50 News Shaped 2016

Global contents also translated in Chinese

TOP 50 NEWS 2016

Myanmar’s clothing industry emerges strong after years of slowdown

"Myanmar’s clothing industry is set to grow tremendously in the coming years, according to a report in the latest issue of Global Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence. Freedom from military rule and reformist government policies are making things possible" Myanmar’s clothing industry is set to grow tremendously in the coming years, according to a report in the latest issue of Global Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence. Freedom from military rule and reformist government policies are making things possible. Myanmar a sourcing destination for brands A turning point cam... Read more

Gender-neutral clothing, a new market for fashion brands

"The demand for clothing that is neither traditionally male nor female is on the rise. As more and more people opt to make their diverse sexual and gender identities public and as choice-craving individuals seek clothing that perfectly reflects their personal style, retail and fashion insiders expect sales of androgynous duds to climb in the years ahead. Retail landscape witness the recent spate of closures among mid-range clothiers, offering unisex clothing represents a lucrative niche opportunity." The demand for clothing that is neither traditionally male nor female is on the rise. As more and more people opt to make their diverse sexual and ge... Read more

Cost analysis of spinning mills show raw materials, power important factors

"Today, the availability of cotton and synthetic staple fibers is not a problem. In 2013-14 season, for the third time in a row, the main production countries supplied more raw material than what was processed by spinning mills. In the case of cotton, in particular, 87 per cent of annual consumption is held in storage throughout the world. As an agricultural product fibers are not subject to the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), there are regional differences in fiber prices." The choice of location for setting up a spinning mill depends on a number of decisive factors. An entrepreneur must reckon with different costs for energy dependi... Read more

OPPORTUNITIES: New innovations, technologies to drive industry in 2016

TRENDSPOTTING 2016 : "Fashion and textile industry has never been in a more interesting spot ever before. When human imagination and innovation is taking industry and businesses to a new height with the help of cutting edge technology, fashion and textile industry is also being a part of it. 2016 seems to be a benchmark year for the textile and fashion industry paving the way for new opportunities." Fashion and textile industry has never been in a more interesting spot ever before. When human imagination and innovation is taking industry and businesses to a new height with the help of cutting edge technology, fashion and textile ind... Read more

China’s domestic textile industry affects global sourcing dynamics

"Adding to the worry of global brands and retailers, China’s textile and apparel companies are actively seeking business opportunities in the domestic retail market. Apparel retail sales in China reached 893.6 billion yuan in 2014 (around $137.5 billion), among which 30.77 per cent were sold online (up from 14.54 per cent in 2011). Although industry reports suggest apparel retail sales in China's Tier i and Tier II cities achieved almost zero growth in 2014, partially reflecting the negative impact of retail price increase on consumers' demand. But apparel retail sales in China's Tier III and IV cities and rural areas remain robust." opines Dr Sheng Lu." ... Read more

Fashion’s dark side, is its impact on environment

Every piece of clothing being bought has had an impact on the planet before its even brought home. First of all, there’s water consumption. Two billion pairs of jeans are produced every year, and a typical pair takes 7,000 litres of water to produce. For a t-shirt, it takes 2,720 litres of water to make just one – that’s the average water consumption of a person over three years old! Every piece of clothing being bought has had an impact on the planet before its even brought home. First of all, there’s water consumption. Two billion pairs of jeans are produced every year, and a typical pair takes 7,000 litres of water to produce. For a t-shirt, it... Read more

China’s unloading of cotton stockpile may depress global prices

With global cotton prices have plunged in recent weeks, the speculation mounts that China is getting ready to sell some of its 11 million-metric-ton stockpile - enough to make 10 billion pairs of jeans. According to commodity analysts, China is expected to conduct a cotton auction in the next few months, its first since the end of August. While the government sells nearly all of its cotton at home, it is such a big player in the market that unloading a chunk would depress global prices by reducing how much foreign cotton Chinese businesses buy. China holds about 60 per cent of the world’s cotton stockpiles and is responsi... Read more

