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The 29th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) in November 2024, reveals a mixed yet resilient outlook for the global textile sector. While short-term business sentiment has slightly declined over the past two months, long-term improvements remain steady since the low of November 2023. South America and Africa show strong optimism, leading regional performance with increasing order intake, while Europe and the textile machinery segment experience weaker demand.
The global textile value chain is seeing a continued decrease in inventory levels, although with regional variations. Africa reports the highest levels of inventory, while garments maintain the lowest. Despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions, inflation, and high energy prices, the industry’s confidence in future business prospects remains strong, particularly in South America and Africa.
Global demand remains a key concern, but its intensity is waning. Notably, the shortage of skilled workers ranks as the third most pressing issue, highlighting a growing challenge for the industry. Order cancellations have continued to decline for the 14th consecutive month, and the average order backlog stands at 2.1 months, indicating ongoing recovery and stability within the sector.
Overall, the survey highlights a positive trajectory for the global textile industry, marked by improved order intake, a diminishing cancellation rate, and continued optimism despite facing persistent global challenges.
The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit, hosted an International Conference on Automation and Robotics in the Textile & Apparel Industry on November 15, 2024, at The Lalit, Mumbai. This event brought together leading professionals, policymakers, and technology experts to explore the potential of automation in transforming India’s textile sector. Over 350 delegates, including industry leaders and academic professionals, attended the conference, underscoring its significance in driving innovation.
Focus on automation and robotics
The conference revolved around the theme of leveraging automation and robotics to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve global competitiveness. With India’s textile industry facing challenges like rising labor costs, inefficiency, and increased competition, automation has emerged as a strategic imperative.
Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner, inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. In her keynote address, she emphasized the critical role of automation in achieving higher productivity, cost savings, and sustainable growth. She highlighted that the government is actively supporting initiatives to modernize the industry, thereby encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies.
Keynote session: Global perspectives
Navdeep S Sodhi, Partner at GherziTextil Organisation, delivered the keynote address. He presented an in-depth analysis of the global landscape, stressing how automation could enable Indian textile manufacturers to compete with global leaders. According to Sodhi, automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for companies looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
He outlined the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to optimize supply chains, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. His insights were complemented by case studies from international markets where automation has yielded significant productivity gains.
An important highlight of the event was the Industrial Excellence Award, presented to Pradeep Dodhia, Managing Director of Dodhia Synthetics Ltd. This prestigious award recognized his outstanding contributions to the textile industry, particularly in adopting innovative practices that have set benchmarks for others. Dodhia’s efforts in integrating modern technologies into his company’s operations were applauded by the audience.
Technical sessions: Insights into innovation
The first technical session delved into various facets of automation in textile manufacturing, emphasizing predictive maintenance through AI-based solutions, waste management technologies aimed at enhancing sustainability, and process optimization tools designed to streamline production and improve efficiency.
Presentations from experts detailed how predictive maintenance systems can foresee equipment failures, thus minimizing downtime and saving costs. Speakers also highlighted innovative waste management solutions that align with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability.
The second session spotlighted advancements in storage automation and warehouse management systems, innovations in digital printing technologies, and upgrades in textile machinery integrating robotic systems. It also explored IT solutions for supply chain management and real-time monitoring, highlighting their role in enhancing operational efficiency.
This session emphasized the growing role of digital printing and smart warehouses, enabling faster turnaround times and better inventory control. Presentations demonstrated how robotic systems are reducing human intervention in complex manufacturing processes, thereby increasing precision and efficiency.
Expert panel discussion
A notable feature of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Rajiv Ranjan, an industry expert with extensive knowledge of automation trends. The discussion delved into the challenges of adopting automation in India, including high initial costs and the need for skilled labor. Panelists also explored solutions to bridge these gaps, such as government incentives and training programs.
The panelists agreed that while automation presents certain challenges, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. They stressed that Indian textile companies must embrace these technologies to remain competitive in global markets.
