FW
Bharat Tex 2025, a landmark textile event, has officially commenced at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, signalling India's ambition to solidify its position as a global textile powerhouse. Inaugurated by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles, the event has attracted significant international attention, with participation from over 110 countries.
Minister Singh's address emphasized the pivotal role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and vision in making Bharat Tex a reality. He underscored the government's commitment to the sector, citing initiatives like sewing machine distribution and infrastructure investments. "Without taking the name of Narendra Modi, this discourse cannot be completed," Singh stated, acknowledging the Prime Minister's influence. He also expressed confidence in achieving ambitious export targets, aiming to increase textile exports from the current $40 billion to $100 billion, and overall market value to $350 billion. "We have to take this market to 350 billion dollars," he asserted.
Bharat Tex 2025 serves as a comprehensive showcase of the entire textile ecosystem, from raw materials to finished products. This year's event has a strong focus on sustainability, with exhibitors highlighting innovations in organic fabrics, recycled materials, and energy-efficient technologies. The event caters to a wide range of stakeholders, including global buyers, industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, handicraft artisans, and technology providers. Minister Singh noted the impressive international presence, stating, "This time we have received 6,000 international buyers visiting here to see, what is happening here?" This indicates a surge in global interest in Indian textiles.
The event is not just an exhibition; it's a confluence of several key initiatives. Concurrent events, including the India Sourcing Conclave, the Garment Technology Expo (GTE) 2025, and the debut of DyeChem World, further enrich the experience. The India Sourcing Conclave, organized by the Buying Agents Association, focuses on boosting India's merchandise exports with a particular emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations. GTE 2025 showcases the latest advancements in garment manufacturing technology, attracting global technology providers and manufacturers. DyeChem World addresses the critical role of dyes and chemicals, highlighting sustainable solutions for dyeing, printing, and processing, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly textile production.
The concurrent Bharat Tex 2025-Handicrafts event, held at the India Expo Centre & Mart, celebrates the rich heritage and artistry of Indian handicrafts, providing artisans a platform to connect with buyers. This event, supported by the Ministry of Textiles and organized by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation, showcases the diversity and craftsmanship of Indian traditions alongside modern innovations.
High-level G2G and B2B meetings are expected to generate substantial foreign investment and drive growth in the Indian textile sector. The exhibition also features fabric testing zones, product demonstrations, thematic discussions, and master classes led by industry experts.
Bharat Tex 2025, with its focus on innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, reflects the evolving landscape of the global textile industry and India's growing prominence as a key player. As Minister Singh emphasized, "This is the position of India…You should come to this land and do your production here." This call to action underscores India's commitment to attracting investment and establishing itself as a global manufacturing hub for textiles, weaving a vision for future dominance in the industry.
Registering a modest 3 per cent increase, Punjab’s textile exports rose from Rs 12,043.2 crore in FY23 to Rs. 12,241.43 crore in FY24, according to the Textile Ministry. This improvement is attributed to several supportive initiatives by the Central Government.
In response to a parliamentary question from MP Raghav Chadha, the Ministry outlined its efforts to revitalize Punjab's textile industry. These initiatives include talent development, financial incentives, and export promotion programs. The government is providing demand-driven, placement-oriented training aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) under the Samarth Scheme, benefiting nearly 900 individuals in Punjab so far.
To boost textile exports, the government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for garments, accessories, and made-ups. For other textile products, including those from Punjab, it has launched the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Furthermore, the Market Access Initiative Scheme provides financial assistance to export promotion councils and trade associations, enabling their participation in national and international buyer-seller meetings, trade shows, and exhibitions.
Designed to strengthen the sector's infrastructure, the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) has seen approval for three projects in Punjab. These include the Lotus Integrated Tex Park, Rhythm Textile and Apparel Park, and Ludhiana Integrated Textile Park. Additional support comes from the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which targets large-scale production of technical textiles, apparel, and man-made fabrics. These combined efforts aim to bolster Punjab's textile industry and promote its growth in the global market.
