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In a recent meeting in Dhaka with representatives of global apparel buyers, leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) requested the buyers' forum to avoid demanding discounts for shipment delays caused by factory closures and the violent curfew.
Arshad Jamal Dipu, Vice President, BGMEA, emphasisedon the need for support from buyers, noting that factories and production schedules have been disrupted due to closures and communication outages. Dipu specifically requested the forum to refrain from imposing 'system-generated' discounts on member factories for delayed shipments, as these discounts, ranging from 5.0 to 10 percent, are automatically triggered by major buyers' systems if there is a 15-day delay. Additionally, the BGMEA urged buyers to consider reducing air shipments.
Dipu, who is also the Chairman of Tusuka Fashions, highlighted the costly nature of air shipments needed to meet deadlines. He mentioned,his company had to spend Tk 35 million on air shipments to send 80,000 pieces of garments. Industry insiders noted that the peak season for sweaters and winter garments is particularly affected, with substantial losses anticipated if air shipments are required.
An exporter pointed out that air shipment costs to the European Union have risen to $5.00 per kg of garments, compared to $1.70 per kg in India. This significant cost increase poses a particular challenge for winter garments like jackets, which are more expensive to ship than other items like denim jeans.
Exporters are concerned that next season's work orders may shift to other countries due to the internet shutdown, potentially sending a negative message to buyers and undermining their confidence. Although export-import activities have resumed at ports, exporters now face a shortage of containers and additional demurrage charges at Chattogram port due to the internet shutdown. Currently, around 37,000 containers are stranded at ports, including 13,000 ready-made garment containers, resulting in approximately Tk 100 million in port demurrage charges.
India’s textile and apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.59 per cent to $387.3 billion by 2028 from $172.3 billion in 2022, as per a report by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
As per aCRISIL report, in 2024, growth in the Indian textile industry will be driven by consistent domestic demand improvement, a gradual recovery in exports, and lower cotton rices.
Driven by a rising demand from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and South Asian markets, India’s textile exports increased by 4.15 per centin Q1, FY25.Data from the commerce ministryindicates,India’s textile exports rose to $8.78 billion from $8.43 billion during the quarter from the corresponding quarter last year.
Exports to the CIS region, including countries such as Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the CIS region grew by 113.33 per cent to $64 million during the quarter from $30 million in the same period last fiscal year. Exports to the South Asian markets also increased significantly by 35.65 per cent to $898 million.
India’s textile exports to Latin America grew by 15 per cent to $346 million in the first quarter. This increase can be attributed to strengthened trade relations and heightened demand for Indian textiles in Latin American markets.
However, exports to North East Asia (NEA) and Africa declined by 28 per cent and 15.74 per cent to $298 million and $423 million respectively, indicating the need for strategic adjustments to tackle specific market challenges.
The first quarter of FY25 shows some upward movement in apparel exports, a welcome shift from the downward trends seen in recent years,says Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). Mehta attributes this to slightly improved sentiments in the US economy and a shift in buyer preference away from China and Bangladesh. However, the growth remains minimal and from a low base, he cautions.
The apparel and textile industry contributes approximately 2.3 per cent to India's GDP, 13 per cent to industrial production, and 12 per cent to total exports. India stands as the world's sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparel.
After two months of contraction, Sri Lanka’s earnings from the apparel sector increased by 4 per cent Y-o-Y in June 2024, shows data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
As per this data, Sri Lanka’s export earnings from the sector rose to $ 417 million Y-o-Y in June 2024 from $401 million in corresponding month of the previous year. This growth can be attributed to a rise in exports to the United States, which rose by 12.78 per cent Y-o-Y to $174 million. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s exports to the European Union and the United Kingdom declined by 12.65 percent Y-o-Y and 3.52 percent Y-o-Y to $ 116 million and $55.91 million respectively. Exports to other markets grew by 27 percent Y-o-Y to $ 71 million.
Despite the positive signs in June, the overall performance of the Sri Lanka’s apparel sector declined during the first half of the year. Earnings from the sector declined by 1.18 per cent Y-o-Y to $ 2.2 billion and by 19 percent compared to the first half of 2022. From Jan-June 2024 period, exports to the US and EU fell by 2.87 percent and 4.42 percent Y-o-Y, to $857 million and $659 million, respectively. However, exports to the UK and other markets increased by 7 percent and 1.84 percent Y-o-Y.
As per a recent analysis by Capital Alliance (CAL), having struggled due to global economic challenges, Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel sector ison a slow recovery mode. According to CAL, three key factors contributing to the sector's improvement include.
As per US data from the first quarter of 2024, apparel inventory levels are at their lowest since 2022, suggesting a need for increased orders to replenish retail stocks. Second, there has been an uptick in US retail sales for clothing, accompanied by an increase in apparel imports, reflecting a rise in demand. Third, cotton prices have dropped by nearly 27 percent since their peak in February 2024. This decrease is attributed to strong supply from countries like Brazil and the US.