‘Make in India’ boosts India as an alternative production base

"Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ concept could bring about sea change in the country’s manufacturing landscape. A recent article published by Hong Kong Trade Development Corporation (HKTDC) ‘Make in India: An Alternative Production Base with a Huge Local Market’, highlights how India could emerge as global powerhouse in manufacturing. It gives an overview of labor cost, supply and quality, along with logistics performance and land costs, followed by an examination of some government initiatives and reforms." Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ concept could bring about sea change in the country’s manufacturing landscape. A recent article published b... Read more

‘The entire textile value chain needs promotion,’ Textile Commissioner

"At the interactive session with Gupta, she explained the challenges in front of the sector. “We take everything seeming as a threat as a great opportunity. All I can say is the time is crucial for us to introduce measures promoting growth in the textile sector since our share is still restricted to a small figure in the global textile business. Tragically, we are losing out to Vietnam and other Asian peers. Urgent actions are required to seize the opportunities lying untapped and make ‘Make in India’ campaign successful,” she explained. The aim is not to keep growth limited to some particular areas but to bring it in across all categories in the textile sector ranging fr... Read more

Brexit Affect: Global textiles, apparel industry to feel the heat

Uncertainty over Britain’s continuation in EU has hit a third of businesses in the UK’s manufacturing sector, which barely scraped growth in May, says a recent study. Foreign demand for goods from British factories fell for a fifth month as firms reported customers were unwilling to commit to investment ahead of the June 23 referendum. Uncertainty over Britain’s continuation in EU has hit a third of businesses in the UK’s manufacturing sector, which barely scraped growth in May, says a recent study. Foreign demand for goods from British factories fell for a fifth month as firms reported customers were unwilling to commit to investment ahead of the... Read more

EU’s textile & clothing imports, sales records growth in 2015

"EU’s sales to the US recorded a noticeable growth rate (+16 per cent), thanks to a favorable exchange rate. Among the EU top 10 customers, moderate expansion was recorded by Hong Kong and China On the contrary, exports to Russia (-27 per cent) and Ukraine (-1 per cent) slipped back again, as economy remains depressed in these markets. Clothing exports to its main consumers indicated a higher growth rates than for textiles." According to a statement of CITH, Textile and Clothing Information Centre, the EU textile and clothing exporters succeeded in gaining further market shares in third countries (+3.6 per cent). According to CITH, the European Un... Read more

World textile experts optimistic about China’s economic growth

"While talking on the sidelines of Intertextile Shanghai to industry leaders, the feeling is, contrary to the general impression of much hue and cry about China growth story slowing down, industry experts and leaders outside China are not pessimistic and are ready to give a leeway to China considering its robust economy and growth." Recently at the annual National People’s Congress in Beijing China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang announced a punchy GDP growth target of 6.5-7 per cent for 2016, along with the means he hoped would secure it: a bigger budget deficit than had been planned for last year and faster credit growth. With sufficient ... Read more

Understanding global fashion business and its contribution

"Global fashion industry is worth $1.2 trillion, of which $250 billion originates annually from the United States. Fashion provides more than a positive personal impact. The industry employs nearly two million people every year. It is also an industry, which suffers a tremendous trade gap for US consumers because of the lower costs of labour that can be found around the world. The US exports about $6 billion in apparel each year, but imports more than $82 billion." Global fashion industry is worth $1.2 trillion, of which $250 billion originates annually from the United States. Fashion provides more than a positive personal impact. The indust... Read more

China, India and other top cotton producing countries

Although synthetic fibers are on the rise, quality cotton is still ahead, providing endurance that it offers. Cotton has long been one of the world’s most valuable commodities. It’s one of the 10 largest agricultural products worldwide, and the farming of cotton is a $23 billion global business. This year alone, 105.5 million bales of cotton is expected to be harvested across the world. Cotton production around the world has only increased being a staple fiber for the apparel industry and among the many countries that produce the fiber, here are the top eight producers from across the world. The ranking is based on statistics from Food and Agriculture Orga... Read more

