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Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of AEPC, highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports, despite global economic challenges such as inflation and a slowdown in major exporting countries. The WTO has revised its global merchandise trade growth forecast to 3 per cent for 2025, down from 3.3 per cent, yet India's RMG exports continue to excel.
Sekhri noted India's unique strengths, including low import dependence, a comprehensive ecosystem from fibre to fashion in both cotton and man-made fibres (MMF), and a vast, young labor force. These advantages position India for even greater success. The RMG sector is particularly crucial for job creation, especially for unskilled and underprivileged workers.
AEPC plans to participate in several major international fairs and will host Bharat Tex again in 2025. Recent roundtables with global brands and buying consultants indicated strong interest in strengthening ties with Indian exporters.
Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur added that India’s apparel exports are on a high-growth path, achieving double-digit gains in recent months despite geopolitical challenges and supply chain disruptions. International roadshows in Spain and New York will further position India as a global hub for textiles, showcasing innovation, technology, and sustainability.
The Lenzing Group, renowned for its regenerated cellulosic fibers, has partnered with Roica by Asahi Kasei, a leader in premium stretch fibers, and Kaihara Denim, a prestigious Japanese denim manufacturer, to launch the ‘Saisei Collection.’ This marks the first collaboration among these industry leaders, aimed at producing high-quality denim that incorporates a significant amount of recycled materials. The collection will debut at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 23-24, 2024.
Driving denim circularity
Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing, expressed excitement about the strategic alliance, highlighting the shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in denim production. He noted that this partnership represents a bold step toward driving denim circularity, leveraging the joint expertise and dedication of the collaborators. The initiative focuses on combining Lenzing’s LenzingEcoverofibers, enhanced with Refibra technology, with Roica EF recycled stretch yarn, which is recognized for its exceptional elasticity and comfort.
This partnership is positioned not just to produce excellent products but also to catalyze a transformation toward sustainable practices across the denim value chain.
Sustainable fabric composition
The Saisei Collection features a unique blend of materials that highlights both sustainability and functionality. Roica EF yarn is crafted from pre-consumer recycled content, offering outstanding stretchability, which contributes significantly to the fabric's comfort. On the other hand, LenzingEcoverofibers incorporate up to 20 per cent post-consumer textile waste, primarily from cellulose-rich sources or polyester-cotton blends. This combination not only enhances the denim's softness but also promotes environmental consciousness within the industry.
Hiroaki Shinohe, Chief Marketing Officer of Roica Europe at Asahi Kasei, articulated the company's commitment to sustainability, explaining that the innovative Roica EF yarns are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent compared to conventional yarns. He emphasized that this collaboration demonstrates how recycling can revitalize used materials, effectively meeting the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly denim options.
Versatile denim applications
The Saisei Collection offers three distinctive denim fabrications: super stretch (Monster Stretch), comfort stretch, and low stretch (selvedge denim). Each fabrication is crafted using Kaihara Denim’s artisanal techniques, ensuring the highest quality. The fabrics possess a unique hand feel, characterized by a subtle bulkiness and reduced drape, which provides versatility for fashion designers and brands.
This innovative denim line empowers designers to create a range of stylish, resource-efficient garments, from casual everyday wear to more formal attire. The collaboration not only meets the demand for eco-conscious fashion but also encourages brands to explore new avenues in sustainable design.
Hirofumi Inagaki, Executive Officer and General Manager of Sales at Kaihara Denim, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the company’s rich history in premium denim manufacturing. He highlighted that the collaboration with Lenzing and Roica represents their joint efforts to drive positive change in the global denim landscape. This synergy aims to reshape sustainable denim applications while reinforcing a commitment to a more circular fashion value chain.
Showcasing innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam
The Saisei Collection will be featured at the Lenzing booth (no 12 in the blue zone) and the Roica booth (no 10 in the yellow zone) during Kingpins Amsterdam. This event represents a significant opportunity for the partners to showcase their commitment to sustainable fashion and inspire the industry towards eco-friendly innovations in denim. As consumer awareness grows regarding sustainable practices, the Saisei Collection stands as a testament to the future of responsible fashion.
The fashion and textile industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the growing emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and circularity. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging legislation continue to reshape the landscape, industry professionals must stay informed to remain competitive. The Global Sourcing Expo 2024, taking place from November 19 to 21 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is designed to help brands and businesses stay ahead of these trends.
Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Expo Group and organizer of the event, emphasizes the importance of understanding the critical changes in the industry. She notes that for industry players to succeed and thrive, they must recognize the impact of shifts such as sustainability, the adoption of AI, and new legislation. The Expo’s seminar program will showcase a strong lineup of industry experts who will provide insights into the latest trends and challenges facing the sector.