These factors are collectively contributing to a promising outlook for the apparel and textile industry in Sri Lanka, adds CAL.
From August 04-10, 2024 apparel retailer Target will host its first-ever chain-wide Denim Take Back Event, inviting consumers to bring used denim of any brand to any Target store for recycling. In return, participants will receive a 20 per cent discount code through Target Circle, which can be used toward the purchase of new denim apparel. The discount applies to all denim apparel, including Target-owned brands like Universal Thread, Wild Fable, Goodfellow& Co, and Cat & Jack, as well as national brands like Levi's.
To receive the discount code, customers must be Target Circle members. The event is strategically timed to coincide with the back-to-school shopping season. Target's fall denim collection features a variety of styles, from baggy and cargo silhouettes to wide-leg and flare fits.
Gena Fox, Senior Vice President, Merchandising-Apparel and Accessories states, the new Denim Take Back Event enables families to give their used denim a new life. The Target Circle deal makes it more affordable for guests to update their denim wardrobes while contributing to waste reduction and keeping used denim out of landfills, she adds.
Customers can bring up to five denim items, regardless of condition, and drop them off in designated in-store boxes. The collected denim will be recycled by Target's trusted partners to create new products such as housing insulation, packaging, and appliances.
The event addresses the increasing consumer interest in sustainable products and waste reduction initiatives, as per a Target spokesperson, It also aligns with Target's commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable brands and experiences. Since launching the Car Seat Trade-in Program in 2016, Target has recycled 2.6 million car seats and 39.7 million pounds of materials.
Parent company of Donna Karan and Karl Lagerfeld, G-III Apparel Group has expanded its stake in AWWG to 19 per cent from the current 12 per cent. This will enable the Spanish Group, which owns brands like Pepe Jeans London, Hackett, and Façonnable, maximise its growth opportunities in Europe, says Morris Goldfarb, Chairman and CEO, G-III Apparel.
As part of the new agreement, AWWG has become the official agent for DKNY, Donna Karan, and Karl Lagerfeld in Spain and Portugal. This partnership allows AWWG to leverage G-III's operations in North America to expand its market presence, while G-III will strengthen its foothold in the Iberian Peninsula and capitalise on AWWG's extensive network in India, a rapidly growing fashion market.
The investment is a critical component of AWWG's growth plan, supporting the international expansion of its own brands and aligning with its multi-channel strategy initiated in early July. Owned by M1 Group, L Catterton, and founder Carlos Ortega, AWWG recorded sales of €604 million for the FY 2022/2023 and projects revenues of €633 million for 2023/2024. By 2027, the group aims to reach €850 million in sales, leveraging its presence in 86 countries and a network of over 3,500 sales outlets. AWWG employs around 4,500 people worldwide, with offices in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Mumbai.
The global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group, Tata International has unveiled a new eco-friendly product under its Earthcare Leather range, Phoenix Leather.
Developed in partnership with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Chennai, Phoenix Leather marks a significant advancement in sustainable leather technology.
Phoenix Leather is produced using the patented ‘Genocorium’ process, which transforms trim waste from leather production into high-quality reconstituted leather sheets. This innovative technology repurposes corium waste, significantly reducing water pollution, depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with traditional leather manufacturing.
Featuring Phoenix Leather alongside bio-based and chrome-free/metal-free/aldehyde-free options, the Earthcare Leather range underscores Tata International's commitment to circularity and sustainability in the leather industry. Phoenix Leather stands out for its eco-friendly production process and high quality, meeting the stringent requirements of leather product manufacturers.
PRajasekaran, Business Head-Finished Leather Business, Tata International, states, the newEarthcare Leather range aims to lead the sustainable development of the leather industry. The company plans to increase the percentage share of Earthcare Leather from the 27 percent of its total production to 50 per cent in the next four years.
Citing inflationary pressures that dampened consumer spending on apparel despite ongoing discounts, Indian clothing retailer Arvind Ltd reported a 40 per cent drop in profit during Q1, FY25.
The company’s consolidated net profit declined to Rs393.1 million ($4.7 million) during the quarter, from Rs658.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Indian textile manufacturers faced a challenging demand environment throughout fiscal year 2024, as consumers were hesitant to spend on discretionary items. The retail inflation rate for the April-June quarter hovered around 5 per cent, primarily due to high food prices, which led to reduced spending on non-essential items.
Arvind Ltd also experienced a 1 per cent decline in revenue from operations, with revenue from its core textile segment—which constitutes 73 per cent of total sales—dropping by 5 pre cent year-on-year. The company also highlighted issues such as ‘illegal workers' unrest’ that disrupted operations at its largest factory for 21 days, impacting its woven and denim segments and causing an estimated Rs2 billion loss in revenue.
Total expenses for the company rose by 1 per cent, further squeezing its margins. The advanced materials segment, which includes fabrics and protective gear for construction work, also saw a decline of about 4 per cent.
At the 14th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Moscow last week, Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, emphasized on the need for collective efforts to provide outcome-oriented support for MSMEs, which form the backbone of the industrial ecosystem and drive economic growth.