PSF discusses TPP and the challenges in implementation

Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) was one of the top discussion points on Day 1 of Prime Source Forum. Discussions in the session ‘Update on TPP and development conditions in ASEAN and Africa’ finally had to be split into two between the topics: TPP and emergence of Africa in manufacturing. Moderator of the session Alex Young , Group CEO, TexRay Industrial said in his opening remarks “China that has been dominating world textile market for over 20 years now, representing 40 per cent of American imports, with an increasing wage structure of 15 per cent year on year, will have to give away part of its commodity business.” However, shift of ... Read more

Indian garment companies boost Bangladesh apparel industry

"Bangladesh has emerged an attractive destination for Indian RMG manufacturers. Many have set up units in the country simply because Bangladesh offers ease of doing business, importing-exporting is faster. R&D on new styles is faster as you can import fabrics in three days where as in India, it would take 10 days. In fact, the list of Indian companies setting up garment units in Bangladesh is long." Bangladesh has emerged an attractive destination for Indian RMG manufacturers. Many have set up units in the country simply because Bangladesh offers ease of doing business, importing-exporting is faster. R&D on new styles is faster as you ... Read more

Recycling, the last resort in a truly circular economy

"The circular economy gives us a chance to create a new story for the global economy. Recycling has a place within that story, but rather than simply eking out our materials a bit further, a systemic shift based on circular economic principles offers greater business opportunity, and the potential to decouple growth from finite resource inputs." Many businesses have invested in recycling practices that seem like a natural starting point for more involved circular economy activities. Characteristics of a circular economy suggest that more fundamental shift required to decouple growth from finite resources and move to a circular development path. A... Read more

The high cost of buying cheap clothes

"More than trends and new designs, clothes have gotten much cheaper with the rise of ‘fast fashion.’ Today, anyone can chase trends, even on a budget. The ability to buy low-cost clothing is not necessarily a good thing. Here are three reasons why $14 jeans and $25 dresses cost more than one thinks." The craze for cheap clothes puts a strain on our environment. Moreover, there are several aspects involved in cheap clothes which one may not be aware of. Indeed, the fashion world is changing rapidly. Neon colors, power suits with shoulder pads, and fingerless gloves witnessed in the 80s are forgotten now. The 90s featured Doc Marten boots, but... Read more

Blame it on yoga pants, for cotton’s market decline

"Now-a-days, more women are wearing yoga pants. The problem for cotton is two-fold. These yoga pants contain more synthetic fiber than denim and more fiber goes into denim than yoga pants. Even if you had 100 per cent cotton yoga pants, we’d rather see the denim market going strong because more weight goes into those products, Worsham said." Cotton is still the No. 1 fiber for apparel at retail, although cotton’s market share has declined over the past several years. According to Berrye Worsham, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated, the research and promotion group that are funded by U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton pro... Read more

Nearly 1.3 bn tons of fabric wasted every year end up polluting rivers, land

"Every year, 80 billion garments are made globally generating 1.3 billion tons of fabric waste, says Mausmi Ambastha, Founder and COO, Threadsol. In her recent blog ‘You Waste 1.3 Billion Tonnes Of Fabric. What Are You Doing About It?’ Ambastha urges apparel manufacturers to look into the harmful impact on environment of the fabric wasted during manufacturing process and invest in greener technologies to make manufacturing environmentally sustainable. Indeed, environment issues are high on the agenda everywhere with air pollution, noise pollution, wastes from plastic, food and materials from our everyday lives being monitored." Every year, 80 bill... Read more

Reshoring: US, UK apparel brands rethink strategy

"Apparel was the third-highest industry for reshoring in the US in 2014 says A T Kearney’s Reshoring Index, accounting for 12 per cent of cases of reshoring. According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, from 2013 to 2014 (the latest year for which data is available), the US apparel industry’s output went up by 4 per cent, making it the country’s second-fastest growing manufacturing sector." When apparel manufacturing jobs were flying off-shore in the 1990s, many brands divested in its clothing factory. However, over the last five years many of them expanded their workers at domestic facility they owned, before moving the operation into a large... Read more

