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Ahmet Oksuz, Chairman of the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (ITHIB), has proposed relocating Turkish textile production facilities to Syria, citing lower costs and strategic advantages. In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Oksuz emphasized Syria's potential as a promising investment destination, especially in the textile sector.
Ahmet Oksuz noted that many Syrians who settled in Turkiye have contributed to various industries and suggested that establishing production facilities in Syria as they return home could be advantageous for both countries. He pointed out that Turkiye is facing increasing labor costs and shortages in labor-intensive sectors, making Syria a more cost-effective option for production.
Currently, many Turkish textile firms are investing in Egypt, but Oksuz suggested that shifting focus to Syria would provide greater strategic benefits, particularly in regions close to Turkiye. He added that such investments could enhance Turkiye's production capacity while creating employment opportunities for Syrians.
Sinan Oncel, president of the United Brands Association (BMD), acknowledged the gradual pace of normalization in Syria but expressed optimism about future opportunities for Turkish retail expansion, including franchising.
As Syria’s reconstruction progresses following the collapse of its Baath regime, Turkiye’s textile and retail sectors are poised to play a pivotal role in boosting employment and rebuilding efforts in the region.
The inaugural Shift menswear platform has seen a resounding success, selling out its debut edition in just four weeks. Featuring renowned brands like Michael Kors and Fratelli Rossetti, the Yada Hall in Amsterdam was filled to capacity.
However, due to overwhelming demand and the availability of additional space at the venue, Shift is expanding. The Glass House, a 500m² light-filled space, will be incorporated, allowing for more brands and a more diverse showcase.
Shift's international growth is driven by collaborations with experienced representatives in Belgium, Germany, and Italy. These industry experts leverage their networks to attract leading menswear brands, enhancing the platform's global reach and the quality of its offerings, community, and events.
Preparations for the summer edition are underway, with early registrations already received. The exact dates for the summer edition will be announced in January 2025. Shift will take place on January 26th and 27th, 2025, at Taets Art and Event Park, Zaandam.
The global apparel market is on a growth path and projected to reach a $2.97 trillion by 2033, says a report by Straits Research. The sector is moving ahead at CAGR of 8.02 per cent, with several factors like rising affluence in developing economies, expanding influence of e-commerce, and a growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion catalyzing growth.
Market drivers
One major factor boosting growth in this sector is rising affluence. Increasing disposable incomes, particularly in emerging markets, are driving greater consumer spending on apparel. This trend is particularly noticeable in countries like China and India, where a burgeoning middle class is eager to embrace fashion as a means of self-expression and status.
The rise of online retail too has revolutionized the apparel industry, offering consumers unparalleled convenience and access to a wider range of brands and styles. Digital innovations, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual fitting rooms, are further enhancing the online shopping experience, making it more interactive and personalized. And consumers are increasingly prioritizing environmental and social responsibility in their purchasing decisions. This has led to an increase in demand for sustainable and ethical fashion, with brands responding by incorporating eco-friendly materials, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting fair labor practices.
Regional insights
Asia-Pacific: This region is expected to maintain its dominance in the global apparel market, driven by its large population, growing disposable incomes, and significant manufacturing capacity.
Europe: The second-largest regional player, Europe is renowned for its high-quality apparel production, luxury fashion houses, and strong consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.
|
Metric |
Value |
|
Market Size in 2024 |
$1.67 trillion |
|
Projected Market Size in 2033 |
$2.97 trillion |
|
CAGR (2025-2033) |
8.02% |
|
Largest Market |
Asia-Pacific |
|
Fastest Growing Market |
Europe |
Growth opportunities
Even as the market grows there are several areas of growth. For example, sustainability, the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices presents a significant opportunity for apparel brands to differentiate themselves and capture market share. However, continued investment in digital technologies, such as AI-driven personalization and enhanced online shopping experiences, will be crucial for brands to engage consumers and drive sales.