In the first eleven months of FY2024, Egypt's clothing exports increased to approximately $2.526 billion, from $2.174 billion in the corresponding period in 2023, shows a report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).
Accoridng to this report, Egypt’s clothing exports play a vital role in the sector's overall expansion. From January-November 2024, the country’s RMG exports rose to $2.292 billion by October 2024, up from $1.95 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.
Despite the positive export figures, CAPMAS also reported a slight increase in Egypt's trade deficit, which rose by 0.5 per cent to $3.71 billion in 2024 from $3.69 billion in November 2023.
This strong performance of the clothing export sector further contributes to Egypt's broader export growth despite the widening trade deficit.
From $6.87 billion in 2023, the global interlinings and linings market is projected to expand a 5.56 per cent CAGR to $11.8 billion by 2033, as per a report by Spherical Insights & Consulting.
Crucial to the fashion, apparel, and textile sectors, this market encompasses the production, distribution, and use of these essential materials. Its expansion is being driven by factors like evolving consumer preferences, shifting fashion trends, advancements in textile technology, and the increasing demand for sustainable materials.
Key growth drivers of this market include the fashion industry's constant need for innovation, the rising adoption of eco-friendly materials, the demand for durable, high-quality apparel, and progress in textile technology. However, challenges such as raw material price volatility, environmental concerns, competition from substitutes, supply chain disruptions, and price sensitivity in emerging markets are restraining growth.
Having dominated growth in 2023, the interlinings segment is expected to maintain a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Its growth is being driven by the growing need for structured garments like coats and suits, where interlinings provide essential reinforcement, flexibility, and shape.
Having held the largest market share in 2023, the clothing segment is projected for substantial growth in CAGR. This growth will be fueled by the rising consumer demand for sophisticated, well-made, and long-lasting clothing, including dresses, suits, and shirts.
Currently leading the market growth, Asia Pacific will continue its dominance. Urbanization and expanding middle classes in the region have increased disposable incomes and shifted consumer preferences towards high-end apparel and home textiles. Asia Pacific is also focusing on developing innovative, durable, sustainable, and cost-effective production systems.
North America is predicted to experience the highest CAGR growth. Consumer demand for premium and functional clothing, especially technologically advanced interlinings incorporating smart textiles, is a key driver.
Major players in the market include Freudenberg & Co KG, Kufner Holding GmbH, Veratex Lining Ltd., Permess International, QST Industries, Inc, Edmund Bell & Co, NH Textil Group, H&V Group, Sankei Co, Chargeurs PCC, Wendler Einlagen GmbH & Co KG, Huzhou Zhihui Technology Co, Shandong Taipeng Nonwoven Co, and Haining Shengtai Textile Co.
A significant development in this market includes the launch of first biodegradable fusible cotton shirt interlinings range by Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel.. This innovation highlights the company's commitment to sustainable textile solutions and supports apparel manufacturers in achieving their own sustainability goals.
Cotton remains the most widely used natural fibre in the textile industry, with leading fashion houses and retailers increasingly adopting organic cotton. This shift is driving demand for sustainable yarns and fibres. Yarn Expo Spring, set for 11–13 March 2025, will provide a key platform for the cotton sub-sector, featuring nearly 90 dedicated exhibitors among over 500 participants from 12 countries and regions.
Rising demand for sustainable sotton
Sustainable cotton yarn is gaining traction, particularly recycled cotton, which aligns with the circular fashion movement and appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend, with the global organic cotton market projected to grow at a CAGR of 44.4 per cent until 2030. India, the world’s second-largest spinner after China, holds a 31.2 per cent share of the global cotton yarn market and will play a prominent role at the expo. Exhibitors from China, India, Pakistan, and other major markets will present a diverse range of cotton products to meet rising global demand.