Key takeaways and future outlook
The conference concluded with a consensus that automation and robotics will be pivotal in shaping the future of India’s textile and apparel industry. Delegates left with actionable insights into integrating these technologies into their operations.
TAI Mumbai’s initiative to organize this event reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and knowledge sharing within the industry. With the successful conclusion of this conference, the textile sector is poised to take significant strides toward a more automated and efficient future.
Canopy's latest Hot Button Report reveals that 71 per cent of rated man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF) producers have achieved green shirt status or higher, a designation recognizing leadership in eliminating Ancient and Endangered Forests and prioritizing low-carbon, circular fibres in supply chains. These top producers now account for 53 per cent of the global supply of viscose, rayon, lyocell, and other MMCF textiles.
For the first time, three major global producers - Aditya Birla (India), Lenzing (Austria), and Tangshan Sanyou (China), have all earned dark green shirt status, reflecting a global commitment to sustainable sourcing in MMCF production. The report arrives at a critical moment, with MMCF demand surging by nearly half a million tonnes this year. However, a significant portion of this expansion comes from producers flagged with red shirts, indicating sourcing risks from high-carbon and biodiverse forests.
Madelene Ericsson Ryman, Sustainability Business Expert at H&M Group, expressed optimism about the growing number of producers prioritizing sustainability. Since 2020, H&M has exclusively sourced from green shirt producers, aligning with its environmental goals.
The report highlights key advancements, noting that 97.5 per cent of global MMCF production is now rated, with several producers advancing in their rankings. Chinese manufacturers such as Tangshan Sanyou and Yibin Grace, along with global players like Eastman, have achieved dark green status. Most engaged producers are incorporating low-carbon, Next Gen materials, often derived from waste textiles, or are investing in advanced research and development.
Nicole Rycroft, Founder of Canopy, emphasized the report’s progress, noting that 71 per cent of MMCF producers now align with brands' sustainability goals. She underscored the need for continued collaboration to scale Next Gen production, protect forests, support local economies, and promote environmental stewardship.
Since 2016, the Hot Button Report has served as a crucial resource for over 550 brands, retailers, and designers, guiding sustainable sourcing in forest-based fabric supply chains. CanopyStyle partners remain committed to sourcing exclusively from green shirt producers, fostering the shift toward more sustainable, circular materials.
The Indian textile industry continues to grapple with differences between domestic and international prices for Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF) and Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF). Data compiled by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) for November 2024 reveals, domestic prices for both PSF and VSF remain significantly higher compared to international rates, posing challenges for the MSME sector. This disparity could have implications for the cost competitiveness of Indian yarn manufacturers compared to their international counterparts, particularly those in China.
Highlights of CITI data
The November statistics compiled by CITI shows domestic prices for both PSF and VSF remained consistently higher than international prices throughout all four weeks of the month. The price difference was more pronounced for PSF than VSF. For PSF, domestic prices were roughly 30-35 per cent higher than international prices. For VSF, the difference was around 11-13 per cent. This price gap could put Indian yarn manufacturers at a disadvantage when competing with manufacturers in countries like China, where raw material costs are lower. This disparity also indicates challenges for Indian MSME spinners, who depend on competitive input costs to remain viable against global manufacturers.
Table: Weekly price difference of PSF and VSF in November
|
November |
Fiber type |
Domestic price (Rs) |
International price (Rs) |
Price difference (Rs) |
Price difference (%) |
|
1st Week |
PSF |
98 |
74.55 |
23.45 |
31.45% |
|
VSF |
158 |
141.91 |
16.09 |
11.34% |
|
|
2nd Week |
PSF |
98 |
73.86 |
24.14 |
32.68% |
|
VSF |
158 |
140.4 |
17.6 |
12.54% |
|
|
3rd Week |
PSF |
98 |
73.33 |
24.67 |
33.65% |
|
VSF |
158 |
139.96 |
18.04 |
12.89% |
|
|
4th Week |
PSF |
98 |
72.63 |
25.37 |
34.93% |
|
VSF |
158 |
139.76 |
18.24 |
13.05% |
Domestic PSF price consistently recorded a higher percentage difference compared to VSF. By the 4th week, the price gap for PSF reached almost 35 per cent, its highest during the month. Rising cost disparity could pressure Indian manufacturers reliant on synthetic fibers. The $/Rs exchange rate remained relatively stable, fluctuating marginally between 84.21 and 84.41. However, this limited movement in exchange rates did not significantly impact the domestic-to-international price gap.
