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Year 2024 has seen dynamic shifts and surprising resilience in the global textile sector. Despite facing numerous challenges, the industry demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and innovate. Here is a look at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs in the textile sector and outlook for 2025.
Factors that dominated 2024
Several factors played a crucial role in shaping the global textile landscape in 2024:
Economic slowdown: The global economic slowdown significantly impacted consumer spending, leading to decreased demand for apparel and textiles. This was particularly evident in major markets like the US and Europe.
Inflation and rising costs: Inflationary pressures and increased raw material costs, especially cotton, squeezed profit margins for textile manufacturers.
Geopolitical tensions: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, particularly those involving China, disrupted supply chains and created uncertainty in the market.
Sustainability concerns: Growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues pushed sustainability to the forefront of the textile industry.
Technological advancements: Automation, AI, and 3D printing continued to transform textile manufacturing processes, improving efficiency and enabling new possibilities.
Performance: Projections vs. Reality
Pre-2024 projections anticipated moderate growth for the textile sector. However, the reality was more complex. While some segments, such as technical textiles and sustainable fashion, experienced growth, overall performance was subdued due to the numerous challenges.
|
Region |
Projected growth (%) |
Actual growth (%) |
|
Asia Pacific |
4.5 |
3.8 |
|
North America |
2 |
1.2 |
|
Europe |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Global |
3.2 |
2.5 |
Source: Statista, 2024 estimates
Winners and Losers
Winners: Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, with their competitive labor costs and established manufacturing infrastructure, continued to attract investment and expand their market share. The domestic textile industry in India also showed resilience, driven by strong government support and a focus on technical textiles.
Losers: Countries heavily reliant on exports to Western markets, such as China and some European nations, faced difficulties due to reduced demand and increased competition.
Bangladesh's resilient growth
Despite global headwinds, Bangladesh's textile industry managed to maintain steady growth in 2024. Factors contributing to this success include:
Competitive labor costs: Bangladesh continues to offer some of the lowest labor costs in the world, making it an attractive destination for textile manufacturing.
Government support: The Bangladeshi government has implemented various policies to support the textile industry, including tax incentives and infrastructure development.
Focus on sustainability: Many Bangladeshi factories have invested in sustainable practices, appealing to environmentally conscious brands and consumers.
Outlook for 2025, change drivers
Looking ahead, several factors are expected to drive change in the global textile sector in 2025:
Shifting consumer preferences: Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized, sustainable, and ethically produced clothing. This trend will compel brands and manufacturers to adapt their offerings.
Technological disruption: Further advancements in automation, AI, and data analytics will continue to reshape textile manufacturing, leading to increased efficiency and customization.
Circular economy: The concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized, is gaining traction in the textile industry. This will drive innovation in recycling, upcycling, and sustainable material development.
Regionalization of supply chains: The pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Companies are increasingly seeking to diversify their sourcing and manufacturing operations, leading to a more regionalized approach.
Projections and opportunities
Despite the challenges, the global textile market is projected to grow steadily in 2025. The table outlines projected growth rates for key segments:
|
Segment |
Projected Growth (%) |
|
Apparel |
3.5 |
|
Technical Textiles |
6.2 |
|
Home Textiles |
4.8 |
Source: Global Textile Market Outlook, 2025
Opportunities
Sustainable and ethical fashion: Brands and manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices are well-positioned for growth.
Technical textiles: The demand for technical textiles, used in various industries like healthcare, automotive, and construction, is expected to surge.
E-commerce and digitalization: The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms presents new opportunities for textile businesses to reach consumers directly and expand their market reach.
The global textile sector in 2024 has been a testament of resilience and adaptability. Despite facing economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges, the industry has continued to innovate and evolve. Looking ahead, the sector is poised for further transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability. By embracing these changes and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead, the textile industry can ensure its continued growth and success in the years to come.
The flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, RSWM Ltd has been honored with the Silver Award in the ‘Sustainable Fashion and Textile’ category at the prestigious Financial Express Green Sarathi Awards. This accolade underscores RSWM's steadfast commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering sustainable innovation, highlighted through its campaign, ‘Redefining Sustainability – Mapping Initiatives for a Greener Tomorrow.’
At the heart of RSWM’s sustainability strategy is its significant investment in renewable energy. The company operates a 20 MW wind power unit, an additional 40 MW of wind capacity, and a 32 MW in-house solar power plant. This infrastructure ensures a consistent supply of clean energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable power sources.
In addition to renewable energy, RSWM is also integrating biofuels in operations. By 2025, the company aims to meet 75 per cent of its energy needs through biofuels. RSWM has already reduced its carbon emissions by 800,000 metric tons annually and has invested ₹35 crore to convert three of its coal-fired boilers to biofuel. All boilers will be converted by 2025, further reducing reliance on coal.
