The "GI & Beyond 2024" Summit, organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), successfully concluded on 25.11.2024 at New Delhi. The event highlighted the exceptional skills of artisans who manufactured India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tagged handloom and handicraft products and their global significance. The event was inaugurated by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles as chief guest who highlighted the importance of GI products in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and invited attention of the gathering on the attractive tourism concepts like heritage and cultural tourism for marketing GI goods. HMOT distributed GI certificates to 10 artisans from various parts of the country. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Giriraj Singh said that India received its 1st GI certification in 2004 and now our focus is to increase the income of artisans and how to make GI tagged products go global. The Minister exhorted that we should progress the GI tagged products from “Gaon to Global”. HMOT emphasised the importance of marketing and telling the world about the creativity of our artisans for the promotion of GI products and incorporate the GI tagged products as part of religious and cultural tourism. The Minister appealed the states having GI tagged products to collaborate with Textile Ministry to organize trade festivals exclusively for the promotion and marketing of the products, in the lines of Kutch festival. HMOT highlighted honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and emphasized that along with Vikas we need our Virasat as well. GI tag represents our heritage and as we heading towards Vikasit Bharat, our heritage is our capital, the Minister added. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of state for Textiles, Government of India graced the occasion as guest of Honour. Speaking at the occasion the MoS pointed out that handloom and handicrafts sector are not just industries, and they are the testament of our country’s diversity, creativity and legacy. Each craft and each artisan tell us a story of its people and its traditions.GI is a tool for empowerment and a shield of our heritage and a bridge to the global market., MOS added.
Smt.Rachana Shah, Secretary Textiles and Dr.M.Beena, Development Commissioner for Handlooms ,Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handicraft, Ms.Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner and Shri Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Trademark & GI also graced the occasion. The event had representation from 13 countries spread across 4 continents and witnessed around 20 overseas buyers, 50 exporters & MNCs, 70 GI authorised users and 40 officials from various departments including state governments. The diverse representation from various stakeholder of the industry fostered meaningful discussions and collaborations to expand the market potential for GI-tagged products. The technical session on various domains of the trade emphasized the integration of traditional handwoven and handcrafted skill with modern business practices to enhance the global appeal of India’s traditional textiles and craft. During the event, overseas buyers and domestic exporters interacted with the authorized users of Geographical Indications (GI). The overseas buyer applauded this event which beautifully narrated the tale of ethnic handwoven and handcrafted tradition of India. The domestic exporters stated that the products displayed are quite impressive and captivating. The exporters and overseas buyers expressed their willingness to extend possible support in promoting and to enhance the global presence of GI products. A special thematic display showcased an array of GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products across India, with participation from GI holders and authorized users. The display highlighted the regional uniqueness and cultural value of these artisanal products, attracting significant interest from attendees.
The summit concluded with a collective commitment to continue supporting India’s handloom and handicraft sector, ensuring that the legacy of GI products thrives both nationally and internationally
Source: PIB
New Delhi, Nov 25 (KNN) The global textile trading industry, valued at an impressive USD 800 billion, has long been a cornerstone of global commerce. India, contributing USD 35 billion annually in exports, has unveiled an ambitious plan to elevate this figure to USD 100 billion by 2030. This ambitious roadmap, announced by the Indian government, envisions a robust 19 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next six years. Achieving this goal will necessitate investments of nearly Rs 200,000 crore and create employment for three million people. From 2001 to 2014, India’s textile sector thrived with a 9 per cent CAGR. However, the past decade has been marked by stagnation due to the expiration of the EU trade treaty, COVID-19 disruptions, and high channel inventories. While the 2030 target appears challenging, the "China plus one" strategy and new catalysts like Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the EU and UK could help the industry reclaim its global position.
Geopolitical tensions and rising labor costs are prompting global brands to reduce reliance on China, creating opportunities for countries like India. Despite competition from Bangladesh, India's well-established textile ecosystem and government incentives position it as a strong alternative. Bangladesh's political instability further enhances India’s appeal. The garmenting and home textile sectors are expected to lead the way, benefiting from global retailer diversification strategies. Additionally, technical textiles—used in healthcare, industrial applications, and protective gear—are seeing rising demand. Consolidation trends among Indian manufacturers are fostering economies of scale, enabling larger players to secure contracts from multinational retailers. India’s ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU and UK could be transformative by reducing import duties and unlocking new markets. Meanwhile, the government’s PLI schemes are incentivising investments in textiles, ensuring the industry’s readiness for global competition. With strategic investments, a focus on value-added segments, and favourable trade agreements, India’s textile industry is poised for a transformative decade, promising significant economic and employment gains.