Asian textile industry shrinks, opens doors for Kenyan garments and fashion

"The garment industry - a labour intensive, low-skill manufacturing process - has been one of the catalysts for the economic growth in the Asian countries for several decades. There is however a twist. The garment manufacturing sector is gradually slowing down among the Asia tigers -promising opportunities for other markets such as Kenya where aspects of production cost such as labour inflation remain slightly lower. " Garment manufacturing sector is gradually slowing down among the Asia tigers, promising opportunities for other markets such as Kenya where aspects of production cost such as labour inflation remain slightly lower. The garment indu... Read more

Vietnam, a contender for major textile exports

"According to one estimate, Vietnam's textile exports will double in the decade from 2015 to 6 trillion yen ($55 billion). In addition to low labor costs, expected cuts in tariffs under the agreement are drawing textile companies to the emerging country." Vietnam is emerging as a potential new world production center of textile products, as major global apparel makers are expanding their production in the Southeast Asian country. Avery Dennison RBIS, a U.S. manufacturer of apparel labels and tags, and South Korean clothing maker Panko are building new plants in Vietnam, which is part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade liberalization pact amon... Read more

Cooperation is the buzzword to create sustainable denim

"Industry leaders behind Rational Denim are hoping their collaborative project around responsibly produced denim will help pave the path for others to follow. Major players like Archroma, Garmon, Lenzing and Royo, each an expert in its respective area of supply chain, share the same belief that denim garments can be made in a more responsible way. And that’s exactly what the four set out to prove when they decided to team up." Industry leaders behind Rational Denim are hoping their collaborative project around responsibly produced denim will help pave the path for others to follow. Major players like Archroma, Garmon, Lenzing and Royo, eac... Read more

Panorama Berlin to be held from January 16

Panorama Berlin will be held from January 16 to 18, 2018. This is a service provider and an industry hub and will feature trends for fall/winter and more than 800 exhibitors. Last season, the show attracted nearly 50,000 visitors from 96 countries, and hosted more than 700 brands. The upcoming edition will have a new hall structure, expanded lifestyle areas and new community areas. The layout makes it easier for buyers to navigate across the offering, with dedicated areas for men and women’s which blend seamlessly with each other from casual wear to formal wear, and from classic to progressive. Accessories, footwear, denim and street wear will also be presented. T... Read more

Denim companies go green by joining hands with technology firms

"Exhibitors present at ITMA such as Sei Laser, the Curno, Italy-based company introduced Flexi Denim, a digital laser machine that can replace traditional, manual methods for discolouration, abrasion, decoration, marking, engraving and cutting of jeans and other finished garments. Flexi Denim safeguards the environment by reducing water consumption by 80 per cent and eliminating the use of toxic chemicals." Sustainability is the buzzword today. And apparel and textile companies around the world too are doing their bit, initiating efforts to go green. Denim production has traditionally been one of the unsafe processes. However, now denim makers are... Read more

SOURCING: Changing dimensions with newer risks and opportunities

TRENDSPOTTING 2016: "While China continues to dominate the global market as the sourcing hub, a few international treaties and initiatives like TPP, AGOA, EU -Vietnam FTA etc, is expected to change the global sourcing landscape and new power centres are bound to emerge. Industry forecast suggests the market growth rate of developed countries will slowdown and big emerging economies like China, India will be the key driver of growth." With globalisation and fast fashion, the textile and apparel industry has become one of the key contributors to the global economy. A global report on textile and apparel industry by FPT Securities indicates, the indu... Read more

American clothing startups looking for local factories

While there are plenty of challenges with making products in the US, finding solutions to these hard problems is what seems to make these companies tick. These new manufacturers believe that jobs in Shenzhen (China) are just as important to the families in Shenzhen as they are to American families. For them, there is something cool about the fact that American-made clothing companies are disproving what they have been told for the last 40 years about how American manufacturing is dead. There are plenty of challenges with making products in the US, finding solutions to these hard problems is what seems to make these co... Read more