RSWM also prioritizes sustainable materials in its production processes. The company uses organic cotton, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester, significantly lowering its environmental footprint. RSWM recycles 8,162 metric tons of cotton annually from pre- and post-consumer waste and repurposes 1,830 PET bottles each year into recycled polyester, now making up 50 per cent of its total polyester production. The company follows a zero-waste policy, recycling all fiber waste and integrating it back into production.
Water conservation is another key component of RSWM’s sustainability initiatives. The company adheres to a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy, recycling all wastewater produced in its manufacturing processes for reuse or conversion into potable water for nearby communities. Advanced rainwater harvesting systems are also in place to support sustainable water management.
RSWM’s commitment to sustainability is further validated by international certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, and ISO 14001:2015. Looking ahead, RSWM plans ambitious sustainability goals, including sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035 and reducing the water footprint of new textiles by 30%. Driven by its motto, "We Only Take What We Can Give," RSWM continues to lead in sustainable practices within the textile industry.
Increasing by 9.7 per cent Y-o-Y, China’s cotton production reached 6.164 million tons in FY24, shows data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth was particularly strong in Xinjiang, the country’s primary cotton-producing region.
Both, the area dedicated to cotton cultivation and the yield per hectare improved this year. The total area under cotton plantation increased by 1.8 per cent compared to last year, while the yield per hectare rose by 7.8 per cent to 2,172 kg per hectare, as per the NBS report.
Area under cotton cultivation in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region expanded by 3.3 per cent to 2.45 million hectare. However, cotton cultivation in other major regions declined. This included a 13.6 per cent decline in Yellow River basin and 1.6 per cent contraction in the Yangtze River Basin.
The rise in cotton production, driven by increased yields in Xinjiang, highlights China's ongoing efforts to boost its domestic cotton supply.
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has urged the government to approve the import of recycled plastics and textile waste at a reduced 5 per cent specific duty, in a bid to stimulate the country’s textile industry and boost foreign exchange earnings.
Showkat Aziz Russell, President, BTMA opines, these materials could significantly contribute to the national economy through exports by serving as an essential import substitutes for the local market and.
Russell emphasized, allowing recycled plastics and textile waste to be used as raw materials for fiber production in the recycling textile industry could potentially add an additional $40-50 billion annually to Bangladesh’s export earnings. Protecting the interests of local industries by easing the import of all types of textile waste, including cotton waste, as they are crucial for producing recycled fibers, he stated.
In addition, Russell requested the interim government to impose an immediate ban on the export of PET bottles and flakes. He also urged the government to reconsider the environment ministry’s recent notification banning single-use plastics, issued on August 27, after consulting with all relevant stakeholders.
As per the letter, Bangladesh imports 1,200 tons of polyester stable fiber (PSF) annually, costing the country significant foreign exchange. If domestically produced using recycled PET bottles, the country could save up to $150 million per year.
Bangladesh could generate $40-50 billion annually from non-cotton textiles and apparel products by 2030, driven by efficient use and export of recycled plastics, Russell pointed out.
The BTMA's proposal highlights the potential for Bangladesh to capitalize on the growing global demand for sustainable, recycled materials in the textile and apparel sectors, positioning the country as a key player in the circular economy.
Poised for a significant growth, India's textile industry is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030 and create 35 million new jobs. Contributing 2.3 per cent to the nation's GDP, the sector directly employs 45 million people and indirectly supports another 55 million through its value chain. As the second-largest employment generator in India, after agriculture, the sector plays a vital role in women's empowerment and rural development.
Combining cutting-edge technology with India’s cultural heritage, the textile sector spans from mass-produced apparel and technical textiles to traditional handwoven fabrics like khadi and silk. This diversity has boosted India’s international reputation and spurred economic growth. The sector’s extensive supply chain stretches from farms to fibers, fabrics, fashion, and global markets, attracting international brands and merchants. However, to maintain competitiveness, Indian manufacturers are focusing on design, anticipating trends, and producing high-quality, adaptable goods for discerning consumers.
A notable shift is occurring towards high-value technical textiles for industries like healthcare, automotive, and agriculture. India is diversifying its fiber base, reducing dependence on cotton by incorporating synthetic fibers, supported by the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) to enhance its position in this growing market.
Government initiatives such as PM MITRA Textile Parks, SAMARTH for workforce upskilling, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme are driving growth. Indian companies are also leading in sustainability, with practices like solar energy use, water-efficient processes, and waste reduction becoming more common.
Looking ahead, India’s textile sector is investing in research and development, technological modernization, and strategic partnerships to foster innovation. Sustainability remains a priority, with a focus on energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies.