Implications for the Indian industry
Competitiveness: Higher domestic prices for PSF and VSF could erode the competitiveness of Indian yarn and fabric exports, particularly in cost-sensitive markets.
Raw material sourcing: With international prices significantly lower, import-driven procurement might become attractive, but it could incur additional costs, such as import duties and transportation.
Policy intervention: To ensure a level playing field for MSMEs, the government may need to evaluate domestic taxation and pricing mechanisms.
The growing price difference between domestic and international markets for PSF and VSF highlights a pressing need for strategic interventions. As the Indian textile sector aims to strengthen its position globally, addressing input cost inefficiencies will be crucial.
Rudolf is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire Proeza, a well-established leader in the Mexican market with over 40 years of industry experience. This acquisition marks a strategic milestone, enabling Rudolf to leverage Proeza’s market expertise and solidify its presence in the region.
Rudolf is committed to maintaining Proeza’s high standards of service and quality that customers have trusted for decades. As part of this integration, Rudolf plans to introduce a broader range of innovative products from its global portfolio, enhancing the value offered to customers and driving innovation in the marketplace.
To ensure a smooth transition, Javier Sagrero has been appointed as Managing Director of Rudolf Mexico. His leadership will be instrumental in fostering local expertise and delivering exceptional service.
This collaboration combines Rudolf’s century-long global presence with Proeza’s deep market knowledge, creating a synergy that promises enhanced technical support and innovative solutions. Together, the companies are poised to empower customers with a diverse, innovative product offering, reinforcing their commitment to customer success and market leadership.
Recent political instability and labor unrest in Bangladesh have cast a shadow over its apparel industry, the second-largest in the world after China. As orders shift to competitors like India and Vietnam, experts are divided on whether this represents a short-term blip or a more significant threat to Bangladesh's ambitious economic plans.
Orders exodus amidst uncertainty
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) statistics reveal a worrying picture. While Bangladesh's garment exports grew by a mere 5.34 per cent in the July-September quarter, Vietnam and India saw increases of 15.57 per cent and 13.45 per cent, respectively.
This shift is attributed to factors like the political turmoil due to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government and ensuing protests that created an uncertain business environment. Deep-rooted labor grievances, including demands for better wages and working conditions, have led to strikes and factory closures. And infrastructure challenges as Bangladesh's reliance on imported fabric and persistent power shortages hamper its competitiveness.
Table: Garment export growth
|
Country |
Export growth (July-September 2024) |
|
Bangladesh |
5.34% |
|
Vietnam |
15.57% |
|
India |
13.45% |
|
Source: BGMEA |
India and Vietnam reaping benefits
The turmoil in Bangladesh has led to competing countries like India and Vietnam gaining from the situation. India, with its integrated supply chains, large workforce, and stable political environment, is emerging as a preferred alternative. The Tiruppur knitwear hub alone secured $54 million in orders in September. Vietnam, known for its competitive labor costs and efficient manufacturing, is also attracting increased business.
However, industry experts in Bangladesh are optimistic, emphasizing the country's established supply chains, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability. They believe that resolving power shortages and restoring political stability will enable a swift recovery.
However, analysts caution that prolonged unrest could erode buyer confidence and lead to a permanent loss of market share. Mehdi Mahbub, an apparel business analyst, warns, "If the unrest continues for another quarter and opportunities keep shifting, competitors could certainly take over."
The need for action
To mitigate the long-term impact, experts recommend:
Restoring political stability: Ensuring a predictable and secure business environment is crucial to regain investor confidence.
Addressing labor concerns: Engaging with workers to address their grievances and improve working conditions is essential for long-term sustainability.