Digital technology to change the face of US textile industry

"Call it smart clothing or functional fabric, these innovations are ground breaking. Electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturers, and fashion designers have all collaborated to merge the age-old industry of textile materials with nano-technology and the Internet of things (IoT). Today’s smart fabrics are far more complex than a blend of wools, cottons, and polyesters. They incorporate a variety of metals, fiberglass, and ceramics." A lot of innovation has crept into textiles sector with the use of digital technology. With the help of electrical and software engineers the face of the industry is changing fast. Soon smart technology wil... Read more

Innovation is the buzz-word in US denim market

"A lot of research and cutting edge innovations are happening in the denim industry to introduce new ideas such as wearable technology in the right products at the right times in to the market. Denim makers are looking at the popularity of athleisure and figuring out how to make certain properties of the comfort category work for the jeans wear market." A lot of research and cutting edge innovations are happening in the denim industry to introduce new ideas such as wearable technology in the right products at the right times in to the market. Denim makers are looking at the popularity of athleisure and figuring out how to make certain properties o... Read more

Increasing awareness push brands to adopt sustainable sourcing

"Undoubtedly, an industry’s consumer number in the billions is bound to have a significant environmental impact. In the run-up to last December’s UN Climate Conference, seven top fashion brands released a joint statement detailing their concerns for a warming world. Not only was climate change grave news for the planet, it was potentially awful for the bottom line." A clothing company has to have a sustainability strategy that actually works. The question is whether or not there’s a way to truly produce clothing right. The textiles and apparel industry, accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. Producing a single ton of fabric can requi... Read more

Denims and jeans will be back to their roots, says Leopoldo Duranis

"Leopoldo made a live video presentation at the recent ‘Denim in Fashion Dhaka’ event organized by Denimsandjeans.com on denim trends for A/W ’17 in the three regions of US, EU and Asia. This was the first time such a live presentation was made at a denim show anywhere and brought out the touch of technology to the field of fashion forecasting." Veteran designer and developer for denim brands, Leopoldo Duranis has been associated with some of the most reputed companies in the industry including, See by Chloe, Martelli , Evisu, Hellenic Fabrics, Benetton, Sixty Spa, Versace, Mustang and others and extended his designer expertise to them. Based in I... Read more

Small global apparel brands making a mark

"Even though big global brands are known across the world there are many more small brands who have made a mark. These small apparel brand entrepreneurs along with many others work day and night to make their dream come true to build their own clothing brand successful. Many dream of starting a clothing business with a small sum of resource and money. After all, every business has to start somewhere and sometime. " Even though big global brands are known across the world there are many more small brands who have made a mark. These small apparel brand entrepreneurs along with many others work day and night to make their dream come true to build the... Read more

Asia emerges strong in global garment exports

"The strong performance of garment exports in Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia has not been replicated across all of Asia's economies that rely heavily on apparel earnings. China, the continent's behemoth in apparel exports, finally seems to be feeling the impact of rising domestic costs. Myanmar, an important emerging player in the sector, also had a mixed year, with strong growth in apparel export volumes being offset by a steep depreciation of the local currency, the kyat, resulting in a drop in the US-dollar value of garment earnings." Garment exporters in the Asian region by and large outperformed their rivals ac... Read more

Africa has the right mix to emerge global force in RMG

"Along with its local advantages like cheap abundant labour and lots of land, Africa has the potential to emerge as a global power house in apparel production with the right government policies. Apparel production constantly shifts. It's often one of the first manufacturing businesses that go into a developing country, also the first to leave as the country grows and develops. And with" Along with its local advantages like cheap abundant labour and lots of land, Africa has the potential to emerge as a global power house in apparel production with the right government policies. Apparel production constantly shifts. It's often one of the first... Read more