Scheduled for February 2025 in New Delhi, Bharat Tex 2025,will showcase India’s textile potential on a global scale. With over 5,000 exhibitors and 20,000 products, it will highlight sustainability through specialized pavilions and host key events like the Better Cotton Annual Meet and the International Silk Conference. Bharat Tex 2025 aims to set new standards for innovation, sustainability, and global trade, reinforcing India’s leadership in the textile industry.
At a time marked by increasing awareness and demand for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), brands are at a critical juncture. A new study, ‘The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024’ reveals that consumers from traditionally underserved communities are not only acutely aware of DE&I efforts but are actively choosing brands that reflect their values. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses worldwide.
Kantar's Brand Inclusion Index, a comprehensive survey of over 23,000 individuals across 18 countries, looks at how consumers perceive brands' commitment to inclusivity. The study focuses on four key dimensions: DE&I strategy, diversity, equity, and inclusion, measured through nine indicators. These indicators range from the representation of diverse groups in advertising and product offerings to the brand's commitment to fair labor practices and social responsibility.
Highlights from the report
Inclusivity drives brand preference: A significant majority of respondents across all demographics indicated a strong preference for brands that champion DE&I. This preference translates into tangible purchasing decisions, with consumers actively seeking out brands that align with their values.
Representation matters: Authentic representation in advertising and marketing campaigns is crucial. Consumers are quick to identify tokenism and demand genuine portrayals of diverse individuals and communities.
Action speaks louder than words: While verbal commitments to DE&I are important, consumers are increasingly looking for concrete actions. Brands need to demonstrate their commitment through initiatives that promote equity and inclusion across all aspects of their operations.
Table: Demand for inclusive brands
|
Region |
Consumers who actively seek out inclusive brands |
|
North America |
72% |
|
Europe |
68% |
|
Asia Pacific |
78% |
|
Latin America |
83% |
|
Africa |
85% |
The Kantar report emphasizes brands must move beyond surface-level initiatives and embed inclusivity into their DNA. This includes:
Developing a comprehensive DE&I strategy: Brands need a clear and actionable strategy that outlines their commitment to DE&I and guides their efforts across all areas of the business.
Promoting diversity at all levels: Representation should extend beyond marketing and advertising to include diverse voices in leadership, decision-making, and product development.
Creating an inclusive workplace culture: Fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported is essential for building an authentically inclusive brand.
The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 serves as a powerful reminder that in today's world, inclusivity is not just a moral imperative, but a business imperative. Brands that embrace DE&I and authentically connect with diverse consumers are poised to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and conscious marketplace.
A new White Paper on the state of the Bangladesh economy has shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation's crucial readymade garment (RMG) sector. While the RMG industry has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economic growth, the report emphasizes the need for diversification and enhanced resilience to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
The RMG sector currently accounts for over 80 per cent of Bangladesh's total exports. It employs approximately 4 million people, mostly women. What’s more, Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of readymade garments in the world, after China.
The White Paper, presented to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, identifies several key challenges hindering the RMG sector's growth and competitiveness:
|
Challenge |
Description |
|
Inadequate infrastructure |
Poor transportation, inadequate port facilities, and power shortages lead to increased logistics costs and delays. |
|
High logistics costs |
Limited shipping options and expensive transportation reduce competitiveness in the global market. |
|
Limited access to finance |
Entrepreneurs face difficulties securing loans, high interest rates, and limited access to financial instruments. |
|
Bureaucratic red tape |
Lengthy administrative processes, excessive paperwork, and delays in obtaining necessary permits hinder business operations. |
|
Exchange rate instability |
Fluctuations in exchange rates impact export earnings and make it difficult to plan and price products competitively. |
|
Stringent regulatory compliance |
Compliance with international standards and regulations can be challenging and costly for businesses. |
|
Insufficient support for SMEs in marketing and branding |
Small and medium enterprises struggle with limited resources and insufficient government support in marketing and branding their products. |
To address these challenges and enhance the RMG sector's resilience, the White Paper proposes a range of policy interventions:
Diversification: Promoting diversification into non-cotton and man-made fibre (MMF) textiles to reduce reliance on cotton-based products.
Financial incentives: Providing financial incentives for compliance with international standards to encourage ethical and sustainable practices.
Technology upgrades: Investing in technology upgrades to improve productivity and efficiency.
Green finance fund: Establishing a green finance fund to support sustainable practices in the RMG sector.
Labor standards: Enforcing labor standards and collaborating with global organizations to ensure ethical practices and improve buyer confidence.
One of the key challenges highlighted in the White Paper is the difficulty faced by RMG factories in adopting sustainable practices. Many factories struggle to meet the environmental and social compliance standards demanded by international buyers.