Emphasising on the importance of integrating MSMEs into Global Value Chains (GVCs), Barthwal reiterated the ‘Jaipur Call for Action issued during India's BRICS Presidency in 2023, which focused on enhancing access to information for MSMEs. He also praised the Russian Presidency for its efforts to compile essential information about MSMEs among BRICS members.
He emphasised, international cooperation in areas such as research and development, technology transfers, joint ventures, and business development opportunities are keys to supporting MSMEs.
Further, referring to India's success in developing an open-source India Stack of critical Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),Barthwal expressed India's willingness to share its experience with BRICS countries in areas like digital payments, e-commerce, national identity, banking, and education.
He highlighted the need for strengthening the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core. He also stressed the importance of effective functioning of Joint Value Chains, expanding MSME interactions, and leveraging India's success in digitalisation and e-commerce. Additionally, he emphasised the relevance of cooperation among Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting underscored the critical need for collaboration and support for MSMEs within the BRICS countries. By focusing on key areas such as integration into GVCs, digital infrastructure, and international cooperation, BRICS nations aim to bolster the MSME sector, driving economic growth and industrial development.
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and Sunset Lover have launched an initiative to save the iconic Australian-owned knitting mill, Silver Fleece, and preserve the cherished craft of Australian wool knitting. The revitalisation of the 73-year old mill is being led by Melanie and Dean Flintoft, Founders, Sunset Lover.
Established in 1951, Silver Fleece is renowned for its Australian craftsmanship and employs 20 skilled staff and technicians, primarily women, including younger employees dedicated to preserving the artisan craft.The knitting mill provides a premier platform for producing highly sought-after Australian-made products.
JaanaQuaintance-James, CEO, AFC, states, investing in Silver Fleece showcases the excellence and resilience of Australian craftsmanship, supports the female workforce, upholds the legacy of the Australian wool and textile industry, and helps reduce environmental impact.
Currently operating at 50 percent capacity, the mill has substantial opportunities for expansion due to rising demand for Australian-manufactured and sustainable products. Potential clients include Qantas, South Australian Police, and thousands of Australian schools and not-for-profit sporting clubs.
The mill’s Japanese knitting machines and established contracts, including producing jumpers for the Australian cricket team and school wear for more than 75 schools, highlight its significant potential,says Dean Flintoft.
There is immense potential to revitalise this mill, and investors who value local manufacturing to raise $1 million are being sought. This investment will safeguard jobs, protect Australian craftsmanship, and have a long-term positive impact on the wool industry, adds Flintoft.
The Adelaide-based mill entered administration last month, and a general meeting on June 26 resolved to wind up the company. Liquidators Daniel Lopresti and Simon Richard Miller have been appointed, and $1 million needs to be raised to prevent liquidation and secure the future of this iconic business.
Celebrating the theme, ‘Somos’ (‘We Are’), the 35th edition of Colombia's premier fashion event, Colombiamoda concluded successfully in Medellín. Attended bymore than 600 brands, the event connected over 12,000 buyers from 40 countries with more than 70,000 visitors, according to the event’s organiser, Inexmoda,
Inexmoda described this year’s Colombiamoda as a tribute to the last 35 years of Colombian fashion, highlighting the unique factors that make the country's textile industry globally competitive. A new feature in this year’s event was the City Circuit methodology, which showcased different parts of Medellín beyond the traditional Plaza Mayor venue, emphasising fashion's transformative power.
Sustainability was a focal point this year, with the Circular Fashion Pavilion showcasing brands committed to eco-friendly practices, from material selection to garment production, as highlighted by PolitécnicoGrancolombiano University.
The event kicked off on July 22 with designer NicolásRivero’s runway show. Titled ‘Proceso’ (Process), Rivero’s collection showcased 30 garments made from natural fibers like linen, silk, alpaca wool, cotton, and banana fiber stitches, emphasising material exploration and textile craftsmanship.
Notable among the daily runways was Beatriz Camacho’s show. In collaboration with Bronzini, an affordable clothing brand sold in Éxito supermarkets, Camacho presented ‘Despertarse en La Habana’ (To Awaken in Havana) to 1,200 attendees. Despite economic challenges, Camacho emphasised the importance of democratic and inclusive fashion, using eco-friendly fibers even for mass-produced items.
Peruvian designer Sandra Weil, making her Colombiamoda debut, closed the event. Founded in Mexico City, her eponymous brand has grown over 12 years, as reported by El Colombiano.
Known as Colombia’s fashion capital, Medellínhas a rich textile history dating back to Coltejer’s establishment in 1907. The city is a pivotal economic hub, with the textile sector exporting $8,974 billion pesos ($2.23 million) in 2018, accounting for 42 per cent of Colombia’s total textile exports. According to Inexmoda’s Fashion Observatory February 2024 report, Medellín represented 9.9 per cent of the national textile market in 2023, with companies exporting textiles worth $53.6 millionlast year.