The sector also faces several bug bears on its growth path. Rising of raw materials, labor, and compliance with environmental regulations are putting pressure on apparel brands' profitability. Supply chain disruption is another issue; global supply chain disruptions, due to COVID-19 pandemic, can impact the timely delivery of products and increase costs.
The Straits Research report aligns with similar industry analyses in highlighting the significant growth potential of the global apparel market, particularly in emerging economies and the e-commerce sector. However, it differentiates itself by providing a more detailed analysis of the factors driving growth, including a look into the rising demand for sustainable and ethical fashion. Additionally, this report offers a more detailed examination of the regional dynamics of the apparel market, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges present in different parts of the world.
Driven by an evolving consumer demand in the country, Fast Retailing Co-owned Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo plans to replace smaller, less profitable outlets across China with larger outlets in premium locations to better meet market needs and ensure long-term profitability.
According to Pan Ning, CEO, Uniqlo China, this shift aligns with changing consumer behavior and positions Uniqlo to capitalise on China’s market growth while ensuring sustainable profitability.
Uniqlo also aims to enhance its integration of brick-and-mortar and e-commerce operations, fostering collaboration between the two and exploring new sales channels like livestreaming to boost growth.
Currently, Uniqlo has over 920 directly operated stores across more than 200 Chinese cities. The brand creates more than one million jobs across its industrial chain in the country, It plans to adopt a more localised approach by tailoring product assortments to regional preferences, climates, and cultural nuances.
Since 2021, Uniqlo has launched 18 co-branded collections in China featuring local cultural elements, collaborating with various artists to blend modernity with tradition. The brand’s revenue from the country rose by 9.2 per cent Y-o-Y to ¥677 billion ($4.4 billion) in FY 2024, according to the latest financial report. The Chinese market remains pivotal to Uniqlo’s global business strategy, as China’s consumption-driven transformation presents immense opportunities.
The company has also showcased new products at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, introducing over 10 debut items, including down jackets and dresses, across five editions of the expo.
Beyond China, Uniqlo is extending its global footprint with new initiatives. In late October, it opened a global flagship store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offering an extensive product lineup, including exclusive collaborations with local companies and unique in-store features like flower and coffee outlets.
The Northern India Textile Mills Association (NITMA) has announced its new office bearers following elections held during its 67th annual general meeting on December 21, 2024.
Sidharth Khanna, Director of Arisudana Industries Ltd, has been elected President. Joining him are Munish Avasthi, CMD of Sportking India, as Senior Vice President, and Ujjwal Garg, Director of Garg Acrylics Ltd, as Vice President.
In his inaugural address, Khanna expressed gratitude to the outgoing office bearers, Sanjay Garg and Mukesh Tyagi, for their contributions to the association. He also welcomed the new leadership team, emphasizing their diverse expertise and commitment to advancing NITMA’s mission.
“I am deeply honored to serve as President of NITMA and look forward to working with my colleagues to support our members and drive the textile industry forward,” stated Khanna.
NITMA reiterated its dedication to fostering growth in the textile sector under the guidance of its new leadership. The association expressed optimism about achieving its strategic goals in the years ahead.
The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has appealed to Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister and Chairperson, GST Council to reconsider the proposed increase in GST rates for garments.
Under the proposed changes, the GST on garments priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 10,000 would rise from 12 per cent to 18 per cent, while garments priced above Rs 10,000 would attract a 28 per cent tax.
Highlighting the potential consequences of these changes in a representation to the GST Council, Potluri Bhaskara Rao, President, AP Chambers, said, the proposed hike could severely impact the textile and garment sector in Andhra Pradesh, a major contributor to employment and the state’s economy.
The sector is already under pressure from rising input costs, global market uncertainties, and declining consumer spending, Rao emphasised. Increasing GST rates would further drive up garment prices, making them unaffordable for middle-income consumers and potentially leading to reduced demand, he warned.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which dominate the garment industry and operate on thin profit margins, would bear the brunt of the increased tax burden. This could result in business closures, layoffs, and significant job losses across the sector, Rao cautioned.
