing its strength, stretchability, and moisture management, countering cotton's natural tendency to stretch and lose shape over time. Research supports the benefits of blending synthetic fibers with cotton, noting improvements in strength and moisture-wicking capabilities. However, this innovation does not come without challenges.
Blending cotton with nylon introduces spinning complexities. Issues such as uneven fiber distribution can lead to yarn imperfections, while nylon's inherent stretch complicates processing. These challenges demand innovative solutions to optimise production and maximize the potential of cotton-nylon blends.
This study seeks to address the spinning challenges associated with cotton-nylon blended yarn production. By optimising fiber selection and spinning parameters, the research aims to enhance yarn quality and performance. The findings could pave the way for a new standard in blended yarns, offering a high-performance alternative for the textile industry while meeting the growing demand for durable, stylish fabrics.
Industria-Academia and Textile Focus has entered into a partnership to revolutionize skill development in Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) manufacturing sector. This collaboration aims to empower the industry by creating a new generation of leaders equipped to drive its future growth.
While the RMG sector has seen remarkable success in recent years, its sustained growth hinges on the development of high-performing professionals. These individuals must possess not only technical expertise but also the strategic thinking and adaptability required to excel in dynamic, team-oriented environments.
Industria-Academia is committed to building these high-performing executives (HPEs) through programs rooted in practical experience. Designed by seasoned industry professionals, these initiatives emphasize a T-shaped skill set—balancing specialized knowledge with cross-disciplinary competencies—and a mindset geared toward innovation and problem-solving.
Industria-Academia’s training approach sets itself apart with its hands-on, real-world focus. Courses are structured to deliver actionable insights, enabling participants to immediately apply what they learn and drive tangible change in their organizations.
Regional retail and hospitality leader Landmark Group has unveiled Landmark Circulife, a state-of-the-art textile recycling facility situated in the Dubai World Central. Designed to convert used fabrics into high-quality recycled fibers for use in new products, the facility marks a significant step toward sustainable practices in the region.
As the first facility of its kind in the UAE, Landmark Circulife aims to lead the way in textile circularity while reinforcing the Group’s commitment to becoming circular and climate-positive by 2050. This groundbreaking initiative positions the UAE as a potential regional and global hub for recycled textile fiber production.
Initially designed to handle 2,000 metric tons of textile waste annually, the facility processes a variety of textiles to create fibers for products ranging from apparel to home furnishing, reducing dependency on virgin materials.
The facility plans to scale operations to process 11,000 metric tons of textile waste annually, addressing approximately 5 per cent of the UAE’s apparel market. The expansion could negate 140,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, save 107 GWh of energy, conserve 77,000 million liters of water, and achieve a 70 per cent reduction in eutrophication.
The facility was inaugurated by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Co-Chair of the UAE Circular Economy Council, who highlighted its critical role in promoting "green growth." The UAE Circular Economy Council also held its quarterly meeting at the site, underscoring its importance.
Landmark Group employs advanced carbon accounting models and has developed a Generative AI-guided app, Fit for Green, to track and reduce its carbon footprint. While building Landmark Circulife required significant investment, the Group has engineered the model to keep costs low, ensuring value for customers while meeting sustainability goals.
In a significant development, garment industry associations in Tiruppur have urged textile and garment organizations across India to recommend their members stop importing goods from Bangladesh.
The associations stressed the importance of the Central Government protecting domestic fabric and garment manufacturers by imposing countervailing or anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi imports. They pointed out, Bangladeshi manufacturers benefit from government subsidies, while their products enter India duty-free, creating an uneven playing field. The primary objective is to ensure fair competition and safeguard the interests of Indian manufacturers.
The associations also called on the government to introduce interim measures until these duties are implemented. In the meantime, they encouraged India’s textile and garment industry to take a principled stand by voluntarily halting imports from Bangladesh. Another resolution highlighted the need to foster self-reliance within India’s textile sector, urging collective efforts to prioritize domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
This unified appeal underscores growing concerns about the challenges faced by Indian manufacturers and aims to strengthen the nation’s textile and garment industry.
India’s apparel export sector is navigating a challenging global environment with resilience and innovation. Despite issues like inflation and fluctuating international demand, RMG exports from India grew by 9.8 per cent in November 2024. Cumulative exports for April-November 2024-25 expanded by 11.4 per cent Y-o-Y to $9,853.9 million.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), attributes this growth to adaptive strategies and government initiatives. India’s apparel sector demonstrates its potential to outpace global competitors with the right investments and reforms, he says.