Investing in infrastructure: Upgrading power infrastructure and reducing reliance on imported fabrics could enhance competitiveness.
Diversifying the economy: Reducing dependence on the apparel sector will reduce risks associated with global market fluctuations.
Thus the shift of apparel orders away from Bangladesh underscores the vulnerability of export-oriented economies to political and social disruptions. While the country's apparel industry has demonstrated resilience in the past, decisive action is needed to address underlying challenges and ensure its long-term competitiveness.
WGSN, a leading authority in trend forecasting, alongside Coloro, has unveiled its highly anticipated fashion predictions for 2025. These insights, encompassing colors, materials, and cultural influences, provide a glimpse into the styles poised to shape the fashion landscape.
Key color trends for 2025
Future dusk: This rich hue, blending deep violet and midnight blue, represents the transitional beauty of dusk. As WGSN explains, it embodies escapism and change, aligning with societal shifts and innovations like space tourism. Future Dusk, suitable for both classic styles and bold metallic finishes, is expected to resonate in luxury evening wear and investment pieces.
Cherry lacquer: A deep, rebellious red between Bordeaux and cherry, Cherry Lacquer symbolizes resistance and sensuality. It’s ideal for statement materials like patent leather and appeared prominently in collections from Versace and Gucci.
Retro blue: Evoking nostalgia and comfort, Retro Blue harkens back to analog times, providing a stabilizing touch in uncertain periods. Designers such as Emporio Armani and Zuhair Murad have showcased its versatility in contemporary silhouettes.
Neon flare: Reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis, this bold coral hue energizes with its electric vibrancy. Featured in avant-garde designs from Viktor & Rolf, it conveys collective action and futuristic innovation. Urangoo Samba, WGSN's Head of Color, notes that these hues align with the broader cultural zeitgeist: "In the near future, the lines between reality and fantasy will blur, and our choices will reflect immersive, transformative narratives."
Material and design directions
WGSN anticipates a focus on tactile and adaptive materials, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Space-age influences will permeate textiles and silhouettes, paralleling advances in technology and science. Metallic finishes, intricate layering, and modular designs will define the era’s cutting-edge style.
Case studies from the runway
Haute couture highlights: Designers like Giorgio Armani Privé and Gaurav Gupta have embraced Future Dusk in celestial-inspired gowns, demonstrating its versatility and allure.
Bold red statements: Cherry Lacquer appeared in Zuhair Murad’s ethereal creations and Versace’s structured pieces, emphasizing its duality of defiance and allure.
Retro and coral notes: Retro Blue’s nostalgic charm graced Emporio Armani’s collections, while Neon Flare punctuated the vibrant displays of Valentino and Mark Fast.
The report identifies six key trends that will shape the fashion industry in the coming year.
The rise of individuality: Consumers are increasingly looking for clothing that reflects their unique personality and style. This trend is being driven by the rise of social media and the growing popularity of online shopping, which has made it easier for people to express themselves through their clothing choices. For example, Gucci has embraced the trend of individuality by launching a new campaign that celebrates the unique style of its customers. The campaign features a diverse cast of models who are wearing Gucci clothing in their own unique way.
The return of vintage: Vintage fashion is making a comeback in 2025. This is due in part to the growing popularity of sustainability and the desire for unique and timeless pieces. Consumers are also looking for clothing that has a story, and vintage pieces often have a rich history that can add to their appeal. Levi's has embraced the trend of vintage fashion by launching a new collection of vintage-inspired jeans. The collection features classic Levi's styles that have been updated with a modern twist.
The comfort factor: Comfort is a top priority for consumers in 2025. This is due to the increasing demand for athleisure wear and the growing popularity of working from home. Consumers are looking for clothing that is both stylish and comfortable, and they are willing to pay a premium for pieces that meet these criteria. Nike has embraced the trend of comfort by launching a new line of athleisure wear. The line features comfortable and stylish clothing that is perfect for everyday wear.
