Industry News | 1/23/25
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | The New PFAFF CONNECT - For a Smart Shoe and Garment Production
Press Release | January 23, 2025
PFAFF CONNECT is a new modern Industry 4.0 concept for intuitive machine control and optimized process and productivity monitoring. It ensures maximum process transparency, is cost-effective and easy to install, and it can be integrated into any company network.
Uzbek Group To Invest $40mn in Cotton-Textile Complex in Kazakhstan
Fibre2Fashion | January 23, 2025
Uzbekistan’s Global Textile Group wants to launch five facilities — a logistics centre, a cotton processing plant, a textile factory, dyeing and spinning workshop, and garment factory — in Kazakhstan’s Maktaaral district in the Turkestan region. Products will be supplied to the Kazakh market and exported to Europe.
Textile Sector in Crisis as 187 mills Halt Operation Across Country
Dunya News | January 23, 2025
Pakistan’s largest export sector, textiles, is facing a severe crisis due to expensive electricity and challenging economic conditions in the country. The data obtained by Dunya News revealed that 187 of the country's 568 textile mills (33%) have been shut down.
DataBeyond Launches AI Tool To Sort Blended Fabrics in China
Sourcing Journal | January 23, 2025
Chinese company DataBeyond has introduced a new tool for textile sortation, which it calls the AI Hyperspectral Optical Sorter for Blended Fabrics. The tool uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms in partnership with hyperspectral recognition technology to effectively meet sorting targets. Sorters can change the threshold the system needs to recognize — for example, sorting through fabrics that are made of more than 30% polyester, versus fabrics with more than 75% polyester.
Sustainable Charm Offensive from Shein
Innovation in Textiles | January 23, 2025
In a bid to counter considerable criticism about its business model and practices, ultra-fast fashion brand Shein has announced the development of a new polyester recycling process. The new method has been developed with Donghua University, a leading Chinese research institute, as part of a multi-year collaboration. The process is said to accept both pre and post-consumer polyester feedstock, including both textile waste and PET bottles, leading to improved cost efficiency compared to the current recycled polyester used in Shein’s products.
The company has also launched a charitable arm of its operations called the Shein Foundation.
For what it’s worth, of all the press around this new development, we chose to share this Innovation in Textiles piece that reminds readers that Shein’s “positive practices” are not the whole story. We continue to share news about the company, not because we like it, but because Shein connects around 6,000 garment factories through its AI-driven platform and is predicted to become the sixth largest apparel and footwear retailer by 2027.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | U.S. Delegation Focuses on Workers’ Rights During Visit to BGMEA
Apparel Resources | January 22, 2025
A prominent delegation from associate SPESA member American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Fair Labor Association met with representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association to discuss critical issues concerning workers’ rights in the country’s readymade garment sector. During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of fostering a sustainable and ethical industry in Bangladesh while enhancing trade relations with the United States.
Cambodia’s Exports of Garments, Textiles, Shoes, Travel Goods Hits Nearly 14 Billion in 2024
Apparel Resources | January 22, 2025
In 2024, Cambodia exported US$13.92 billion worth of clothing, textiles, footwear, and travel items, rising 23% over the previous year, according to a report from the Ministry of Commerce. There are currently 1,538 factories and branches in the sector, employing more than 913,000 people, the majority of whom are women.
Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Mexico and Canada on Feb. 1, Punting Day 1 Pledge
CNN | January 21, 2025
President Donald Trump said in an Oval Office signing ceremony on the evening of his inauguration that his administration will impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and a 10% increase on those already imposed on China, as early as February 1, 2025. This is obviously a diversion from his campaign promise/threat of implementing them on day one of his new term, yet would still represent an extraordinary change in North American trade policy that could raise prices for American consumers.
President Trump has directed federal agencies to evaluate U.S. trade policy, paving the way for the potential new tariffs. Agencies have until April 1st to report their findings and provide recommendations.
What Does Trump’s America First Policy Mean for the Apparel Sector?
Just Style | January 21, 2025
President Donald Trump's inauguration speech and executive order for an America First Trade Policy suggests tariffs are en route for the global apparel sector, while U.S. trade preference programs remain uncertain. Just Style shares insights on the potential impacts on the global industry.
Jordan Raises Minimum Wage, Benefits for Garment Sector Workers
Just Style | January 21, 2025
Jordan’s Ministry of Labor has revealed the signing of a new collective labor contract that will increase the minimum wage for workers in the country's spinning, weaving, and clothing sectors. The ministry also shared initiatives aimed at localizing development in rural areas to provide job opportunities closer to home, thereby reducing migration towards urban hubs.
Global Fashion Agenda and Deloitte Global Partner To Promote Fashion Sustainability
Apparel Resources | January 21, 2025
In order to “set the global agenda on sustainability in fashion,” as well as to educate, convene, and promote innovation, Global Fashion Agenda and Deloitte Global have formed a strategic “Knowledge Collaboration.” Through the collaboration, the organizations hope to expedite efforts to improve the sector and foster a change-friendly atmosphere.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | FibreLINE Honored with JEC Innovation Award 2025
Company Announcement | January 20, 2025
SPESA member Zünd announced FibreLINE, a groundbreaking high-speed preforming system developed by Loop Technology Ltd in collaboration with Zünd, has been honored with the prestigious JEC Composites Innovation Award 2025 in the Aerospace Process category.
