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From September 11 to 14, the CAITME 2023 trade fair in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will feature a strong presence of VDMA member companies. Around 25 VDMA members will participate, with 13 of them exhibiting within the official German Pavilion, organized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
These companies, including Bruckner Textile Technologies, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer Stoll, and Oerlikon Textile, will present cutting-edge technologies, focusing on sustainability and digitisation in textile production.
In 2023, Germany exported textile machinery and accessories worth €85 million to Uzbekistan, making it the second-largest supplier to the Uzbek textile sector after China. Uzbekistan, a leading cotton producer, has a fully integrated production chain, with significant investments in expanding fabric making, finishing, and dyeing capacities.
Harald Weber, Managing Director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, emphasized the importance of technological advancement, stating that CAITME offers a prime opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Uzbekistan’s textile industry.
Largest American-made clothing brand, American Giant has teamed up with the world's biggest retailer Walmart to introduce high-quality, American-made t-shirts in 1,700 Walmart stores across the US.This collaboration was launched with a 100 per cent American-made t-shirt, priced affordably at $12.98. According to Bayard Winthrop, Founder and CEO, American Giant this initiative demonstrates the competitiveness of top-tier American-made goods and inspires other brands to follow suit.
Andrea Albright, Executive Vice President-Sourcing, Walmart notes, the partnership aligns with the e-commerce company’s ongoing commitment to US manufacturing, a pledge made in 2021 to source $350 billion worth of products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. by 2031.
The collaboration was sparked when Walmart sought to enhance its textile initiatives, leading to the idea of creating a branded line of American-made products specifically for Walmart customers. While Walmart often sources products from overseas, this partnership with American Giant aims to prove that even large retailers can successfully offer American-made goods.
Despite the challenges of higher costs and fragmented supply chains in domestic manufacturing, Winthrop believes that long-term volume commitments from partners like Walmart can help justify investments in automation and training. He also emphasises on the need for bipartisan support for reindustrialisation, urging political leaders and corporations to take steps toward revitalising U.S. manufacturing.
Founded in 2011, American Giant has been dedicated to bringing large-scale, high-quality clothing manufacturing back to the US. The company aimsto reindustrialise America, create middle-class jobs, and ensure rising wages, reinforcing belief in the potential of the American worker. This partnership with Walmart provides American Giant with the scale needed to make a substantial impact on both American workers and consumers.
For the first time this year, Vietnam's export earnings from the textile and apparel sector (T&A)increased by 12.4 per cent Y-o-Y to $4.29 billion in July 2024, achieving the highest figure since August 2022.
As per the figures from the General Statistics Office (GSO), over the first seven months of the year, Vietnam’s export earnings from the sectorincreased by 5.9 per cent Y-o-Yto $23.9 billion.
During this period, exports of fiber and yarn rose by 3.5 per cent Y-o-Yto $2.53 billion, while fabric exports rose by 18 per centto $458 million.
During the same timeframe, Vietnam expenditure on textile and garment imports rose by 11.4 per cent Y-o-Yto $878 million.
Last year, Vietnam's garment and textile exports had declined by 10 per cent to $39.5 billion. However, this year, the sector has set an ambitious target by increasing its export earnings by 10 per cent Y-o-Y to $44 billion.
During a trade promotion conference in July, Truong Van Cam, Vice Chairman, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), encouraged local firms to seize every opportunity, make accurate forecasts, and stay informed about market conditions to achieve the$44 billion export target for this year.
Currently worth $10 billion, the global spandex market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1 per cent from 2024-34 to reach $21.9 billion by 2034-end.
As per a report by FactMR, this growth will be driven by an increasing use of the spandex fibers in medical textiles. Spandex is widely employed in the production of compression garments, including bandages, surgical hoses, and support hoses, due to its lightweight and flexible nature. Additionally, spandex is favored in sportswear and activewear, such as swimsuits and workout apparel, because of its ability to provide comfort and flexibility.
In the production of socks, spandex plays a vital role in maintaining their position, preventing slippage, and making them easier to put on and take off. The elasticity of socks can vary based on the amount of spandex used. One of the primary applications of spandex is in the manufacture of incontinence products and diapers. The market for diapers is expected to see strong growth during the forecast period, driven by rising demand from countries like China and India.