India Pavilion showcases premium cotton yarns
The India Pavilion, led by the Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), will highlight Indian expertise across various yarn and fibre categories. Offerings will include pure cotton carding, compact spinning, viscose, blended, synthetic, recycled, organic/GOTS-certified, spandex, and polyester-cotton blends. Key exhibitors include Amar International, a major exporter of Indian cotton yarns, raw cotton, and recycled cotton waste, with its ‘Amar’ products earning industry recognition. GDJD International Pvt Limited specializes in high-quality yarns meeting the 'Uster 5 per cent' standard, focusing on contamination control. Le Merite Fashions Private Limited integrates cotton yarn and greige fabrics, offering Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified eco-friendly products.
Speaking at a previous edition, Murali Balkrishna, Joint Director of Texprocil, emphasized the expo’s role in boosting Indian suppliers global presence. He noted that India's competitive advantage in quality and pricing has attracted many buyers, especially for twisted cotton yarn. The vast Chinese market continues to drive participation, reinforcing Yarn Expo Spring as a critical business platform.
New global exhibitors make their debut
Several global players will make their Yarn Expo Spring debut. Turkiye’s Kenan Ozsoy Textile will showcase a diverse range of yarns, including cotton, polyester, blended, viscose, melange, bamboo, micro cotton, organic, textured, twisted, and dyed options. Indonesia’s PT Embee Plumbon Tekstil, an ISO 9001 and Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified manufacturer, will highlight advanced yarns for weaving and knitting, catering to apparel, automotive, home, and technical textiles.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, Yarn Expo Spring will run alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles - Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value, offering exhibitors and buyers extensive networking and sourcing opportunities.
Building upon the brand’s foundational wardrobe of classic shape, H&M Atelier has launched its Spring-Summer 2025 menswear collection that reimagines heritage and workwear influences with a contemporary perspective.
The collection’s color palette features lighter neutrals, washed-out blues, sun-faded blacks, and a vibrant raspberry pink accent. Distinctive material washes, tactile finishes, and an understated sophistication define the collection. The collection is meticulously crafted with a strong focus on the quality of the materials, says Ana Hernandez, Designer-Menswear, H&M. The collection embraces a trasitional wardrobe while maintaining the essence of the Atelier label, she adds.
Layering and mixing pieces emphasize the collection's versatility. The collection focuses on relaxed tailoring with long-line coats and light Italian wool suits featuring sharp shoulders and contrast lining. Oversized cuts create a relaxed, casual feel. The cropped leather moto jacket, washed and treated for a worn-in look, has the character of a vintage find. Five-pocket trousers pair easily with workwear-inspired jackets. Fluid cotton-linen shirts are worn unbuttoned over tees, slim-fit knit tanks, and soft cotton jersey twisted-seam henleys.
Accessories add a West Coast touch to this collection with suede square-toe biker boots and a snakeskin leather belt completing the look.
The H&M Atelier Spring-Summer 2025 collection will be available in select H&M stores worldwide and online from February 27, 2025.
Despite policy-related uncertainty, the US economy entered 2025 with strong labor markets, consumer spending, and GDP growth. The IMF revised its global GDP forecast to 3.3 per cent for both 2025 and 2026, slightly higher than its October estimate. The US outlook improved, with growth projections raised to 2.7 per cent for 2025 and 2.1 per cent for 2026. The BEA’s first estimate for 2024 GDP came in at 2.8 per cent, near 2023’s 2.9 per cent.
China’s growth forecast increased to 4.6 per cent for 2025, while the Euro Zone’s projections were lowered to 1.0 per cent. In the US, holiday spending surpassed expectations, growing 4.0 per cent despite a shorter season. Consumer resilience is supported by low unemployment and wage growth outpacing inflation since mid-2023.
Employment remained strong, with 143,000 jobs added in January. Previous months saw upward revisions, while unemployment edged down to 4.0 per cent. Wage growth held steady at 4.2 per cent, exceeding inflation (2.9 per cent in December).
Consumer confidence fell for the second straight month, with the index dropping to 104.1 in January. However, spending rose 0.4 per cent month-over-month in December, with apparel spending up 1.7 per cent year-over-year. Clothing prices increased 1.4 per cent from 2023 levels, reaching their highest since the early 2000s.
