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India’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector continues to demonstrate robust export growth despite global economic headwinds, signaling a rising demand for Indian-made products. Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), highlighted the sector's resilience, stating, “While overall exports declined, apparel exports have withstood challenges, showcasing their ability to adapt. With changing geopolitical dynamics, India is poised for significant growth as businesses shift towards us.”
RMG exports for November 2024 grew by 9.8 per cent compared to November 2023 but saw a 6.6 per cent decline from November 2022. Cumulatively, exports from April to November 2024-25 reached $9,853.9 million, marking an 11.4 per cent increase over the same period in 2023-24, though a 4.9 per cent drop from 2022-23.
Sekhri attributed this growth to India’s comprehensive value chain, strong raw material base, and sustainable manufacturing practices. He noted rising demand from key markets like the USA and UK and green shoots from Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners such as Australia, Korea, Japan, Netherlands, and UAE.
Encouraging international buyers to visit the Bharat Tex Expo 2025, Sekhri emphasized the platform’s role in showcasing India’s entire textile value chain and fostering collaboration. The Bharat Tex Roadshow has already garnered significant interest globally.
To further boost the sector, AEPC has urged the government to enhance the interest equalization rate to 5 per cent and implement the PLI 2.0 scheme for all garment types. Sekhri remains optimistic that these measures will drive exponential growth and reinforce India’s position as a leading sourcing destination for global brands.
The 64th edition of one of Europe’s most established and long-running trade shows, the bi-annual Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) will feature 1,200 brands alongside an enhanced program of brand showcases, interactive installations, retail integrations and live performances. The trade show will be held on 34,000 sq m in January 2025.
CIFF has also launched the CIFF Media, an innovative media platform to empower emerging and established fashion brands to expand their visibility. Combining video content, podcasts, and editorial storytelling, CIFF Media enables brands to share their narratives and values more effectively. Participating brands can showcase their design processes, aspirations and market strength in cost-effective way by leverage an access to an in-house TV and podcast studio, social media activations, and communication specialists.
This initiative responds to the increasing emphasis on brand marketing within the fashion industry. According to the State of Fashion 2024 Executive Survey by BoF and McKinsey, 71 per cent of fashion executives plan to increase spending on brand marketing, compared to 46 per cent focusing on performance marketing. Similarly, younger consumers are placing greater importance on aligning with brand identities: a 2024 Ipsos study revealed that 69 per cent of Gen Z and 77 per cent of teen shoppers agree that their clothing choices reflect their personalities.
CIFF Media provides brands with tailored support, including strategic storytelling, retailer matchmaking, ongoing visibility.
CIFF has also forged strategic partnerships with leading organisations such as Pitti Uomo, Camera Nazionale della Moda, and ISPO Munich to broaden its international reach. Reflecting its commitment to foster global connections and support brands in adjacent markets, the event has also collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and sports trade show ISPO Munich,
Valued at $81.95 billion in 2023, the global cotton yarn market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10 per cent from 2024-2032 to $117.69 billion by 2032. As per a report by SNS Insider, this growth is likely to be fueled by an increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality textiles across fashion, home furnishings, and industrial applications. The shift toward eco-friendly production and the rising popularity of organic cotton yarn, which eliminates synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, are driving advancements in the market.
Enhancing the market for eco-friendly yarn, sustainability initiatives such as the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) are promoting responsible cotton farming across the globe. In 2023, the carded yard segment held approximately 48 per cent share in the global cotton market on account of its cost-effectiveness and suitability for basic textiles and garments. Meanwhile, driven by a demand for premium apparel and home textiles, particularly in the developed markets, the combed yarn segment is growing at the fastest.
In 2023, propelled by the fashion industry’s need for breathable and comfortable fabrics, demand in the cotton sector was dominated by apparel segment with over 60 per cent market share,
Cotton yarn is widely used in producing T-shirts, shirts, jeans, and other garments. The home textiles segment, including bed linens, curtains, and towels, also grew as rising disposable incomes boosted spending on home improvement. Additionally, industrial textiles are being increasingly adopted in the automotive and medical segments.
Driven by thriving textile industries in China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, Asia-Pacific led the global cotton yarn market in 2023 with a 52 per cent share. India’s abundant raw cotton supply and government schemes like TUFS supported its leadership. In North America, demand for organic cotton yarn rose, particularly in the US and Canada, where consumers favor sustainable textiles.
Held on December 12, 2024, in Coimbatore, India, Cotton Day 2024 emphasised on a collaboration between US Cotton and the Indian textile industry to help drive the global cotton value chain forward.
Organised by Cotton Council International (CCI), the event highlighted the rapid growth of the US Cotton Trust Protocol program. William Bettendorf, Director, Cotton USA Supply Chain for South Asia, stated, the Trust Protocol’s exponential growth not only strengthens supply chains but also unlock new opportunities for Indian mills and brands.