The rise of sustainable fashion: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue for consumers, and this is reflected in the fashion industry. In 2025, we will see a rise in the demand for sustainable fashion brands and products. Consumers are looking for clothing that is made from recycled materials and that is produced in an ethical and sustainable manner. Stella McCartney for example, has embraced sustainable fashion by using recycled materials in her designs. She has also partnered with Fairtrade to ensure that her clothing is produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.
The power of technology: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fashion industry. In 2025, we will see a rise in the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality in fashion design, production, and retail. Farfetch has embraced the trend of technology by using artificial intelligence to personalize the shopping experience for its customers. The company has also developed a virtual reality app that allows customers to try on clothes before they buy them.
The global fashion landscape: The fashion industry is becoming increasingly globalized. In 2025, there will be a rise in demand for international fashion brands and products. Consumers are looking for clothing that reflects the diversity of the world around them, and they are willing to shop from brands that are based in different countries.
The 2025 trends transcend fashion, offering a blueprint for innovation across design industries. As cultural, technological, and ecological factors converge, these trends promise to inspire an era of creativity and resilience.
The Indian Textile Accessories and Machinery Manufacturers Association (ITAMMA) held its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant shift towards digitalization and sustainability. ITAMMA President Bhavesh Patel emphasized the association’s digital transformation, highlighting a new marketplace ecosystem developed in collaboration with Sambuq.com. This initiative aims to help members navigate the challenges of sustainability and responsible manufacturing in global markets.
Patel stressed that ITAMMA’s role has evolved from being a facilitator to a proactive partner, aiding members in boosting competitiveness through technology upgrades, quality improvements, and cost-effectiveness.
ND Mhatre, Director General (Technical), underscored the importance of creativity, innovation, and sustainability in the current technological era. He emphasized the need for responsible developments in textile machinery to meet the demands of garmenting, retail, and fashion sectors. Mhatre highlighted the role of digitalization and AI in tracking the entire textile production chain, connecting manufacturers, processors, and retailers.
Anil Singhee, Managing Director of Addon Holdings, in his Guest of Honour speech, called for closer collaboration between machine manufacturers, designers, garment makers, and retailers. He stressed the importance of developing machines that reduce water usage, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize waste, aligning with sustainable manufacturing goals. Singhee also advocated for increased R&D investment and global exposure to create innovative, customized machines.
Singhee outlined a roadmap for the industry, urging manufacturers to adopt modular systems, embrace automation, and leverage technologies like 5G and IoT for smart manufacturing. He highlighted the importance of listening to customer feedback, continuous improvement, and building a robust ecosystem.
KartikayDhanda, Secretary of the Textile Committee, discussed initiatives on sustainability, circularity, and geographical indications (GI) for textiles and handlooms. He also mentioned the ongoing upgrades of textile laboratories to meet global certification standards.
Presentations by Tata Power representatives, including PayalShrimal and Mahesh Kulkarni, showcased the impact of solar energy projects on the textile industry. They highlighted benefits such as reduced energy costs and enhanced sustainability.
Outgoing ITAMMA President Purvik Panchal reflected on achievements in digitalization and social media campaigns, while incoming President Nimesh J Shah outlined financial strengthening initiatives for the association’s self-sustainability.JH Shah, a former ITAMMA President, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the association’s growth. His efforts in financial stabilization and proactive initiatives have positioned ITAMMA for long-term success.
The AGM concluded with the release of ITAMMA’s 81st Annual General Report and a presentation of the association’s activities in 2023-24. ITAMMA’s renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital integration aims to propel the Indian textile machinery sector to greater heights in global markets.
Sports fashion brand, Lacoste UK swung to a pre-tax loss of £3.269 million in 2023, even though the company’s turnover increased to £70.192 million during the year from £69.922 million in the previous year.
The brand also posted a net loss of £3.223 million for 2023, a reversal from the net profit of £1.846 million achieved a year earlier. Its retail revenue form boutique and outlet stores increased by a meager 0.3 per cent. This was despite the launch of a new global flagship store on London’s Regent Street in April 2023, aimed at enhancing the brand’s positioning and underscoring the UK’s importance to the French company.