Expert-led seminars on industry hot topics
The seminar program at the Global Sourcing Expo will cover a wide range of pressing issues, from recycling initiatives to the complexities of regulatory changes. Key industry speakers will share their knowledge on how businesses can adapt to the evolving landscape.
One of the main speakers is Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, who will explore the disruptions reshaping the retail industry. Zahra’s session, titled ‘Decoding The Brave New World of Retail: How Disruptions Have Sparked Game-Changing Innovations,’ will delve into how the $400 billion Australian retail sector is adapting to these changes and how innovations are emerging as a result.
Sustainability at the forefront
Sustainability will be a central theme, with experts like Belinda Paul, Founder and Director of RCYCL Pty Ltd, taking the stage. Paul, with her 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, will focus on reducing textile waste and promoting sustainability. Her session, ‘Empowering Consumers to Drive Change,’ will feature a panel discussion on how consumers can contribute to the sustainability movement. Panelists from eBay Fashion, Salvos Stores, and the Seamless Clothing Stewardship Scheme will join her in addressing the critical role of consumer behavior.
Another sustainability advocate, Elizabeth Park, founder of Fashion True Futures, will lead a seminar on regulatory challenges. Titled ‘Regulations and Realities - Navigating Regulatory Shifts and Consumer Demands in Fashion,’ Park’s session will provide businesses with practical advice on building sustainable and compliant practices in response to evolving regulatory demands. Her expertise in ethical sourcing and supply chains will equip attendees with the tools needed to future-proof their operations.
Understanding consumer behavior and emissions reduction
Professor Alice Payne, Dean of the School of Fashion & Textiles at RMIT University, will present her research on consumer behavior and its impact on the fashion industry. Her seminar will highlight findings from a national survey on how Australians acquire, use, and dispose of clothing, offering essential insights for businesses aiming to align with consumer demands.
In addition, Rick Lambell, Founder and CEO of Beyond Sustainable Retail Group (BSRG), will address the topic of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Lambell’s session, ‘Net Zero and Scope 3 GHG Emissions - How to Get Started and Deliver Results,’ will offer practical strategies for businesses aiming to lower their carbon footprint. With two decades of experience in sustainability programs for major retailers like Kmart Group, Lambell’s insights are set to provide valuable guidance for attendees.
Networking and global connections
Beyond the seminars, the Global Sourcing Expo will offer attendees the opportunity to connect with over 900 exhibitors from 20 countries. The exhibition will feature a diverse selection of apparel, footwear, textiles, and homeware products, providing a valuable platform for attendees to engage with suppliers and manufacturers from across the globe. Marie Kinsella highlights the importance of this setting for establishing crucial business connections.
The Global Sourcing Expo 2024 promises to be an essential event for brands and businesses looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving fashion and textile sector. With industry leaders sharing their expertise and an array of international exhibitors, the Expo is set to foster innovation and collaboration across the industry.
In the first nine months of the current year, Vietnam’s footwear exports increased by 12.5 per cent Y-o-Y to $16.53 billion, shows data from the General Statistics Office.
With this achievement, footwear also become one of top five export categories for Vietnam and one of just seven goods to surpass the $10 billion mark in exports.
This rise in Vietnam’s footwear exports is being driven by a broader recovery in its manufacturing sectors, particularly textiles and garments. Ahead of the peak production season at the end of the year, the country is experiencing a rising demand from both domestic and international markets.
However, despite these positive trends, severe labor shortages continue to challenge the industry’s growth, says PhanThiThanhXuan, Vice President and General Secretary, Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association. There is an urgent need for skilled workforce in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear as the current shortfall continues to hinder production and the industry capability of meeting growing demand, he adds.
Noting the double-digit growth rate in the leather and footwear industry, Xuan says, the sector is on track to achieve its ambitious target of $27 billion in export revenue by 20240-end.
Throughout 2024, Vietnam’s footwear exports continued to grow in key international markets. In addition to labor shortages, the industry is also addressing supply chain risks, particularly in sourcing raw materials. At a recent event focused on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Xuan proposed establishing a raw material trading center to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
This initiative will help reduce Vietnam’s dependence on imported raw materials, which currently account for 65 per cent of production costs, by enhancing the country’s ability to source essential resources for global export demands, Xuan said. The proposal could streamline production, improve order fulfillment, and also accelerate Vietnam's vision to elevate the fashion industry to $100 billion by 2030, he added.