Digital printing about to revolutionise textiles

"Digital printing is likely to bring high volume printing opportunities to industries such as paper, industrial surfaces of all kinds and textile. These industries are reluctant to hop on the bandwagon usually due to each application’s particular drawbacks but in most cases manufacturers are simply oblivious to the availability of digital printing’s advantages and capabilities also for high volume industries." In today’s world, any printer can spurt out the advantages of digital printing over traditional printing. The graphic arts sector, signage and packaging industry are examples of industries which adopted digital printing technologies alongsid... Read more

Global warming impacts brands' fashion cycles

"Fashion retailers are feeling the heat from warming winter. According to Co. Design, a Patagonia spokesperson, climate change ‘a serious crisis’ for its business. And while retailers like J. Crew, H&M, and Nordstrom decline to comment, the numbers speak for themselves. Uniqlo, H&M, and Gap all announced major seasonal shortfalls this year, and Macy’s is actually cutting more than 4,500 jobs following slumpish holiday sales, blaming 80 per cent of its revenue shortcomings on cold-weather goods like jackets, hats, and scarves that just didn’t sell." Fashion retailers are feeling the heat from warming winter. According to Co. Design, a Patag... Read more

11th PSF 2016: Concrete action urged for sustainable development in fashion

"The opening session of the 11th Prime Source Forum 2016, Hong Kong that started today and is on till March 15, focused on sustainability as a practical and realistic approach going beyond just a cosmetic or marketing activity. Prime Source Forum, the two day event in its current edition, has been addressing sustainability concerns all these years. However, this edition deeply stresses on practical approach and solutions." The opening session of the 11th Prime Source Forum 2016, Hong Kong that started today and is on till March 15, focused on sustainability as a practical and realistic approach going beyond just a cosmetic or marketing activity. P... Read more

Europe a growing market for fashion accessories

"Despite an economic downturn, there has been a growing demand for fashion accessories in Europe. As per a market report by the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).Europe represents an attractive destination market for exporters of fashion accessories from developing countries. Fashion accessories have performed well in the European market, even during the economic crisis." Despite an economic downturn, there has been a growing demand for fashion accessories in Europe. As per a market report by the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).Europe represents an attractive destination market for exporters of... Read more

Fashion industry faces disruption

"This is happening within the industry itself as brands try to engage the new consumer - and lure back the old. Fashion industry is certainly seems to be in a state of flux. The collapse of the Asian market, an exodus of designer talent from the big houses and the sluggish performance of ready-to-wear has precipitated several radical announcements." This is happening within the industry itself as brands try to engage the new consumer - and lure back the old. Fashion industry is certainly seems to be in a state of flux. The collapse of the Asian market, an exodus of designer talent from the big houses and the sluggish performance of ready-to-wear h... Read more

Trade deals a new trend

"The proliferation of major regional trade agreements, including the recently agreed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) being negotiated by the US and the European Union, has undeniably played a critical role in expanding global trade and the exports of member countries." According to the supporters of WTO, everyone is making trade deals these days, but in the long term such arrangements could weaken the world trading system. The proliferation of major regional trade agreements, including the recently agreed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partner... Read more

First Belt and Road Summit explores business opportunities

"Hong Kong recently hosted the inaugural Belt and Road Summit to explore business opportunities presented to the world by the Belt and Road Initiative. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, more than 20 senior government ministers from countries located along the Belt and Road routes as well as business leaders from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, ASEAN and other regions shared their insights on a wide range of issues." Hong Kong recently hosted the inaugural Belt and Road Summit to explore business opportunities presented to the world by the Belt and Road Initiative. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centr... Read more

Re-shoring among the new trends at Texprocess Americas

"The recently concluded Texprocess Americas one of the continuing themes was Made in the USA production and re-shoring resources. It’s somewhat anecdotal and not everyone is benefiting, but clearly some companies are. They include Hickory Brands, a North Carolina firm that specializes in shoelaces and braiding. Tucked away in a small booth at the end of an aisle, Hickory Brands was one of 38 firms housed in the Supply Chain USA pavilion. Hickory Brands supplies the major sporting-goods chains as well as shoe manufacturers." Texprocess Americas is held alongside Techtextil North America and JEC Americas. The three trade shows cover technical textil... Read more