While some major apparel-exporting nations have faced slowdowns, India’s RMG exports have maintained a strong growth trajectory. This performance is further boostred by factors such as improved product acceptance, evolving consumer trends, and factories focusing on compliance with government-supported measures.
The sector looks forward to the proposed PLI (Production Linked Incentive) 2.0 Scheme, which aims to incentivize investments in garment manufacturing with a lower investment threshold. Sekhri also highlights plans to organize dedicated investment sessions during the Bharat Tex Expo 2025 to attract industry players.
For investments to yield attractive returns, maintaining a competitive exchange rate is critical. The industry also needs to ensure availability of developed land with robust infrastructure, skilled manpower, and seamless connectivity to ports. To achieve this, the government’s PM MITRA (PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Scheme is creating mega textile parks, a flagship initiative to strengthen India’s textile ecosystem.
Reducing production and logistics costs remains essential to enhancing India’s competitiveness. Additionally, attracting new entrants, including start-ups and foreign direct investment (FDI), is pivotal. Focused policies to support these stakeholders will further drive sectoral growth.
With its ability to adapt and innovate, supported by strategic investments and policy reforms, the Indian apparel export sector is poised for sustained growth. As global challenges persist, the sector’s resilience underscores its readiness to solidify India’s position as a leading player in the global apparel market.
A Japanese luxury footwear subsidiary of Asics Corporation, Onitsuka Tiger plans to shift production to India to boost regional growth.
As per Ryoji Shoda, Vice President, Onitsuka Tiger, says demand for high-end clothing and footwear is growing rapidly. Local production will also help the brand increase its value propostion, he adds.
Given its sizable client base, rising prosperity, fashion-conscious youth, and expanding demand for luxury goods, India serves as a crucial market for Onitsuka Tiger, adds Shoda.
As per industry projections, growing at a CAGR of 4.8 per cent from 2023-2028, India’s footwear market will reach 2,225 million pairs by 2028. To capitalize on this growth, the company plans to establish two more stores next year, bringing its total number of outlets in the nation to 11.
Additionally, the company aims to boost exports from India in collaboration with an original equipment manufacturer to establish a new facility to boost production in 9= n the business is looking into potential exports from India and revealed plans to collaborate with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner facility to boost production in India by 2028.
The textile sector in India aims to double its contribution to the national GDP from the current 2.3 per cent to 5 per cent by 2030. The sector aims to improve its supply chain efficiency, integrate automation and digitization, and explore new markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. It will also align its sustainability efforts, including renewable energy adoption with global environmental standards.
With a rich heritage and strategic global positioning, India is poised to become a central player in the international textile supply chain. Textile sector in the country is on a strong growth trajectory, driven by advancements in spinning, denim, and man-made fibers (MMF). With 48 million spindles, India’s spinning segment is projected to grow by 12-14 per cent in FY24. Yarn exports are set to increase by 85-90 per cent, fueled by robust demand. Ranked second globally, the denim industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8-9 per cent, while constituting 70 per cent of global fiber consumption, MMF is gaining momentum, driven by demand across apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications.
Combining traditional strengths with modern technologies, India’s textile industry is positioned to drive economic growth, create employment, and lead the global textile landscape, defining its role as a hub for sustainable and innovative textile solutions.
Despite facing issues like energy crises, dollar shortages, supply chain disruptions, labor unrest, and political instability, the garment industry in Bangladesh rebounded strongly in H2, FY24, as it was buoyed by the return of western buyers and recovering global markets.
Apparel-makers in Bangladesh faced a multitude of obstacles throughout the year. Labor unrest stemming from demands for wage hikes and inflationary pressures led to massive disruptions in production. Protests by workers, curfews, and government-imposed internet blackouts during the political transition in mid-year further exacerbated the situation. Key industrial belts in Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia, Zirani, and Zirabo witnessed prolonged shutdowns due to vandalism, fires, and strikes.
Resolution came in September when factory owners, labor leaders, and workers reached an agreement on an 18-point demand. One major outcome was an increase in the annual increment for garment workers from 5 per cent to 9 per cent, effective December 2024. While the resolution allowed many factories to resume operations, the sector saw significant setbacks, such as Beximco Group’s decision to lay off over 40,000 workers from 16 units.
Adding to the turbulence, the Central Bank revised export earnings for fiscal 2023-24 down to $36 billion from the initially overstated $47 billion, as per a report by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Despite domestic challenges, the global market provided a silver lining. As inflationary pressures eased and the world recovered from pandemic and geopolitical crises, Western buyers returned to Bangladesh, leading to a significant rebound in exports.
