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In 2006 under SAFTA, India was allowed duty free import of readymade garments from Bangladesh and this facility was limited to eight million pieces. However, in 2010, this quantitative restriction was lifted. According to CITI India, India's garment imports from Bangladesh increased from $106.72 million during April-December 2016 to $124.14 million in the corresponding period of 2017.
Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI India) chairman Sanjay K Jain says that duty-free facility given to Bangladesh on grounds of it being a Least Developed Countries (LDC) was actually benefiting China's textile exports. He further add India too has accepted sourcing restrictions imposed by Japan that hurt its apparel exports to Japan under India-Japan CEPA, and in the Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime, the industry has been under severe stress with increasing imports of garments from Bangladesh and other countries.
Indian domestic garment manufacturers have to pay a 20 per cent import duty if they use the same Chinese fabric. India has now extended this duty-free quota-free facility to all 49 LDCs on a non-reciprocal basis and again without any sourcing restrictions. So, it is expected that in future, we may have more Bangladesh-type situation, says Jain.
Jain added in the seminar on "Recent Trends on Eco-Friendly Textiles and Sustainable Fashion organised by the J D Birla Institute have demanded tweaking of SAFTA rules of origin to make the use of yarn and fabrics of Indian origin mandatory for allowing duty-free quota-free market. So that China cannot take any undue advantage of a facility that is meant for LDCs.
Meanwhile the Indian textiles industry is seeking "tweaking of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) rules of origin" to make use of yarn and fabrics of Indian origin mandatory for exporting apparel to India, amid a fast increasing import of garments made of Chinese fabrics from Bangladesh.
The denim fabric industry in India may face margin pressures during fiscal ’19 due to oversupply. About 15 to 20 per cent of the total capacity is underutilised. Additionally competition will intensify as several players have undertaken capacity additions. This will translate into a continued denim fabric surplus in the market.
India is a leading denim fabric manufacturer in the world. The last leg of the denim value chain, comprising activities such as stitching, washing, garmenting, sewing etc, is characterised by high labor intensity. A sizeable chunk of these activities is undertaken by small scale industries which are yet to get fully accustomed to the formal banking system and the GST regime.
Operating margins are expected to remain in the range of ten per cent to 11 per cent in fiscal 2018 to ’19. The downturn may be relatively prolonged, partly on account of the regulatory disruptions that the industry underwent in fiscal 2017 to ’18.
Exporters will see some impact on margins because of reduced duty drawback, notwithstanding the increase in availability of input tax credit. However, the long-term demand potential for the segment remains intact due to denim’s versatile fashion appeal among the young populace, rising disposable income and the untapped semi-urban pockets of the country.
Pakistan is hosting textile Asia from March 27 to 29, 2018. This is a textile, garment, embroidery, digital printing machinery and chemical and allied services trade fair.
About 1,200 delegates from across the world are participating. Over 450 companies are showcasing 650 products at 800 stalls in the three day exhibition. China, Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Turkmenistan are showcasing products at the expo.
China has a big presence. Over 150 companies from Zhejiang province are participating at the exhibition. Textile Asia is a landmark event, which has provided an effective podium for joint ventures and collaborations among the local textile industry and international entrepreneurs.
Pakistani products do not get a proper market share due to high input costs. Pakistan is taking several concrete steps to increase the volume of overall exports. Changes will be made to the scope and coverage of the export package. The focus of this trade fair is value addition in the textile industry to increase Pakistan’s exports of value added textile and garment products. Efforts are being made to set the right policies and incentives that encourage private sector investment in value addition. The apparel segment happens to be the highest value-added link in the entire textile value chain.
Russia plans to double the country’s technical fiber production by 2020. With this aim, Russia will expand the use of its large reserves of oil and other resources, including timber and other raw materials for the production of synthetics. Thanks to Russia’s well-developed oil and chemical industries, and the presence of large-scale technical textile consumers domestically, the industry has good chance for a rapid growth during the next several years.
Currently, the domestic production of technical fibers can meet only 30 per cent of Russia’s annual demand. Low taxes and customs duties, as well as the proximity of Russia to both European and Asian markets, provides additional advantages to the domestic industry.
In Russia, there are currently a number of companies ready to fight for the domestic technical textile market through the launch of new investment projects. One of them is the BTK Group, which has invested in a new plant for the production of high-tech fabrics. Another leading Russian producer has undertaken aramid fabric production. Finally, Thermopol, which is a producer of holofiber, a synthetic insulation for outerwear, plans to significantly increase its production.
Most of these projects will be implemented within the Ivanovo region, a centre of Russian technical textile production. The new cluster will include a new synthetic fiber plant.
Pakistan is resolving problems faced by the textile sector. There is no duty on import of machinery and cotton. Duty drawback claims are being cleared. Gas and electricity will be made available to facilitate exports.
Textiles have been identified as a key priority area. Policies and incentives will be devised to encourage private sector investment in value addition and expansion in a bid to gain wider access to international markets.
Pakistan’s textile industry has witnessed dwindling investments over the last decade. Currently, around 35 per cent of the textile industry’s production capacity is impaired. Prospective investors are reluctant to make new investment decisions due to high cost of doing business. As a result, the industry has lost technological advantage over its competitors.