Source: KNN
In order to evaluate the effects of the implementation of the quality control order (QCO) for nylon, weavers of nylon have asked representatives from the Union textile ministry’s textile committee to come to the city. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is being appealed to. Nylon weavers brought up a number of issues at a recent online discussion with representatives of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SGCCI) textile committee. Preparations are underway to launch the QCO in nylon following its adoption in polyester. The city is the nation’s top producer of nylon yarn and greige fabric, despite the fact that its part of the production is minor when compared to polyester. About 22 lakh meters of nylon are manufactured in the city every day, compared to four crore meters of polyester fabric. “Nylon weavers voiced their concerns during an online meeting with representatives of the textile committee. We hope that solutions will be found soon,” SGCCI President Vijay Mevawala stated. The cost and quality of locally produced yarn are two of the major concerns. “Local yarn production is not up to par with imported yarn in terms of quality. With subpar yarn, it is impossible to produce high-quality products,” stated Vimal Bekawala, secretary of the Surat Nylon Weavers Association. Another issue is how the yarn performs throughout manufacture. Additionally, Ashish Gujarati, president of the Pandesara Weavers Co-Op Society Ltd., stated that locally produced yarn cannot compete with imported yarn on price. “For nylon yarn, international suppliers should have their applications for BIS licenses processed quickly. Local weavers should have access to high-quality imported yarn,” according to Gujarati.
Source : Apparel Resource
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R Gandhi has denied any move by the State Government to impose professional tax on weavers. According to the Minister’s statement, the Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi has not released any official information or issued any Government orders pertaining to the imposition of a professional tax on weavers. He stated that local authorities have been instructed to identify commercial and residential uses by comparing electricity connection lists in a letter issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) on 6th November 2024, but no professional tax has been fixed. Gandhi further underlined the Stalin-led DMK Government’s determination to keep yarn prices under control by holding monthly meetings of price-fixing committees, refuting the myth that rising yarn costs are causing weavers to struggle. The Minister emphasised that the DMK Government has been putting the safety and well-being of weavers first and putting various welfare and development programs into place.
Source: Apparel Resource
Penukonda (Sri Sathya Sai district): Handlooms and Textiles Minister S Savitha has revealed plans to set-up Textiles Parks in Pamidi and Rayadurg in Anantapur district and in Emmiganur and Mylavaram in Kurnool. Speaking with The Hans India, Minister Savitha informed that plans are afoot to set up weavers stalls throughout the State. Besides, weavers tools will be supplied to weavers at 90 per cent subsidy According to her, way back in 2015, the then TDP government alienated 90 acres for a textile park in Emmiganur, but the subsequent Jagan government cancelled the textile park and allocated the same fo r Jagananna housing. Someone approached the court and brought a stay order against the government’s decision post 2019. The textile park is now being processed by the present TDP government. As many as 5,000 jobs would be generated by the textile park. Savitha said the government will soon announce it's textile policy. A few MPs came forward to release MPLADS for establishing weaver stalls, she added. The Minister stated that Health Minister Sathya Kumar was instrumental in setting up a mega textile park by the Central Ministry of Handlooms and Textiles with an investment of Rs 30 crores.
Source: Hans India
India's economy shows resilience amidst global uncertainties. Favorable monsoons boost agriculture, while services trade remains strong. However, weakening global demand and geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conict, pose challenges to export growth and nancial markets. The Finance Ministry in its latest monthly economic review stated that the upcoming administration in US after the win of Donald Trump in the latest elections is set to play an important role in trade dynamics globally. The report noted that global economic factors, including shifts in interest rates, earnings growth, and geopolitical developments, will signicantly inuence trade and capital ows. It said "Apart from the emerging indications of domestic growth and stability, the dynamics of global interest rates, earning growth and valuation, geopolitical developments and policy decisions of the next administration in the United States will determine the course of trade and capital ows". It also added that the geopoliticaltensions, especially the ongoing conict between Russia and Ukraine, have added to nancial market uncertainty. Safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries and gold have seen increased demand as investors look for stability. These fragile conditions continue to weigh on global markets and could impact India's trade environment. It said "Recent developments in the ongoing conict between Russia and Ukraine have caused some concern in nancial markets with safe-haven assets such as US Treasuries and gold nding a bid". The report also noted that India's export growth may encounter hurdles in the coming months due to weakening demand in developed markets. While the global slowdown poses challenges for merchandise exports, the ministry noted that the services trade continues to maintain its strong momentum. It said "On the external front, India's export recovery may encounter challenges due to softening demand in developed markets. However, trade in the services sector is sustaining momentum". Despite these external challenges, the report outlined that the India's domestic economic outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Agriculture, in particular, is set to benet from favorable monsoon conditions, higher minimum support prices, and suicient input supplies. Strong agricultural production prospects are expected to keep ination in check, despite existing price pressures in some food items. Early November trends have already shown a moderation in key food prices. However, geopolitical risks could still aect domestic ination and supply chains. The report highlighted that the high-frequency indicators of economic activity in India have shown signs of recovery after a brief slowdown during the monsoon months. In October, indicators such as the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), E-way bill generation, and metrics of rural and urban demand exhibited a positive rebound. The formal employment sector is also seeing growth, with an expanding workforce in manufacturing and a signicant inow of young workers into organized sectors. These trends signal a strengthening domestic economy, even as India navigates a challenging global environment.