Import costs rose slightly, with the average price per square-meter-equivalent reaching $3.68 in December. Import volumes accelerated, with cotton-dominant shipments up 10 per cent in the second half of 2024 compared to the first. The data reflects continued economic momentum, despite broader uncertainties.
Shima Seiki Mfg Ltd, a leading computerized flat knitting innovator from Japan, is set to exhibit at the 19th Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG 2025) in collaboration with Pacific Associates Ltd. This marks the company's fifteenth participation in DTG since entering the Bangladeshi market in 1996.
As the world’s second-largest textile exporter, Bangladesh is focusing on innovation, digitalization, and sustainability. Shima Seiki aligns with this vision by showcasing its cutting-edge Wholegarment knitting technology, which enables the production of seamless garments in one piece, reducing material waste and enhancing efficiency.
At DTG 2025, Shima Seiki will present its MACH2XS153 Wholegarment knitting machine in 15L gauge, equipped with four needle beds and SlideNeedle technology for fine-gauge knitwear. The compact SWG091N2 ‘Mini’ Wholegarment machine in 15 gauge will also be displayed, offering versatility in seamless knitting. The N.SVR183 model, designed for Wholegarment production using every other needle, will be showcased in 21 gauge, making it ideal for entry-level production of 12-gauge items. Additionally, the N SVR122 shaping machine in 14 gauge will demonstrate conventional shaping capabilities.
Visitors can also experience Shima Seiki’s SDS-ONE APEX4 3D design system, which streamlines fashion creation from concept to production. This system enables virtual sampling, reducing time, cost, and material waste while ensuring smooth digital communication between design and manufacturing.
DTG 2025 runs from February 20-23 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
The global e-commerce apparel market is projected to reach $1.39 trillion by 2033, says a recent report. Its growing at 8.7 per cent CAGR from 2023's $602.3 billion, highlighting a fundamental shift in how consumers engage with fashion. This growth is due to factors like, ubiquitous smartphone use to the rise of influencer culture that is reshaping the fashion market and presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses. “The e-commerce apparel market is poised for continued growth in the coming years. The ongoing shift toward digital-first shopping experiences is supported by factors such as increasing internet penetration, improved logistics infrastructure, and the growing popularity of smartphones, particularly in emerging markets," says the report.
The digital runway
The e-commerce apparel market covers the online sale of clothing, accessories, and footwear across men's, women's, and children's categories. The past decade has seen explosive growth, driven by increasing internet and smartphone penetration, coupled with evolving consumer shopping habits. The convenience of browsing a vast selection of brands and styles, coupled with easy returns, has made online shopping an increasingly preferred option. Brands like Zara and H&M exemplify how e-commerce enables rapid translation of runway trends into readily available online collections.
Several key trends are shaping this market.
The reign of marketplaces: Major players like Amazon and Alibaba dominate this space, providing platforms for countless brands to reach a global audience.
Mobile-first fashion: M-commerce is exploding, with consumers increasingly shopping via smartphones and tablets.
Social commerce takes center stage: Social media platforms are not just for browsing; they're becoming integral shopping destinations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role in driving sales.
Personalization is paramount: AI and machine learning are enabling personalized recommendations and seamless customer experiences, fostering brand loyalty. For example, services like Stitch Fix showcase the power of personalized styling and convenient subscription models.
Table: E-commerce market size and growth projections
|
Region |
Market size (2023) |
Projected market size (2033) |
CAGR (2024-2033) |
Growth drivers |
|
North America |
$210 bn (est.) |
(Data unavailable) |
8.7% (Global) |
Strong digital infrastructure, high consumer spending |
|
Global |
$602.3 bn |
$1387.1 bn |
8.70% |
Convenience, variety, personalization |
The report also highlights key segment trends. It shows women's apparel leads with 68.7 per cent market share in 2023. The category benefits from a wider variety of styles and sizes available online, coupled with the ease of home trials and returns. Women hold a 71 per cent share in the gender analysis, driven by their diverse product needs and more frequent purchasing habits. And the discounted pricing model remains popular, attracting price-sensitive shoppers in uncertain economic times. Meanwhile, platforms like ThredUp and Poshmark demonstrate the growing demand for second-hand and sustainable fashion.