During the July-November period, apparel shipments to major markets like the EU and the US increased by 16.25 per cent Y-o-Y to $16.11 billion. The future looks brighter now than it did a few months ago, says MA Jabbar, Managing Director, DBL Group, whose clients include Walmart-George, Puma, Esprit, and G-Star.
Echoeing this optimism, Faruque Hassan, Former President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), highlighted the resurgence of work orders from international retailers as sales rebounded in key markets.
Emphasising on the need for strategic investments to sustain growth, Jabbar called for the establishment of a dedicated EPB-like institution for the garment sector, He urged greater focus on man-made fiber and sportswear, segments experiencing rising global demand. Hassan also stressed the importance of addressing the persistent power and energy crisis to attract investment and create jobs.
Emphasising on the need for political stability and improved law and order, Rizwan Rahman, Former President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said, it underscored the need for political stability and improved law and order to foster a conducive business environment.
Despite a tumultuous year, 2024 was also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Bangladesh’s apparel industry. With work orders rebounding and political stability returning, the sector stands poised for growth. However, to maintain its competitive edge and capture a larger share of the global market, the industry needs to address systemic issues such as energy shortages, infrastructure challenges, and labor rights.
The year ended with cautious optimism, as industry stakeholders looked forward to 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and hope for a brighter future.
The global apparel trade is undergoing a significant transformation, says a recent report by Wazir Advisors. Titled ‘Apparel Trade Scenario in Key Global Markets and India’, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the changing dynamics in the industry, highlighting key trends in imports, exports, and retail sales.
Imports on the rise
The report reveals that apparel imports in major markets such as the US and the EU have seen a slight increase in 2024 compared to previous year. This growth comes despite a challenging economic environment, marked by inflationary pressures and lower consumer confidence.
Table: Changing imports
|
Region |
2023 imports ($ bn) |
2024 imports ($ bn) |
YoY change |
|
USA |
78.8 |
73.8 |
1% |
|
EU |
86.1 |
67.9 |
-0.30% |
|
UK |
19.9 |
15.4 |
-9% |
|
Japan |
23.7 |
18.9 |
-6% |
Mixed report on exports
On the export side, the report reveals a mixed picture. While major suppliers like China and Vietnam have experienced growth in 2024, Bangladesh and India have seen their exports decline. This decline can be attributed to factors such as increased competition and rising production costs.
Table: Exports mixed results
|
Country |
2023 exports ($ bn) |
2024 exports ($ bn) |
YoY change |
|
China |
152.4 |
138.9 |
0% |
|
Bangladesh |
47.6 |
34.8 |
-9% |
|
India |
14.4 |
14.2 |
8% |
|
Vietnam |
33.4 |
30.6 |
10% |
India's perspective
The report highlights that India's apparel exports have shown a slight increase in 2024, despite the overall decline in exports. This growth can be attributed to the government's initiatives to promote the textile and apparel industry, as well as the increasing demand for Indian-made products in key markets.
The report concludes that the global apparel trade is undergoing a shift, with new suppliers emerging and existing suppliers facing increased competition. The report also highlights the importance of factors such as sustainability and ethical sourcing in the current market. Overall the report provides valuable insights into the changing dynamics of the global apparel trade. The report's findings suggest that the industry is in a state of flux, with both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in this space.
Retail scenario
The report also gives an insight on the apparel retail market scenario especially in the US. The market is showing mixed signals, says the Wazir Advisors report. While apparel store sales have remained flat, home furnishing sales have seen a significant uptick. E-commerce sales, however, have experienced a slight dip.
Monthly apparel store sales in the US remained relatively flat in 2024 compared to 2023. This indicates a stable but not booming market, with consumers maintaining their spending levels despite economic uncertainties. In contrast, home furnishing stores have seen a significant sales rise. This suggests a shift in consumer spending habits, with more focus on home improvement and comfort.
Online sales of clothing and accessories saw a slight decline in 2024. This comes after several years of strong growth in the e-commerce sector, indicating a potential saturation of the online market.
Table: US retail sales
|
Sales Category |
2023 ($ bn) |
2024 ($ bn) |
YoY change |
|
Apparel Stores (Jan-Nov) |
196.4 |
196.5 |
0% |
|
Home Furnishing Stores (Jan-Nov) |
55.3 |
55.9 |
1% |
|
Online Clothing & Accessories (Q3) |
16.8 |
16.4 |
-2% |
The mixed trends in the US apparel retail market therefore reflect the complex economic conditions prevailing in the country. While stable apparel store sales indicate resilience in consumer spending, the decline in e-commerce sales suggests caution and a potential shift in consumer behavior. The growth in home furnishing sales could be attributed to factors such as increased focus on home improvement and nesting trends.