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis India's economy shows promising signs. Agriculture is expected to perform well. Economic activity is picking up. Jobs are increasing. However, global economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions pose challenges. India's foreign exchange reserves have grown signicantly. The future depends on global factors and US policy. India's economic outlook for the coming months is 'cautiously optimistic', with agriculture likely to benet from favourable monsoon conditions, increased minimum support prices and adequate supply of inputs, the nance ministry said in a report. "Bright agricultural production prospects make the ination outlook benign, despite existing price pressures in select food items," the October edition of Monthly Economic Review released by the Department of Economic Aairs on Monday said. Early November trends signalled moderation in key food prices, though geopolitical factors may continue to impact domestic ination and supply chains, it said. A bumper kharif harvest is expected to lower food ination in the coming months, it said, adding that a favourable monsoon, adequate reservoir levels and higher minimum support prices are likely to boost rabi sowing and production. Amidst a clouded global background, and after a brief period of softening momentum over the monsoon months, the report said, many high-frequency indicators of economic activity in India have shown a rebound in October. These include indicators of rural and urban demand and supply side variables like Purchasing Managers' Index and E-way bill generation, it said. On the employment front, it said, the formal workforce is expanding, with notable increases in manufacturing jobs and a strong inow of youth into organised sectors. With regard to the external front, it said, India's export recovery may encounter challenges due to softening demand in developed markets. However, it said, trade in the services sector is sustaining momentum. Net foreign direct investment inows registered remarkable growth in the rst ve months of FY25, it said. Supported by stable capital inows, India's forex reserves increased by USD 64.8 billion so far during 2024, the second-largest increase after China amongst major forex reserve-holding countries, it said. Apart from the emerging indications of domestic growth and stability, the dynamics of global interest rates, earning growth and valuation, geopolitical developments and policy decisions of the next administration in the United States will determine the course of trade and capital ows, the report said. Recent developments in the ongoing conict between Russia and Ukraine have caused some concern in nancial markets with safe-haven assets such as US Treasuries and gold nding a bid, it said, adding, that geopolitical conditions remain fragile. The report said the global economy reveals a mixed outlook as 2024 draws to a close. Structural weaknesses in parts of Europe and China's slowdown continued to weigh on growth. In contrast, the US economy has surpassed earlier expectations, maintaining steady expansion.
Source: Economic Times
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can strengthen their financial health and credibility by embracing formal registration, maintaining accurate financial records, and adopting digital payment systems to create a transparent financial footprint, said Swaminathan J, deputy governor at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on November 16. The speech was uploaded on the RBI website on Monday.
While speaking at the CEO Forum of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry held in Hyderabad, he said, “MSMEs should strive for greater credit discipline, which starts with careful selection of the appropriate credit product suited to their requirements and cash flows. MSMEs should familiarise themselves with different credit products such as term loans, working capital loans, overdrafts, and invoice discounting to match them with their borrowing needs. It is vital to tailor borrowing to business cycles and avoid over-leveraging.”
He further emphasised that MSMEs should prioritise credit discipline by selecting appropriate credit products, maintaining a strong credit score, and avoiding over-leveraging. Investing in capacity building through skill development, fintech adoption, and mentorship from industry bodies can enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) can unlock liquidity, streamline cash flows, and build trust with financial institutions.
The deputy governor highlighted that despite their importance, MSMEs often struggle to secure timely and adequate credit. Challenges such as information asymmetry, limited formalisation, and inadequate collateral leave many enterprises unable to meet their financial needs. The RBI’s Expert Committee on MSMEs estimated the credit gap at Rs 20 trillion-25 trillion, underscoring the urgent need for focused interventions.
“Many MSMEs lack comprehensive financial records or credit scores, and in some cases, they may not have sufficient collateral to support the scale of financing they require. These issues result in a substantial gap between the credit needs of these units and the available supply—creating what is known as the credit gap. Five years ago, the Report of the Expert Committee on MSMEs (Chair: U K Sinha), constituted by the RBI, estimated this credit gap to be between Rs 20-25 trillion, underscoring the pressing need to address the financial barriers that continue to constrain this vital sector,” he said.