Readymade garments have shown an impressive growth over the years despite the overall poor performance of the textile sector. Exports of readymade garments registered 5.55 per cent year-on-year growth against the overall flat growth of the textile sector.
The industry wants long-term financing facility for indirect exports, Islamic financing and building of infrastructure for garment plants. It has also sought a long-term policy which includes consistent energy prices across the country, removal of the surcharge on the electricity tariff along with extending the duty drawback scheme for five years.
British retailer Marks & Spencer is shaking up its clothing and home leadership team. Queralt Ferrer, women’s wear and lingerie design director, and Belinda Earl, style director, are both stepping down.
Ferrer, design director since 2015, is moving to Amsterdam to be with her family, while Earl, style director since 2012, is stepping down from her commercial role but will continue to work in an advisory capacity.
Laura Charles has been promoted to the new position of lingerie director, while home director Neil Harrison will also take on responsibility for beauty. Jill McDonald was appointed in October as clothing and home managing director. She has been tasked with delivering the sustained sales and profit growth that has eluded Britain’s biggest clothing retailer for a decade. She has decided to merge the retailer's women’s wear and children’s wear teams in a move to attract more families to M&S.
M&S reset its strategy in November. The plan is to speed up store closures, accelerate the relocation and downsizing of other stores, and reposition its food offering. This year it has also detailed changes to its technology function, clothing and home logistics and food marketing.
For the 2017-18 financial year, Guess revenues increased eight per cent.
In the fourth quarter revenue leapt 18 per cent.
Fourth quarter growth was driven by an 18 per cent increase in comparable sales in Europe. The size of its European e-business is expanding fast and it is now close to that of the American region.
In the last quarter, Guess opened 15 directly operated stores in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia and Poland. Another 60 openings are planned this year.
The new logistics hub, which will be fully operational by the end of the summer, is expected to improve the group's margins.
Guess is on a steady growth track in Asia, too, notably in China, where it opened 25 new stores in the last quarter. China will in fact be a strong focus for the current financial year, during which the plan is to open 60 stores in Asia. Guess has also opened its first subsidiary in Singapore. In the last financial year, the group improved its gross margin in Asia by 470 base points.
In the 2017-18 financial year, Guess’ total operating income improved by 37 per cent. In the same period of time, its operating margin grew from 2.9 per cent to 3.6 per cent.
China is in the grip of a government-backed exercise boom, boosting local sportswear brands and the likes of Adidas and Nike, gaining market share on the back of consumer moving to athleisure” fashion trend.
Skechers, the California-headquartered sports brand that makes a variety of footwear, trainers, apparel and casual wear, is targeting $1.9 billion in retail sales in the China for 2018. This is optimism is due to rising popularity of sports and physical exercise among health-conscious.
Skechers will increase its outlets to over 3,000 in 2018 from around 2,500 in 2017. With the Chinese market making a significant contribution it is expected to see the sports industry expand to 3 trillion yuan, bringing more scope for retail industry to grow.
A report on the business climate conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China indicates good growth for 2018, driven by an expanding, Chinese middle-class. Analysts say Nike, Adidas and New Balance, which command higher prices than local brands, are viewed by many consumers more as fashion labels than sportswear.
"The 9th Shanghai International Digital Printing Industry Fair (TPF 2018) will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from April 19 to 21, 2018. The exhibition aims to help exhibitors and industry upgrade their business model, expand multiple channels and enhance terminal value. More than 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries are expected to participate in TPF 2018. The exhibiting countries are: China, Japan, Korea, Italy, Switzerland, France, Russia, India, etc."
The 9th Shanghai International Digital Printing Industry Fair (TPF 2018) will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from April 19 to 21, 2018. The exhibition aims to help exhibitors and industry upgrade their business model, expand multiple channels and enhance terminal value. More than 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries are expected to participate in TPF 2018. The exhibiting countries are: China, Japan, Korea, Italy, Switzerland, France, Russia, India, etc.
As one of the most influential digital printing fairs of Asia, TPF 2018 has attracted top and well known brands including: MS, Mimaki, Konica Minolta, SPGPrints, Kiian Digital, DuPont, Isocarbo, Mutoh, Kornit Digital, etc. The exhibits spread across digital printing machinery and accessory, pre and after treatment equipment, digital ink & consumables, etc.
More than 9,500 visitors are expected to visit TPF 2018 from around 50 regions and countries, such as India, Japan, Korea, America, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, etc. Almost 65 per cent visitors belong to end-user industry in the professional areas of in-home interior, garment and apparel, dyeing factory, fabric manufacturing, leather and ceramics & glasses. The remaining visitors specialize in printing consumables, digital design & software and other areas. TPF cooperates closely with main industry media and top brands to fully understand demands and challenges. At the same time, TPF also arranges efficient and fruitful onsite activities.