Focusing on the role of Supima cotton in the global textile market, Marc Lewkowitz, President & CEO, Supima, stated, paired with the innovative AQRe™ Project platform, the premium quality of Supima cotton helps Indian manufacturers meet international demands with precision, responsibility, and authenticity. The partnership between these two entities reflects a shared vision for a sustainable and innovative future for the textile industry, affirms Lewkowitz.
The event also addressed the impact of import duty removal on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton. This policy change has not only made high-quality US Pima fiber more accessible to Indian mills but also enhanced India’s global competitiveness significantly, it added
Highlighting the importance of strengthening US-India collaboration to foster sustainable practices and meet evolving global market demands, Peush Narang, Representative, Cotton Council International, advocated for removing of the import duty on US Upland Cotton to provide Indian spinning mills greater access to high-quality fiber, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.
The event also introduced the Mill Performance Index, a live dashboard for tracking and optimising mill productivity, demonstrated how data-driven tools can revolutionise operations.
Additionally, it showcased advancements in traceability solutions, including contributions from the US Cotton Industry, Textile Genesis, and Oritain, highlighting how technology can enhance transparency and build consumer trust.
Delving into the emerging trends impacting the fashion industry, industry experts at the event offered insights into the key factors shaping the future of fashion retail in India. They focused on the importance of innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic market.
Premiere Vision New York, the leading sourcing platform for North American fashion, is set to return on January 14-15, 2025, at the iconic Tribeca 360° venue. This year’s edition will focus on forward-thinking materials, trends, and innovations for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, reinforcing its position as the top destination for creative, sustainable fashion solutions.
The event will feature over 150 international and local exhibitors, offering a diverse range of fabrics, accessories, leather, prints, and tech-driven textiles. Designers, brands, and manufacturers will find exclusive insights into the latest collections, from bold prints to sustainable denim and artisanal craftsmanship.
Sustainability will be at the forefront, with the expansion of the ‘a better way’ program. This initiative highlights exhibitors committed to eco-conscious practices, offering transparent product lifecycles, ethical processes, and reduced environmental impact. Visitors can easily identify these exhibitors by the ‘a better way’ sticker, ensuring they connect with leaders in sustainable fashion.
In addition to product showcases, Premiere Vision New York will host exclusive trend and color talks by Celine Khawam, PV’s Fashion Consultant. Khawam will reveal key trends for Spring/Summer 2026, including Re-Store, Re-Fresh, and Re-Set, while exploring innovative material innovations.
The event will also feature industry experts, including Lesley Vargas, Founder of LSV Consulting, who will discuss cost complexities and building strong manufacturing relationships. PV New York remains the premier destination for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the evolving fashion landscape with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC) and The Textile Association (India) (TAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration and enhance the global textile industry. This partnership aims to promote communication, align efforts, and advance educational initiatives in the fiber-to-fashion value chain.
Through the MOU, AATCC and TAI will jointly develop training programs, seminars, and conferences to benefit the Indian textile industry. Both organizations will leverage their expertise to promote standards and knowledge-sharing, supporting students, professionals, and businesses. Members of each organization will also receive a 30 per cent discount on membership in the other, with special introductory offers for TAI members from AATCC.
AATCC President Christina Rapa expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential to support the Indian market with high-quality testing standards, training programs, and networking opportunities, while advancing the mission to connect textile, chemistry, and color science professionals globally.
AATCC Membership Chair Kanti Jasani announced the signing of an MOU between AATCC and TAI, emphasizing that the partnership will strengthen the textile industry by fostering collaboration and providing educational, training, and networking opportunities for students, professionals, and businesses across the sector.
TAI President Tulsi L Patel highlighted the value of the collaboration, noting that with over 26,000 members, TAI is eager to partner with AATCC to organize joint educational programs and expand opportunities for individuals and businesses in the Indian textile sector.
As part of its outreach, AATCC has appointed Seshadri Ramkumar, a distinguished professor at Texas Tech University, as the first AATCC Ambassador to India. Ramkumar will represent AATCC in fostering industry relationships and promoting international collaboration.
Seshadri Ramkumar stated that the partnership between AATCC and TAI establishes a foundation for meaningful knowledge exchange and growth in the fiber-to-fashion and advanced textiles sectors.
AATCC Executive Director Gregg Woodcock expressed optimism, stating that the partnership and the Ambassadorship of Seshadri Ramkumar represent a significant step toward increased engagement with the Indian textile community.
This strategic collaboration underscores the shared commitment of AATCC and TAI to drive innovation, education, and global connectivity in the textile industry.
Renowned for its performance meets craft styles, iconic Italian sportswear brand Fila is set to its launch its operations in Malaysia. Known for its distinctive design and commitment to excellence, Fila is set to make a significant impact in the country with its launch of a curated lifestyle apparel and footwear collection, including dedicated collections for trending sports like pickleball and tennis.