Leading players driving innovation in the spandex market include Invista, Hyosung Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Taekwang Industrial Co, YantaiTayho Advanced Materials Co, Xiamen Lilong Spandex Co, Jiangsu Shuangliang Spandex Co, Toray Industries, DuPont de Nemours, Inc, Lycra, Mitsubishi Chemical Engineering Corporation, and Indorama Industries.
Spandex fibers are primarily produced using polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) and diphenylmethanediisocyanate (MDI), which are derived from petroleum feedstocks. As the costs of these raw materials fluctuate and the textile industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, spandex manufacturers are focusing on developing sustainable, bio-based, and environmentally friendly product lines.
In April 2024, Hyosung, the world’s largest spandex fiber producer, announced a US$ 1 billion investment in a facility in Vietnam. This facility will convert sugar into 1,4-butanediol (BDO), a precursor to spandex typically derived from coal or natural gas, using Genomatica's fermentation technology. Hyosung plans to produce 50,000 metric tons (mt) of bio-based BDO annually by 2026, and aims to increase this to 200,000 mt by 2035. BDO is used not only in spandex production but also in the manufacturing of polybutylene terephthalate and other plastics. Currently, most BDO production is concentrated in China, where coal is often used as a raw material in many plants.
Reflecting on the denim trendsseen during Spring/Summer 2025 men’s fashion week, Lauren Williams, Trend Forecaster, Cotton Incorporated, notes, denims are gettingmore ornate and detailed with feminine touches like ruffle trim, jewel hardware on lightweight twill sets, and pleats being added to them.
For past several seasons, Cotton Incorporated has been tracking metallic denim, achieved through innovative finishing and construction techniques. According to Williams, this look is evolving into a more futuristic aesthetic for 2025-2026. Denim with an indigo warp and black or gold Lurex yarn in the weft adds a subtle shimmer. Metallic blue foil on a black base offers a cool, modern look, while gold foil gives a cotton denim garment an antique finish. Christie Rhodes, Manager - Women’s Product, Cotton Incorporated, also projects a textured honeycomb fabric with a natural warp and weft, accented with pink foil on the raised areas.
Coatings are making a comeback, particularly those that give jeans a laminated effect. Clear polyurethane coatings are creating a high-shine finish with other techniques offering a fresh take on vintage styles. A fabric that features a white coating, hand-sanded at the garment stage to reveal a bright blue indigo hue underneath is being preferred by designers, adds Williams.
The influence of artificial intelligence is also evident in denim trends, with glitched and glowing effects making their mark. Denim garments with prints and finishes inspired by this technology, ranging from pixelated digital prints to washed and overdyed pieces are in the vogue, Williams pointed out.Ozone technology is being used to create a ‘blotchy, splotchy’ effect on fabric surfaces, adds Rhodes.
Traditional check patterns are being reimagined in unexpected ways.For instance, an inlay plaid fabric is being infused with a denim-inspired colorwaywhile a black jean is being lasered with a windowpane check pattern, overdyed in brown. Laser etching is also creating checkered textures or ombre checkered patterns, affirms Williams
Denim is being mixed with traditional suiting fabrics, leading to a wide range of silhouettes that vary from sophisticated to edgy, explainsRhodes. A blue yarn dye in the warp gives a mixed dobby herringbone fabric an indigo effect with a suiting look and feel. Additionally, yarn-dyed fancy twill with an exaggerated surface is being brushed to mimic the look and feel of corduroy, he adds.
Post-pandemic, designers shifting towards a quieter palette with unique constructions and washes giving denim a muted, powdery, and chalky appearance, notes Williams. This look can be achieved through special washes and yarn choices. Extreme washes on jeans with sulfur black yarn in the warp and indigo weft are being used to create a sun-bleached effect. Fabrics with recycled denim content are allowing brands to reduce garment processing steps, adds Rhodes.
According to Williams, colors are increasingly being drawn from nature, with shades like rusty red, orange, and brown gaining popularity. Designers are also blurring the lines of traditional denim with prints and finishing effects that create an illusion—making it hard to tell if garments are made of denim, leather, or suede.