About Shanghai International Digital Printing Industry Fair (TPF)
Shanghai International Digital Printing Industry Fair (TPF) has been successfully organised for the past eight years. With UBM’s expertise in organising events and its strong global network, TPF has grown to be one of the most influential international digital printing fairs in Asia. TPF is aiming to develop digital printing business by providing a communication platform among equipment manufacturers, technology suppliers and end-users. TPF focusses on innovative products and advanced technologies, provides companies with a variety of communication and sales channels while helping them to gain a solid position in digital printing industry.
"The verdict is out once more, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics has become the undisputed leader in providing business outcomes for the global textile industry. The global sourcing summit, held from March 14to 16, 2018, wrapped up with a huge 15 per cent increase in buyer figure to 82,314 from 104 countries and regions. With close to 3,386 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions exhibited at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Strong growth was registered in buyers from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and India, this edition’s top four countries and regions, while Italy and Bangladesh entered the top 10 list this year, in eight and tenth places respectively, alongside the US, Taiwan, Russia and the UK."
The verdict is out once more, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics has become the undisputed leader in providing business outcomes for the global textile industry. The global sourcing summit, held from March 14to 16, 2018, wrapped up with a huge 15 per cent increase in buyer figure to 82,314 from 104 countries and regions. With close to 3,386 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions exhibited at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Strong growth was registered in buyers from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and India, this edition’s top four countries and regions, while Italy and Bangladesh entered the top 10 list this year, in eight and tenth places respectively, alongside the US, Taiwan, Russia and the UK.
“After the strong increase in buyer figure in October edition and the generally favourable outlook of global textile industry in recent months, we were expecting a strong result this year. But the increased number of exhibitors and buyers placing their trust in this fair as their main business platform has completely exceeded our expectations,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK. “We put this exceptional result down to the fact that there is no other industry event that matches Intertextile Shanghai’s scale but most importantly that year after year, the fair delivers new contacts from around the world and actual orders and business results for exhibitors. With the quality & quantity of buyers this edition and the tangible outcomes reported to us by exhibitors, the fair has reached a new level as the kick-off event for the spring / summer season.”
Many exhibitors echoed a positive sentiment. Philippe Larrieu, Responsible Commercial Export said, “A lot of people have come to our booth, including from China, Australia, India, France, the US and more. On the first day, we had already received 60 sampling enquiries even our catalogue ran out! So, the result is beyond our expectation. At this fair, we not only meet new buyers, but also see our existing customers which we usually meet in fairs in Paris.” With the display area comprising of seven halls and 187,000 sq. mt. it had everything from fabrics for women’ wear to menswear, suiting, shirting, lingerie and swimwear to high-end wool fabrics, original pattern designs, functional & performance fabrics, sustainability products & services, digital printing technologies, garment & fashion accessories and more on display. Growth areas this included the Premium Wool Zone, with exhibitor numbers doubling from last year, reflecting the evolving use of wool in Spring/Summer collections. The international ‘Beyond Denim’ zone also doubled in size this year, while overseas presence in Accessories Vision grew by 73 per cent.
Exhibitors on a high
Irina De Giorgi, Sales Manager, Ideas by Glarotex AG, Switzerland opined, “It is our first time and I am impressed with the quality visitors. Although we sell high-end products, buyers are still interested, and on the first day, we met over 30 buyers. Compared to other fairs, there are more serious buyers here, and people are actually interested in doing business rather than just learning what the market offers.”
Steven Wu, Business Director, PALTEX Co, Taiwan, states, “Not only is this an important gateway for us to tap into the China market, we also received guests from all over the world. Many big names visited our booth including famous sports brand Li-Ning, while 30 per cent buyers were from countries in Europe, America to Southeast Asia, we have found a lot of opportunities for future cooperation.” While Raymond Tsai, Business Manager, TAIG CHEIN Textile, Taiwan said, “We choose Intertextile to announce our new products as it’s the most well-known trade fair in the textile industry. One of our fabrics was selected in the ‘Fabrics China Award’, which attracted many buyers to our booth. We make use of this fair to promote our brand and meet new customers. We regard it as an international platform and met many professional buyers from garment factories and brands, 20 per cent of were from overseas.”
Buyers’ Take
Michelle Klein, Manager-fabric R&D, American Eagle Outfitters, USA observed the fair gave a good overview of what’s happening in the market. “We are looking for a wide range of products, so the fair is good as it houses everything. It’s good for researching new vendors, and you can always find new ones to work with. The scope is also useful. Our knit R&D team goes to Yarn Expo, while we find the Functional Lab and Beyond Denim segmented zones in Intertextile absolutely useful. The innovation in the Functional Lab is interesting as we are always looking for new innovation. It’s really helpful how the fair is sorted, and we could easily cover all our shirting needs in one morning.”
For Nicola Grosso, Global R&D fabric & trimming manager, Brooks Brothers, USA, the fair is the ‘alpha’ to find new suppliers, and to forge new relationships with companies as everyone is here. “It’s good to be here to learn who the actual manufacturers are, and who the middle men that you might meet overseas are. We can meet people here that we can’t at other fairs, where it’s often just the agents present, so it’s easier to manage suppliers by coming here as you have more direct contact. Timing is the first thing in fashion, so it’s important to have this direct contact.”
The Autumn Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will be held from September 27 to 29, 2018 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2018 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK); the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.