FILA opened its first store in Malaysia at Pavilion KL on November 29, 2024, followed by the launch of its flagship store at Sunway Pyramid on December 11, 2024. These store openings mark a significant milestone in FILA’s retail expansion in Malaysia, bringing Italian-inspired style to a wider audience. A third store at IOI City Mall is set to open on December 18, 2024, further strengthening FILA’s presence in the local market.
Known for offering high-quality, stylish products, Fila blends fashion-forward designs with functionality. The brand delivers versatile apparel and footwear that transition effortlessly from sport to everyday wear.
The Tennis Club Collection is an example of Fila’s commitment to creating bold and stylish pieces. Featuring modern details and sleek designs, this collection adds a fresh, vibrant touch to sportswear. The Targa Club shoes, a standout in the collection, combine comfort with Italian-inspired style, making them perfect for both on and off court.
Fila has also launched the Fila Hunt interactive challenge. Spot the FILA-wrapped train on the Kelana Jaya Line LRT, scan the QR code inside the train and collect all four FILA QR codes—Blue, White, Red, and Black to unlock exclusive prizes.
From January to September 2024, India’s apparel imports declined by 6.83 per cent to $1.09 billion, as against $1.17 billion in the same period last year, as per data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Analysed by Apparel Resources, the data shows, imports of both knitted and woven apparels from Bangladesh declined by 10.43 per cent, and from China by 6.34 per cent during the period. Imports from Bangladesh declined to $455.67 million while those from China contracted to $188.16 million as buying sentiments amongst apparel businesses of India softened during the period.
Among European suppliers, imports from Italy dipped by 19.52 per cent Y-o-Y to $34.72 million whereas, imports from Spain lowered to 8.32 per cent Y-o-Y to $99.10 million.
Emerging as a strong partner, Sri Lanka’s apparel shipments increased by 13.68 per cent Y-o-Y to $50.86 million during the January to September 2024 period, indicating the growing confidence of India’s apparel buyers in Sri Lanka’s capability to meet desired quality, cost and timeline expectations.
Vietnam’s textile and apparel (T&A) exports are expected to increase by 11.26 per cent to $44 billion in value in 2024, according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).
Meanwhile, T&A imports by Vietnam are likely to increase by 14.79 per cent to $25 billion during the year, notes Vu Duc Giang, President, VITAS. According to Giang, many companies in the sector are experiencing a growth in orders for both 2024 and 2025. In 2025, the industry aims to increase its exports to around $48 billion, says Giang.
However, the industry may encounter significant challenges during year including limited opportunities for large orders, stagnant prices and slow consumer demand recovery, he warns. Companies may also face new challenges such as persistently low order prices alongside rising input costs, significant changes in purchasing practices by brands, and stricter regulations on payments and production volumes, he adds.
According to Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman, Board of Directors, Hung Yen Garment Corporation, exports in the sector are projected to grow to $44 billion in 2024, with exports to the EU remaining modest.
To better leverage this large market and effectively utilise the tariff benefits provided by the EVFTA, Duong proposes, competent agencies should address the industry's limitations. Additionally, they must develop local raw material resources besides meeting origin rules, he adds.
Additionally, T&A companies need to continue investing in technology, automation, and robotics to improve production process. They also need to adopt drastic energy-saving measures and utilise renewable energy in production to obtain green certifications, Duong states.
Isak Andic, Founder, Mango, a Spanish clothing retailer and one of Europe's largest fashion groups, with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, passed away in an accident.
The 71-year old entreperenuer fell down a ravine while hiking in the mountains near Barecelona with family members. His death was mourned by Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister, Spain, who hailed Andic’s entrepreneurial vision. Andic’s vision of inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment helped him transform his Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion.
Applauding Andic’s commitment to business, Salvador Illa, Head-Regional Government, Catalonia says, with his leadership, Andic has contributed to making Catalonia great and projected it to the world.
The media-shy entrepreneur was one of Spain's richest men. He and his family have a net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes’ estimates.
Born in 1953 in Istanbul, Andic moved to Barcelona in Spain's wealthy northeastern Catalonia region with his family when he was 14. He opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona's famous shopping street in 1984 with the help of his older brother Nahman. He later expanded with more stores in Spain and other countries like Portugal and France, all under the name Mango.
The company's versatile offerings, which encompass both professional and casual styles, have been a hit with consumers, with Mango selling nearly 160 million items of clothing and accessories a year.
The brand has consolidated its position as one of the leading international fashion groups, with a major presence in more than 120 markets and 15,500 employees worldwide, according to its website. In 2023, it achieved a turnover of € 3.1 billion and plans to set up 3,000 stores across the world by 2026.