A standout product from Cotton Incorporated is a fabric that conceals the twill line of a 100 percent cotton jean through needle punching on the back, making it difficult to determine whether the fabric is knit or woven. Trompe-l’œil prints of denim on non-denim materials are further enhancing the surreal aesthetic in both men's and women’s fashion.
India's economic growth narrative, often seen as a beacon of resilience in a global slowdown, is facing numerous challenge and sluggish consumption is one of the main ones. Despite headline GDP growth rates that have drawn global attention, the underlying story of consumer spending paints a less rosy picture.
Consumption slump,asymptom of deeper issues
The stark contrast between India's GDP growth and the tepid performance of consumer spending is a cause for concern.The consumption slowdown, evident in sectors like two-wheelers and fast-moving consumer goods, particularly in rural areas, reflects a broader economic malaise.
Several factors contribute to this consumption slump:
• Job creation challenges: The lack of substantial job creation in non-farm sectors has trapped a significant portion of the workforce in low-productivity agriculture. This limits income growth and, consequently, consumer spending.
• Wage stagnation: Real wages have remained stagnant across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, eroding purchasing power and dampening consumer demand.
• Income inequality: The widening income gap exacerbates consumption challenges. While a small affluent segment drives luxury consumption, the vast majority of the population faces income constraints.
The limits of exports and government spending
With consumption faltering, the Indian economy has leaned heavily on exports and government spending to drive growth. However, there are inherent limitations to this strategy: • Export challenges: While India has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub, several hurdles,including high tariffs and local sourcing requirements, hinder its competitiveness. Moreover, global demand uncertainties pose risks to export-led growth.
• Government spending constraints: The government's fiscal consolidation efforts limit the scope for sustained high public expenditure. Infrastructure spending, while crucial, cannot be the sole growth driver in the long run.
Needfor amulti-pronged approach
To unlock India's economic potential, a multifaceted approach is essential:
• Revitalizing consumption: Boosting rural incomes, creating quality jobs, and addressing wage stagnation are imperative for reviving consumption. Targeted social welfare programs and investments in skill development can play a crucial role.
• Export-led growth: Streamlining export procedures, reducing tariffs, and improving infrastructure are essential for enhancing India's export competitiveness. Attracting global manufacturing investments requires a conducive business environment and skilled workforce.
• Private investment revival: Addressing capacity utilization issues, improving the business climate, and fostering investor confidence are crucial for unlocking private investment potential.
India stands at a crossroads. While the potential for rapid growth is undeniable, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to address the underlying challenges, particularly the consumption slump. By adopting a holistic approach that focuses on job creation, income growth, and export competitiveness, India can embark on a path of sustainable and inclusive economic development.
With the possibility of companies shifting their factories from Bangladesh to India due to the current situation, Bihar sees an opportunity to attract textile manufacturers. Informal discussions have begun with major organizations, including the Apparel Council of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), to position Bihar as a viable destination.
Bihar is strategically located less than 1,000 km by road from Bangladesh's manufacturing hub. During a recent textile investors meet in Bihar, the Apparel Council of India held its board meeting in the state, becoming well-informed about the incentives available in Bihar’s textile sector.
The Bihar government has assured the Apparel Council and CII that any company interested in relocating from Bangladesh will receive immediate attention. Last year, Bihar officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Industry Department SandipPaundrik, engaged with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities in Bihar.
The state offers extensive plug-and-play facilities and a dedicated textile policy with substantial subsidies to attract manufacturers. Bihar's proactive approach aims to welcome Bangladeshi businesses looking for a new base.
India could secure additional monthly RMG export orders worth $200-250 million in the short term and $300-350 million in the medium term due to the current instability in Bangladesh, according to a report released by CareEdge.
Historically, Bangladesh has captured much of the global market share lost by China in RMG exports, while India has struggled to fully capitalise on these opportunities. However, the current situation in Bangladesh offers a strategic opportunity for India to expand its presence in the global RMG market, both in the short and medium terms.