However, the flagship’s impact was overshadowed by a weak wholesale performance, with wholesale revenues declining by 4.5 per cent. Lacoste attributed this decline to the challenging economic environment and the cost-of-living crisis, which dampened consumer footfall in physical stores.
Nevertheless, Lacoste maintained its focus on a premium strategy, emphasising partnerships with mid- to top-tier wholesale customers. The company’s gross margin remained steady at 44 per cent, avoiding significant markdowns despite the tough market conditions.
During the year, Lacoste UK acquired full ownership of Pentland Brands UK Distribution(PBUKD). A former licensed distributor of Lacoste footwear in the wholesale channel, PBUKD continued in this role for most of the year. In December, a sub-distribution agreement was signed, enabling Lacoste UK to take over as the distributor for Lacoste footwear in Britain and internationally starting from the Spring/Summer 2024 season. Under this arrangement, PBUKD earns royalties from Lacoste UK while the latter recharges service costs to PBUKD.
Additionally, Lacoste UK partnered with a third-party logistics provider to operate a new UK-based warehouse, which became operational in May 2023. This move aims to mitigate the financial impact of double import duties by eliminating the need to ship goods from the company’s European warehouse in France.
Move over skinny jeans, there's a new silhouette in town. Barrel jeans, with their distinctive wide-leg and cinched ankle, are emerging as the must-have denim trend of the moment. This unique shape, reminiscent of a, well, barrel, offers a fresh take on classic denim, blending comfort and style in a way that's capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
What are barrel jeans?
Barrel jeans are characterized by a high waist, a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh, and a tapered leg that gathers at the ankle. This creates a voluminous silhouette that's both flattering and fashion-forward. The style is often seen in rigid denim, adding to its structured and slightly retro appeal. They are trending because of several factors. First is their freshness. After years of skinny jeans dominance, the fashion world is craving something new. Barrel jeans offer a refreshing alternative that's both modern and nostalgic. Comfort is another major factor, as unlike their restrictive predecessors, barrel jeans provide ample room for movement. This comfort factor is a major draw for those seeking style without sacrificing ease. Barrel jeans can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions. Pair them with sneakers and a T-shirt for a casual look, or dress them up with heels and a blazer for a night out. Moreover, the cinched ankle and high waist create a flattering silhouette that complements various body types. The wide leg elongates the legs, while the tapered ankle provides balance.
While the barrel jeans trend is gaining traction globally, it's particularly prominent in fashion-forward cities like New York, London, and Paris. These cities are known for their embrace of cutting-edge styles, and barrel jeans have quickly become a staple in the wardrobes of trendsetters.
In the article "Yes, Barrel-Leg Jeans Are Universally Flattering," for The Cut fashion writer Danya Issawi highlights the versatility of barrel jeans, showcasing how they can be styled for various occasions. Issawi write, “Barrel jeans are the most mystifying trend I'm grateful to have existed in my timeline. I love the wide leg. I love the way they puddle at the feet. I love how I can dress them up or down or somewhere in between."
Elle magazine too acknowledges the growing popularity of barrel jeans, in their article "Barrel-Leg Jeans Are Officially The Denim Shape Of The Season." They cite Citizens of Humanity, a denim brand, as a driving force behind the trend, noting that retailers have "bought heavily into the horseshoe style" for the Autumn/Winter 2024 season. Fashion influencers on Instagram and TikTok too are also highlighting the barrel jeans trend. Many are showcasing their own unique styling approaches, further demonstrating the versatility of this denim silhouette.
Indeed, with their blend of comfort, style, and versatility, barrel jeans are poised to remain a key trend in the denim world. As more brands embrace this silhouette and offer their own interpretations, one can expect to see even more innovative and exciting styles emerge. Whether one’s seasoned fashionista or simply looking for a comfortable and stylish alternative to skinny jeans, barrel jeans are definitely worth exploring.