For instance, Karim, a small factory owner in Dhaka shared his experience. "We want to improve our environmental footprint," he explained, "but the cost of upgrading our dyeing and washing facilities to meet international standards is prohibitive. We need access to affordable financing and technical support to make these changes."
The White Paper's recommendation for a green finance fund could provide crucial support to businesses like Karim's, enabling them to invest in sustainable technologies and practices.
The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to strengthen the RMG sector's resilience. By addressing the challenges and implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, Bangladesh can ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of this vital industry. The government, industry stakeholders, and international partners must work together to create a sustainable and ethical RMG sector that benefits both the economy and the people of Bangladesh.
India's textile industry is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing 2.3 per cent to GDP and employing over 100 million people directly and indirectly. From handwoven heritage fabrics like khadi and silk to high-performance technical textiles, the sector marries tradition with modernity. Its alignment with the ‘5F Vision’ farm, fibre, fabric, fashion, and foreign markets underpins a robust supply chain that spans production to retail while preserving India’s cultural legacy.
Shaping global competitiveness beyond cost
While cost efficiency has long been India’s competitive edge, the industry is evolving to meet the demands of fast fashion and technical textiles. Diversifying from its cotton dependency, India is expanding synthetic fibre production, boosted by initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Indian manufacturers are focusing on innovative designs and global trend adaptation, driving competitiveness in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and agriculture.
The government has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s textile sector through key initiatives. The PM MITRA Textile Parks aim to create an integrated production ecosystem, while the PLI Scheme boosts investment in man-made fibres (MMF) and technical textiles. The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) focuses on R&D to strengthen global leadership in technical textiles, and the Samarth Scheme enhances workforce skills to improve productivity and quality across the industry.
Sustainability as a strategic imperative
India’s textile industry is leading the global shift toward sustainability, embracing renewable energy, ethical labor standards, and water-efficient processes. These efforts are part of a national decarbonization agenda, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable textile production. Initiatives in solar energy adoption and waste reduction are standardizing eco-friendly practices, meeting both environmental goals and market demand.
The sector’s reliance on a vast workforce presents an opportunity to blend traditional skills with modern technologies like automation and CAD. Skill development initiatives targeting rural areas and underrepresented groups, including women, are fostering an inclusive workforce, essential for global competitiveness.
Bharat Tex 2025: Catalyzing India’s textile future
Bharat Tex 2025, scheduled from February 12-17, 2025, in New Delhi, will showcase India’s textile leadership on the global stage. Covering 2.2 million square feet, the event will feature 5,000 exhibitors and attract over 18,000 buyers from 110 countries. Highlights include the Sustainability Pavilion, emphasizing eco-friendly practices; the Start-Up Innovation Pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge textile technologies; and the Craft Museum – Indi Bhaat, celebrating India’s rich tradition of arts and weaves.
Supported by major players like Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla, and Welspun, the event also features knowledge sessions and masterclasses focusing on ESG strategies, circularity, and cutting-edge innovations in textiles.
Driving global innovation and collaboration
Bharat Tex 2025 will foster dialogue between global leaders, industry experts, and government entities, including partnerships with UN agencies and think tanks like NITI Aayog. With a strong focus on sustainability, technological modernization, and strategic collaborations, the event aims to set new benchmarks for India’s textile industry.
With projections of the sector reaching $350 billion by 2030 and generating 35 million jobs, India’s textile industry is on a transformative path. By integrating innovation, sustainability, and tradition, India is poised to lead the global textile market, shaping an era of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Replacing Rachna Shah, Neelam Shami Rao has been appointed as the new Textile Secretary.
A 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Rao previously served as the secretary of the National Commission for Minorities under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. She has extensive experience in multiple roles including Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Director General of Training in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and District Collector in Madhya Pradesh's Guna and Koria districts. An alumna of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, she holds a B.Tech. degree in Electronics.
Additionally, from her previous role as Special Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Neerja Sekhar has been transferred as the new Director General of the National Productivity Council under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
Yuming Pan, President, Tichao Techslide (Cambodia) Co, revealed the company plans to establish textile and garment factories in the Kampot province.
These factories will be set up in two phases. The first of these phases will involve setting up of a garment factory while the second phase will follow with a fabric manufacturing factory with an estimated workforce of over 25,000 people, as per reports by the Cambodian media.
These projects were announced as foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Cambodia increased to $8.1 billion between September 2023 and September 2024, according to a report by the ministry of economy and finance (MEF). Most of this FDI was received from China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada and the United Kingdom.
In the first nine months this year, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) announced 315 projects with a total investment of $5.3 billion. These projects are expected to generate over 252 000 jobs and further enhance Cambodia’s appeal as a competitive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.