Modefabriek co-founders Lucel van den Hoeven and Rick van Rijthoven have announced a fresh B2B event for men’s fashion, set to take place on January 26-27, 2025, at Taets Art and Event Park, Amsterdam. This industrial venue will host an exciting meeting of brands and retailers, aiming to foster inspiration and innovation in the ever-evolving market.
Coinciding with Modefabriek, the event will feature a carefully curated selection of brands and programs emphasizing quality and authenticity. The founders promise a ‘raw and pure’ experience, catering to industry needs with a no-frills approach and a new team. The event's name is yet to be revealed, but it promises to bring a fresh perspective to the fashion calendar.
The inaugural Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) concluded successfully on 1 March 2024. The three-day event, supported by TEXPROCIL, attracted 17,262 visitors from 55 countries and regions. A total of 409 exhibitors from 17 countries showcased products spanning the entire textile value chain.
Vietnam’s rapidly growing garment manufacturing sector has made it a key player in the global textile market, complementing China. Favorable trade conditions allow for tax-free or reduced-tax exports to Europe and the UK, further boosting Vietnam's role as a textile hub. Exhibitors met with buyers from the US, Europe, and Asia, including representatives from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai brands.
Looking ahead, VIATT 2025 will take place from 26 to 28 February at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City. The fair is expected to draw over 500 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors, with a 15,000 square meter exhibit space. The event will showcase a wide range of textile products and technologies, facilitating trade across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The Organising Committee of Vietnam International Fashion Week has announced the dates for the Fall/Winter 2024 edition of the event.
To be held in Ha Noi from June 13-16 with the theme #FashionEvolution (New steps in fashion), the event will promote innovation and creativity, opening up new perspectives for the Vietnamese fashion industry.
The tradeshow will commence with the launch of a collection by designer Do Manh Cuong embodying the spirit of innovation in fashion. Known for his dynamic collections and impact on both domestic and global fashion, Do Manh Cuong is a key figure in Vietnam’s fashion industry. His recent brand relaunch reflects a focus on rejuvenating women’s fashion, targeting young, dynamic, and individualistic customers. His ‘turning point’ aligns with a global trend, as many major fashion houses have been refreshing their brands in recent years.
Following the success of the Spring Summer 2024 edition, which celebrated a decade of fashion, the Autumn/Winter 2024 editionof Vietnam Fashion Weekwill focus on the theme of #FashionEvolution, marking a transformation in the industry.
The event will include various sideline activities along with fashion shows. It will organise a fashion week for model selection from Nov 01-03 at The Garden Shopping Center. The event will give aspiring models an opportunity to showcase their talent and perform in live shows alongside designers.
Furthermore, a seminar on ‘Consumer Trends 2026’ will be organised in collaboration with trend forecasting giant WGSN. Scheduled for Nov 11, 2024 at the Lotte Westlake Hanoi Hotel, the seminar will provide strategic insights for fashion brands, helping them adapt to upcoming consumer trends. This seminar is expected to be highly valuable for industry insiders looking to navigate the future of fashion.
Shima Seiki launches its latest range of Whole garment knitting machines at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 in Shanghai. The also included the company’s upgraded SWG-XR model which offers high-quality and stable all-needle knitting for various Whole garment products.
Featuring Shima’s unique Slide Needle on four needle beds, a spring-type moveable sinker system, and a lightweight carriage, the SWG-XR delivers efficient knitting of 18-gauge fabrics, with the SWG-XR124 model boasting a 49-inch knitting width and new user interface for enhanced connectivity.
The SWG-XR124 is also equipped with i-DYCS intelligent Digital Yarn Changer System, which supports up to 44 colors per garment, surpassing previous records. Additionally, the machine includes the i-FiKnit Finishing Knit option, which automatically cuts and knots edge yarns during color changes, reducing post-production labor and supporting sustainability goals.
For larger items, Shima Seiki displayed the SWG-XR144, with a 55.6-inch knitting width, capable of producing high-quality men’s pullovers. The compact SWG041N2 model, ideal for smaller items like gloves and socks, was also showcased, alongside proprietary programming for the sock industry.
Shima also introduced the N.SVR183 Whole garment machine, which now supports finer 24-gauge fabrics, offering flexibility for entry-level production. The N.SVR122, a benchmark in computerised shaping technology, was presented as a prototype capable of producing ultra-fine gauge fabrics up to 29 gauge.
In addition, Shima Seiki highlighted its SDS-ONE APEX4 3D design system and APEXFiz subscription-based software. These tools support virtual sampling, reducing waste and costs by enabling accurate digital prototypes. The new AI-powered knit generator creates knitwear images based on archival data, streamlining the design process. Shima’s yarn bank service further enhances the supply chain by allowing designers to source yarn digitally, ensuring seamless transitions from design to production.