Bangladesh RMG sector working towards achieving 2021 targets

"BGMEA’s roadmap gets special importance for achieving a near double-digit export growth in the calendar year, 2015. Global focus is on working conditions in the readymade garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh. Quite clearly these essential conditions are to be addressed for the 2021 roadmap. Nevertheless, certain enabling conditions are to be addressed even for sustaining the present trend of success in export." Ranging from infrastructural issues to impact of changes in the global trade regime, the challenges faced by Bangladesh’s RMG sector have many dimensions. On issues beyond infrastructural impediments, a coordinated approach by different s... Read more

India’s emergence as a strong leader in global textile industry

"India has a unique opportunity to reverse the decline in its export share and seize a global leadership position. Some of this opportunity is arising due to changing labour dynamics in China, which has been the world’s textiles behemoth. Indian the textile sector is one of the four most labour-intensive sectors of the economy, along with construction, agriculture and tourism sectors." India has a unique opportunity to reverse the decline in its export share and seize a global leadership position. Some of this opportunity is arising due to changing labour dynamics in China, which has been the world’s textiles behemoth. Indian the textile sector is... Read more

EU Trade Policy aims to promote sustainability, human rights

"The 14 beneficiary countries, as well as EU and international institutions and civil society organisations, will now have an opportunity to respond to the findings of the report. The first report on the concrete effects of the GSP+, the EU trade policy instrument published by the European Commission and the EU High Representative to encourage third countries to comply with core international standards in the areas of human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance has been released." The 14 beneficiary countries, as well as EU and international institutions and civil society organisations, will now have an opportun... Read more

Focus on sustainable strategies in apparel industry

"A recent study by Boston Consulting Group reveals 50 per cent of Millennials believe brands ‘say something about who I am, my values, and where I fit in,’ while a recent Nielsen study found that three out of four Millennials - a coveted audience for any apparel company - are willing to pay extra for sustainable product offerings. Fashion brands that ignore the clear preference of Millennials for sustainable products and the business opportunity this presents do so at their peril." Fashion brand leaders across the world are incorporating sustainability strategies into business models and growth strategies, and reevaluating their supply chains to i... Read more

GVCs could be the key to growth in ASEAN

"Global Value Chains (GVCs) are essentially the practice of vertical integration in which the various stages of a production process are located across multiple countries to minimise marginal costs. This process is dependent on efficient and inexpensive transportation of raw materials and intermediate inputs." A World Bank and OEVD research says GVC-driven policies have been shown to drive productivity growth, create jobs and improve living standards. Under its new 10-year ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) roadmap, ASEAN is on the lookout for ways to accelerate trade facilitation and eliminate trade barriers by 2025. Extensive research has demonstrat... Read more

Top global companies falter in cotton sustainability standards

"Cotton sustainability ranking released recently by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) UK, Solidaridad and WWF had just eight out of 37 companies make it out of the red zone while home furnishing giant IKEA which tops the list, is in the green zone. Cotton is one of the most commonly used and versatile textiles, everyday product from T-shirts to bank notes. But conventional production can have serious environmental and social impacts, from excessive water and pesticide use to poor labour conditions." Cotton sustainability ranking released recently by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) UK, Solidaridad and WWF had just eight out of 37 companies make it out ... Read more

Growth in Southeast Asia expected to pick up, says UN report

"The report says, economic growth in South Asia is projected to strengthen in 2016-17, contingent upon steady progress on domestic policy reforms. Aggregate GDP is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2016 and 7 per cent in 2017, up from an estimated growth of 6 per cent in 2015. The improved outlook is likely to be broad-based. In most economies, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, strong private consumption will remain the major driver of growth, offsetting relatively tight fiscal policies and weak exports." The United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects... Read more

LATEST TOP NEWS

MOST POPULAR NEWS