The AP Chambers urged the GST Council to prioritise sustainability in the textile and garment industry, given its crucial role in job creation, industrial growth, and exports. The organisation appealed for the retention of the current GST rates to protect the sector's stability and ensure its continued contribution to the state’s economy.
The Chambers expressed hope that the GST Council would recognise the importance of the industry and take steps to avoid a tax increase that could jeopardise its future.
India’s garment exporters believe, the recent depreciation of the Indian rupee will help boost shipments of garments and handicrafts from India by around 5-10 per cent. However, a sharper fall in currencies like the Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and Mexican peso may lead international buyers to demand price cuts, eroding long-term competitive advantages from the rupee's decline.
After crossing the Rs 85 mark for the first time recently, the Indian rupee reached an all-time low of 85.10 per dollar. With nearly 60 per cent of India's trade benefit, dollar-based, the depreciation is expected to benefit traditional export sectors like textiles and leather.
Sanjay Jain, Managing Director, TT, notes, the rupee depreciation will help the entire textile chain, with exporters retaining about 50 per cent of the benefit while passing the rest to buyers.
The handicraft sector also expects a 2-3 per cent rise in exports due to the rupee depreciation, says Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor, Export Promotion Council for Handicraft
Exporters without hedged positions could gain the most in the short term, though these benefits may not be sustainable, opines Ajay Sahai, Director General, Federation of Indian Export Organisations. Only 15 per cent of exporters operate without hedging mechanisms, according to estimates by industry experts.
Since the start of the year, the rupee has depreciated 2.2 per cent against the dollar, but other currencies have weakened more significantly—such as the Brazilian real (26.8 per cent), Mexican peso (19.6 per cent), Japanese yen (11.8 per cent), South Korean won (11.7 per cent), and Chinese yuan (2.6 per cent). The rupee has faced relatively less depreciation, except in the last two months, notes Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda. While a weaker rupee aids exports, the sharper depreciation of the yuan could give Chinese exporters a competitive edge, the bank highlights in a recent report
The rupee depreciation has been more pronounced since Donald Trump’s election as US president, reflecting global economic pressures. Despite short-term gains, exporters remain cautious about the long-term implications of the rupee’s fall, adds Sabnavis.
The US textile and apparel industry is a complex web of domestic manufacturing, imports, and exports, interwoven with trade agreements and policies that shape its competitive landscape. The US's textile and apparel trade relationship with the CAFTA-DR region has had a significant impact on the industry.
CAFTA-DR: A Cornerstone of US Textile and Apparel Trade
The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) has significantly influenced US textile and apparel trade. Enacted in 2005, this agreement established a free trade zone encompassing the US, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
CAFTA-DR has fostered a strong trade relationship in textiles and apparel, with a focus on sourcing yarn and fabric from the US, producing garments in the CAFTA-DR region, and exporting them back to the US. This ‘yarn-forward’ rule of origin has been crucial in driving investment and job creation in the region.
Table 1: US imports of textiles and apparel from CAFTA-DR (2020-2022)
|
Year |
Apparel ($bn) |
Textiles ($bn) |
Total ($bn) |
|
2020 |
8.7 |
1.5 |
10.2 |
|
2021 |
10.5 |
1.9 |
12.4 |
|
2022 |
11.8 |
2.1 |
13.9 |
Table 2: US exports of textiles and apparel to CAFTA-DR (2020-22)
|
Year |
Apparel (($bn) |
Textiles (($bn) |
Total (($bn) |
|
2020 |
0.8 |
1.2 |
2 |
|
2021 |
1 |
1.5 |
2.5 |
|
2022 |
1.1 |
1.7 |
2.8 |
(Source: US International Trade Commission data)
US textile and apparel trade with the CAFTA-DR region has shown dynamic trends in recent years as the tables indicate. The data shows consistent growth trend in both imports and exports. However, the US maintains a significant trade deficit with the CAFTA-DR region in this sector, highlighting the region's role as a vital sourcing hub for US apparel brands.