A sourcing hub for innovative textiles, the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS), kicked off on Oct 15, 2024 at the Nangang Exhibition Center with eco-friendly and functional fabrics on display.
The show was inaugurated by Hsiao Bi-khim, Vice President, who stated, the textile industry has been the driving force of Taiwan's economic progress over the years.
The three-day show aims to showcase products using low-carbon fabrics, with a textile and fabric suppliers, including Far Eastern New Century, Formosa Plastics Group, Lealea Group, Nan Pao Resins Chemical and New Fibers Textile, showcasing various green fiber and textile products.
Hsu Min-hsien, CEO, Nan Pao Resins Chemical, said, the company plans to showcase a special sweat-resistant fabric with soft touch and made up of 53 percent biomaterial content. James Kuo, Chairman, Lealea Group and Taiwan Textile Federation added, the show is one of the most important annual events of the domestic textile industry.
This year, the show will host 385 manufacturers,including 75 exhibitors from oveseas, signaling the recognition earned by the event in the international market.
Over 70 international brands are likely to participate in private meetings with local manufacturers, along with visiting delegations from South Korea, Vietnam, India, France and other countries.
Recent Eurostat data reveals a significant downturn in the EU's apparel imports in the first seven months of 2024. The data shows a drop of 5.22 per cent compared to the same period last year highlighting a broader shift in the global apparel market. In the EU traditional suppliers like Bangladesh and China are facing headwinds while emerging players like Cambodia and Pakistan are gaining ground. Eurostat data reveals a dip in imports, shifting market shares, and a dynamic landscape influenced by economic factors, consumer preferences, and geopolitical considerations.
Declining imports and shifting market shares
Overall, EU apparel imports decreased by 5.22 per cent in the January-July 2024 period compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is reflected in the performance of major suppliers like China (-7.34 per cent), Turkey (-8.55 per cent), and Bangladesh (-4.84 per cent).
Table: EU apparel imports
|
Country |
Jan-July 2024 ($ bn |
Jan-July 2023 ($ bn) |
Change (%) |
|
China |
12.34 |
13.31 |
-7.34 |
|
Turkey |
5.89 |
6.44 |
-8.55 |
|
Bangladesh |
11.11 |
11.68 |
-4.84 |
|
India |
2.96 |
3.01 |
-1.93 |
|
Vietnam |
2.19 |
2.31 |
-5.07 |
|
Cambodia |
2.03 |
1.84 |
+10.36 |
|
Pakistan |
2.06 |
1.94 |
+6.32 |
|
Morocco |
1.73 |
1.67 |
+4.04 |
|
Sri Lanka |
0.77 |
0.8 |
-4.45 |
|
Indonesia |
0.58 |
0.64 |
-8.86 |
|
Total |
49.85 |
52.6 |
-5.22 |
Source: Eurostat
Key highlights
Economic slowdown: The overall decline in apparel imports reflects the broader economic slowdown in the EU, with rising inflation and energy costs squeezing consumer spending.
Shifting sourcing strategies: The contrasting fortunes of different suppliers suggest a shift in sourcing preferences. Cambodia and Pakistan, with their competitive labor costs and growing manufacturing capabilities, have registered significant growth. This could indicate a move by EU buyers to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on traditional sources like China and Bangladesh.
Sustainability concerns: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their fashion choices. This is driving demand for sustainable and ethically produced apparel, which could be benefiting countries with stronger environmental and labor regulations. Nearshoring trend: Rising transportation costs and geopolitical uncertainties are encouraging some EU brands to source closer to home, potentially benefiting countries like Turkey and Morocco.
Eurostat data reflects that despite a relatively moderate decline, Bangladesh faces challenges due to rising production costs, energy shortages, and shipment delays. These factors are eroding its competitiveness and could lead to further loss of market share. Addressing these issues, along with improving infrastructure and enhancing sustainability practices, will be crucial for Bangladesh to retain its position in the EU market.
Similarly, the decline in Chinese apparel imports is likely due to factors like, rising labor costs, trade tensions with the EU, and the emergence of competitive alternatives.
Future outlook
In coming years, the EU apparel import market is expected to remain dynamic and competitive. In fact, with economic uncertainty looming, price will remain a crucial factor in sourcing decisions. And a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical production practices will reward suppliers who can demonstrate strong compliance and transparency. The trend towards nearshoring and diversification of sourcing locations is likely to continue. At the same time aautomation and digitalization in the apparel industry will play an increasingly important role in enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