Bangladesh’s RMG Sector Turns to Imported Yarn and Fabrics Amid Local Challenges
Apparel Resources | January 20, 2025
Bangladesh’s textile industry, a vital component of the nation’s economy, is increasingly reliant on imported yarn and fabrics, particularly among knitwear manufacturers, despite substantial local investments aimed at boosting production capacity. Recent data from the National Board of Revenue shows cotton yarn imports skyrocketed by 39% in 2024, amounting to a record US$2.28 billion, while fabric imports for knitwear factories surged by 38%.
Xinjiang Cotton Industry Poised for Continued Growth Despite Sanctions
Apparel Resources | January 20, 2025
A recently-released regional government work report states that, in spite of sanctions, China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region intends to fortify its cotton industry as a pillar sector. With an output of more than 5.68 million tonnes, or 92.2% of the nation’s total, Xinjiang continued to be the cotton powerhouse in 2024. The Xinjiang Regional People’s Congress Standing Committee enacted a resolution in August of last year to oppose U.S. sanctions and aid in the growth of businesses that have been sanctioned, especially those in the apparel and textile industries.
Mexico To Allow Exemptions from Import Restrictions for Textiles and Apparel
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. Trade Advisory | January 15, 2025
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy has issued a bulletin easing restrictions on temporary imports under the IMMEX program that were announced in December in an effort to protect the Mexican textiles and apparel industries. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. highlights the companies that may be affected.
OEKO-TEX® New regulations 2025U.S.’ Webinar on January 15
Press Release | January 14, 2025
The OEKO-TEX® Association has released updated testing criteria, limit values, and guidelines for several of its certifications, based on the latest scientific research and legal developments. The revised standards will take effect on April 1, 2025, following a transition period.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AATCC Announces 2025-2026 Board of Directors
Press Release | January 13, 2025
Last fall, AATCC members elected their 2025-2026 President and Interest Group Board of Directors representatives. All officers began their term on January 1, 2025. Read more about the new leaders in this press release.
Year In Review: Material Masters and Their Trailblazing Textiles
Sourcing Journal | December 31, 2024
This is a cool look at all the strange and wonderful textiles innovations from the last year.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Celebrating Tukatech's 30th Anniversary (Video)
YouTube | January 10, 2025
Tukatech founder Ram Sareen and his wife recently celebrated the company's 30 year anniversary with the team in Sri Lanka. “Over the past three decades, Tukatech has remained committed to revolutionizing the fashion and apparel industry with innovation, passion, and teamwork. This celebration stands as a testament to the incredible partnerships, hard work, and dedication of every individual who has been part of the journey.”
There isn’t really any news in this Youtube video, but it is fun to watch! Congrats Ram and Tukatech!
This Dallas Textile Recycling Group Becomes the Biggest in North Texas
Sourcing Journal | January 10, 2025
Two Texan textile recyclers, RTCM Holdings and United-Southern Waste Material, have teamed up to lead the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex’s industrial rags and cleaning cloths space, following a new acquisition.
U.S. PPE Manufacturers Rally To Aid California Communities Impacted by Wildfires
Press Release | January 9, 2025
In response to the devastating wildfires sweeping across the Los Angeles area and surrounding regions, the American Medical Manufacturers Association is mobilizing its network of domestic PPE manufacturers to provide critical support to impacted families, first responders, and healthcare workers.
When Fashion Burns: LA’s Retailers Will Once Again Rise from the Ashes
Fashion United | January 9, 2025
This article is more opinion than news, but it is a heartfelt consideration of the endurance of the fashion industry.
“The loss of these spaces reminds us that fashion retail at its best is about more than commerce — it's about community, creativity, and connection. As Los Angeles once again faces the task of rebuilding, we must remember that these local businesses are not just economic assets but cultural landmarks worth protecting and preserving.”
CES Trump's Tariff Threat Spurs Auto Suppliers To Rethink Production Plans
Reuters | January 9, 2025
Global auto suppliers are working out how much of their production can be moved to the United States, or closer to it, as a defense against tariffs promised by President Donald Trump, according to industry executives at the recent CES event in Las Vegas. The high tariffs would be hard to pass on to consumers and would render many auto parts produced in lower-cost markets uneconomical, or in the case of China make it virtually impossible to sell products in the U.S. This Reuters article (written before the inauguration) does a good job explaining the maneuvers already undertaken by the auto industry in response to Covid, tariffs, and other supply chain speedbumps, as well as the challenges it still faces.
Acquisition of C-DESIGN by PRODMODE
Press Release | January 9, 2025
Prodmode, a respected Canadian fashion ERP solutions provider, announced its acquisition of C-DESIGN, a renowned French leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions.
Reju CEO: Stars Will Align on Textile Recycling in 2027
Just Style | January 9, 2025
The CEO of material regeneration firm Reju tells Just Style there's been a lot of talk in the world of textile recycling, and very little "build," but he is optimistic that by 2027 his company alongside others will be ready to make a "big impact.”
Can This All-In-One Technology Change How Denim Is Dyed and Finished?
Rivet | January 8, 2025
Dustin White, Lab Denim CEO, explains the simplified process behind the company’s breakthrough technology. Developed in Switzerland, Lab Denim utilizes a digital machine powered by proprietary software and a unique indigo replacement developed specifically for denim. A roll of white twill (or any non-synthetic white fabric) is fed into the machine, which uses Lab Denim’s eco-friendly inks and bio color enhancers to colorize the fabric.
ICYMI | Early Bird Registration Open for 2025 SPESA Advancements Conference
SPESA Announcement January 10, 2025
SPESA is excited to announce registration is open for the 2025 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference, taking place Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Austin Central Library in Austin, TX. Click here to register and lock in your early bird rate.
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