The opportunities are immense, as rising transportation costs and concerns about supply chain resilience are driving a trend towards nearshoring favoring production closer to the US market. And CAFTA-DR countries are well-positioned to benefit from this shift. With growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing presents an opportunity for CAFTA-DR countries to differentiate themselves by implementing eco-friendly practices and ensuring fair labor standards. Meanwhile, investing in technology and skills development can enhance productivity and competitiveness in the CAFTA-DR region, enabling it to move up the value chain and produce higher-value garments.
Despite growth, the trade relationship with CAFTA-DR faces challenges. The CAFTA-DR region faces stiff competition from Asian countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, which often offer lower production costs. At the same time concerns persist on labor rights and working conditions in some CAFTA-DR countries, potentially impacting brand reputations and consumer perceptions. Political instability and security issues in certain CAFTA-DR nations can disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty for investors.
The future of US textile and apparel trade with CAFTA-DR hinges on several factors, including:
US trade policy: The current administration's trade policy, with its focus on labor rights and environmental protection, could influence sourcing decisions and investment flows.
Regional integration: Deeper integration among CAFTA-DR countries can enhance efficiency and competitiveness, making the region more attractive for investment and trade.
Technological advancements: Automation and digitalization are transforming the global textile and apparel industry. CAFTA-DR countries need to adapt to these changes to remain competitive.
Textile and apparel imports experienced notable growth from August to October, rising 9.8 per cent to 10.7 billion square meter equivalents (SME) in October, according to the Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). This represents a 33.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Textile imports totaled 8.22 billion SME in October, up 14 per cent from August and 37.2 per cent year-on-year, while apparel imports stood at 2.51 billion SME, down 2.4 per cent from August but up 21 per cent from last year. Year-to-date imports through October reached 87.5 billion SME, a rise of 11.3 per cent from 2023, with textiles climbing 13.8 per cent to 65.7 billion SME and apparel increasing 4.4 per cent to 21.8 billion SME.
For the year ending October 2024, total imports grew 10.6 per cent to 101.4 billion SME. Textile imports jumped 13.5 per cent to 76.2 billion SME, while apparel imports edged up 2.9 per cent to 25.2 billion SME.
Among top source countries, China remained the largest supplier in October with 3.53 billion SME, up 3.8 per cent monthly and 17.7 per cent annually. India and Egypt showed significant gains, with annual increases of 90.7 per cent and 294.6 per cent, respectively. Vietnam (+30.8 per cent) and Turkey (+6.0 per cent) also contributed to the growth. Conversely, Malaysia and Israel saw declines of 15.8 per cent and 44.3 per cent year-on-year.
OTEXA’s data highlights robust global demand, particularly for textiles, despite variability among sourcing nations.
Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) along with its member companies and factories plans to participate in India’s largest textile show Bharat Tex 2025, scheduled to be held from February 14-17, 2025 in New Delhi, India.
As per arrangement, MGMA’s members can join a buyer delegation visit. They will be provided with a four-night stay, lunch at the expo, sightseeing agendas and transportation facilities.
A great platform to connect textile buyers with suppliers, Bharat Tex 2025 will showcase India’s complete textile value chain with manufacturing capacities and cutting-edge technologies, its extensive heritage and expertise in the textile industry including handloom fabrics, embroidery and dyeing techniques.
The event will feature comprehensive pavilions exhibiting fibers and yarns, fabrics, apparel and fashion blending traditional and contemporary styles, home textiles, handloom, technical textiles, handicrafts, carpets and intelligent manufacturing.
The textile show will also include CEO roundtables, government-to-government (G2G) meetings, Business-to-Business (B2B) networks and textile tours.