The report highlights, large-scale Indian RMG manufacturers with strong operational efficiency and backward integration will benefit the most, as global brands seek reliable and efficient suppliers amid the uncertainty in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's RMG exports declined by 17 per cent in Q1, FY25 compared to the same period last year. In contrast, India experienced a 4 per cent growth in RMG exports during the same period.
The socio-political disturbances and inadequate foreign exchange availability in Bangladesh have contributed to a slight erosion of its market share in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. This shift has narrowed the gap between Bangladesh's and India's RMG export volumes, with the ratio declining from 3.2x in FY24 to 2.5x in Q1FY25. During this period, Bangladesh's RMG exports totaled $9.7 billion, while India's exports reached $3.9 billion.
The recent budget announcements on skilling programs and the potential Free Trade Agreements with the UK and the EU are likely to further boost India's position in the global RMG market, says Krunal Modi, Director, CareEdge Ratings.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates, net sales of 11,500 running bales (RB)_ of upland cotton were recorded during the Marketing Year (MY)’25-26, with Mexico (4,700 RB), Costa Rica (3,500 RB), El Salvador (2,000 RB), and Japan (1,300 RB) being the primary buyers.
As per USDA, net sales of upland cotton reduced by 949,600 RB during for MY’24-25. These reductions were offset by increases primarily from India (43,600 RB, including decreases of 8,800 RB), Mexico (40,400 RB, including decreases of 900 RB), Costa Rica (25,900 RB), Turkiye (15,100 RB, including decreases of 800 RB), and Guatemala (5,000 RB). However, significant reductions were observed, primarily from China (603,200 RB), Pakistan (372,200 RB), and Vietnam (111,800 RB).
Exports for the period ending July 31 totaled 738,100 RB, bringing the accumulated exports for the year to 11,070,400 RB, reflecting a 6 per cent decline compared to the previous year's total of 11,777,500 RB. The primary export destinations included China (273,400 RB, with 245,300 RB reported late), Vietnam (121,900 RB, with 94,500 RB reported late), Pakistan (102,300 RB, with 93,700 RB reported late), Bangladesh (52,700 RB, with 40,500 RB reported late), and Mexico (41,500 RB, with 33,000 RB reported late).
Regarding Pima cotton, net sales of 7,700 RB for the MY’24-25 were reported, with Vietnam (2,200 RB), India (2,100 RB, including decreases of 500 RB), China (1,600 RB, including decreases of 200 RB), Pakistan (1,100 RB, including decreases of 400 RB), and Egypt (400 RB) being the main buyers.
A total of 29,100 RB of Pima cotton sales were carried over from the MY’23-24, which ended on July 31. Exports for the period ending July 31 totaled 1,700 RB, bringing the accumulated exports to 321,800 RB, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year's total of 305,000 RB. The primary export destinations included India (1,400 RB), Turkiye (100 RB), Thailand (100 RB), and Taiwan (100 RB).
As against the earlier estimate of a 15-17 per cent drop, Under Armor now expects revenues from North America business to decline in the range of 14-16 per cent in FY25.
The brand posted a surprise profit in Q1, FY25 that ended on August 8. This rise was driven by improved margins from selling its sports apparel at full price and maintaining lower inventory levels, even as consumers become more selective with their spending.
Currently, the retailer is focusing on cutting promotions, reducing inventory, and streamlining its workforce. By prioritising higher-margin items like men’s apparel, the company managed to expand its gross margins by 110 basis points to 47.5 per cent, while inventory decreased by 15 per cent to $1.1 billion.
Simeon Siegel, Analyst, notes, the company is better situated selling less and charging more. The improvement in profitability in this quarter suggests that the initial steps of this reset are working, he adds.
Kevin Plank, CEO, highlights, he share of full-price products sold online increased significantly despite the company being even less promotional than planned.
However, revenues in the brand’s largest market, North America dropped by 14 per cent due to inflationary pressures on consumer budgets. The brand’s international revenues also declined by 2 per cent. Overall, the company's first-quarter revenue fell by 10 per cent to $1.18 billion, a smaller drop than the nearly 13 per cent decline anticipated by analysts.