Despite fast forward growth the e-commerce sector faces several hurdles and growth challenges. One major concern is the logistical hurdles. Delivery delays, high shipping costs, and complex return processes can negatively impact customer satisfaction. Size and fit inconsistencies are also a major concern, leading to high return rates. Moreover, intense competition necessitates strategic pricing models to maintain profitability. The fast-paced nature of fashion requires constant adaptation and product refreshes. Protecting customer data and ensuring secure transactions is also another concern for the e-commerce sector.
The textile industry is increasingly facing sustainability regulations, from the EU's sweeping green initiatives to national laws and global labelling standards. For brands to stay compliant and competitive, understanding these regulations is no longer optional; it's imperative.
Carbonfact, a leading environmental sustainability platform, has released an updated guide to textile sustainability regulations, offering a roadmap for brands to navigate this complex landscape. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of current and upcoming regulations, including the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
Highlights from Carbonfact guide
EU legislation takes center stage: The EU is at the forefront of sustainability regulations, with the European Green Deal setting the stage for a raft of new directives and regulations. The CSRD, for instance, requires companies to disclose their environmental and social impacts, while the ESPR sets standards for product performance and introduces the DPP.
National laws add another layer of complexity: In addition to EU-wide laws, individual member states are enacting their own regulations. France's Climate & Resilience Law, for example, requires products to carry an environmental label, while Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act focuses on human rights and environmental standards in the supply chain.
Global labeling laws are evolving: Textile labelling laws are also evolving globally, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and transparency. The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Directive on Green Claims are examples of this trend.
EU vs. US regulations
While both the EU and the US are moving towards stricter sustainability regulations, their approaches differ in several key aspects. The EU has adopted a more comprehensive and centralized approach with the European Green Deal setting the stage for a raft of new directives and regulations, that apply across all member states. The US, on the other hand, has a more fragmented approach, with federal and state governments developing their own legislative frameworks.
Table: Differences in EU-US green laws
|
EU |
US |
|
Centralized approach with EU-wide laws |
Fragmented approach with federal and state laws |
|
Strong emphasis on circular economy and waste reduction |
Focus on emissions reporting and climate risk disclosure |
|
Stricter regulations on green claims and labelling |
Less stringent regulations on green claims |
|
Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative for product traceability |
No equivalent to the DPP |
|
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for textile waste |
Limited EPR laws |
Besides the above mentioned differences, the EU's regulations often set minimum standards that member states can exceed, while the US regulations are typically more prescriptive. The EU also has a stronger focus on human rights and supply chain due diligence, with directives like the CSDDD. The US has a more developed system for financial disclosure of climate risks, with the SEC Climate Disclosure rule.
Data in the forefront
A recurring theme in the Carbonfact guide is the importance of data. Whether it's for reporting under the CSRD, substantiating green claims, or creating a Digital Product Passport, brands need accurate and granular data on their products' environmental impact. As Lidia Lüttin, Head of Marketing at Carbonfact, puts it, "Understanding regulations is just the start - the real challenge is consolidating and fixing your upstream data."
To help brands overcome this challenge, Carbonfact offers a platform that tracks emissions at the product level, streamlines reporting, and provides expert support. The platform ingests, cleans, and analyzes data, allowing brands to generate accurate reports and make informed decisions about their sustainability strategies. In fact, the Carbonfact guide features several case studies and quotes from industry experts, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the regulatory curve. "We've designed our platform specifically for fashion, apparel, and footwear brands...to help you build a strong data foundation, reduce manual work, and generate accurate, product-level impact data," states the report.
The moot point is that the regulatory landscape for the textile industry is complex and constantly evolving. Carbonfact's updated guide provides a valuable resource for brands seeking to stay compliant and competitive. By embracing data-driven strategies and leveraging tools like the Carbonfact platform, brands can turn the challenge of sustainability regulations into an opportunity for innovation and growth.