Source: Business Standard
KINGSTON, Amid the flurry of fall fashions and the arrival of “sweater weather” at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus, a collection of faculty and students have been eyeing the season’s fashion parade, but more for eco-minded reasons. URI and the Rhode Island Textiles Innovation Network (RITIN) will soon be launching a Future Textiles Council at the University. URI students are working with faculty to call attention to issues in the textile industry. The collaborative effort invites participation from industry, academia, government, and K-12 and vocational education. The council will meet for the first time this January and then once or twice annually to discuss, promote and share information between members and URI faculty on Rhode Island textiles, research, needs and recommendations for workforce development and opportunities. The fledgling coalition is starting to gather a formidable array of expertise to join local business knowledge focused on the future of textile production in the state, with conversations ranging from textile know-how to wide-ranging discussions of the philosophy of consumerism and the need to be competitive with other regions, like France, which recently legislated the mandatory inclusion of microplastic filters in washing machines. The new Rhode Island Future Textiles Council is slated to next meet Dec. 5 in Providence. If interested in learning more, contact Karl Aspelund at URI. URI faculty working in textiles and engineering say they welcome participation from additional programs at URI, to help shed light on the topics raised in their preliminary discussions. Vinka Oyanedel-Craver, associate dean for research in the College of Engineering, is one who is working with the new council. Oyanedel-Craver is leader of the Plastics: Land to Sea initiative at URI. Her career started in wastewater engineering, which she terms — with a chuckle — a transparent medium. “You see everything in wastewater, despite what people report for habits.” Oyanedel-Craver calls the amount of waste she’s seen in her career appalling, having seen it up close. This summer, she went to the Atacama Desert in Chile where 60,000 tons of clothing has been dumped from around the world. Those kinds of visuals make an impression. “It’s hard to understand what you don’t see,” she says. She and others on the council are hoping to bring the topic into better view in Rhode Island.
Last year, students from URI’s Honors program shared eye-opening findings with guests and community visitors at the council’s first forum:
While Rhode Island played a role in the launching of the American Industrial Revolution, Karl Aspelund, of URI’s textiles, fashion merchandising and design department, says the council hopes to initiate change earlier in the process. He is facilitating the new council with Michael Woody of RITIN, CEO of Trans-Tex in Cranston, a leading U.S. manufacturer of lanyards and pet leashes. They invite participation and interest from community members at URI and beyond.
Disparate threads
Izabela Ciesielska-Wrobel is one joining the council’s work. After moving to the U.S. from Europe, Ciesielska-Wrobel can now often be found at the water’s edge in Rhode Island, finding plastic that she’s testing for use as viable waste, giving her ample time and concrete examples as she’s thinking about her newfound home’s water waste problem. “URI is weaving together disparate threads and departments,” she says. “We’re here to serve the textile industry in Rhode Island. URI has the capacity to help you, just call us and reach out for a conversation.” Woody says student ideas and involvement are key as they are inheriting these issues and can bring new energy and ideas to effect change. He calls the situation a puzzle, as the higher cost of manufacturing in a more responsible manner often dissuades businesses and consumers from pursuing a more responsible path. “There exists a natural tension between the ideal and the practical,” he says. “When students interact with folks from our textile companies, we push each other in both directions. The future is almost always someplace between the two extremes, and when we interact, it certainly helps me to figure out what that middle ground is. When listening to the student point of view, it makes me breathe a little easier about the future, whether I agree or disagree.”
Today’s students, already leading the way with re-wearing fashion, are on board with that. Recent graduate Jared Hewitt ’24, one of the students who presented research at last year’s forum, says, “Solutions are out there. It’s just a matter of getting the message to consumers.” The council also brings in insight from faculty like Kunal Mankodiya in the College of Engineering, who laughs that his contribution to sustainability is the well-known white shirt he frequently wears to work. The focus is on smart textiles, not fast fashion, in the Wearable Biosensing Lab. He invites anyone to follow his sartorial example but also says that bold moves are needed for the industry as a whole.
Mankodiya creates smart textiles with sensors for healthcare, like a smart glove to help patients with Parkinson’s disease or a smart belt for babies being monitored for vital signs in the NICU at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence. He hopes that those babies, once grown, will see a smarter fabric future when they grow up. Mankodiya says we should learn from history and work together to change behavior. He’d like to see a movement to smart textiles to bring businesses to Rhode Island that solve problems, not contribute to them.
“What if someone decided to establish their startup here at URI,” he says, “bringing together the state’s considerable background and resources in health care, education and textile history?”
Council members are careful to inject a realistic note of caution into the conversation.
“There are many bankrupt sustainable companies,” Ciesielska-Wrobel notes. “We can offer solutions to the textile industry, but plans must be carefully crafted. And legislation is key.”
Source: Uri.edu
Nine textile technicians at DP Dyers received in-depth training on a new colour weigh system at their facility in Huddersfield, with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund. DP Dyers, based in the heart of West Yorkshire, is one of the world’s leading commission piece dyers of natural and synthetic fibres for apparel and furnishing fabrics, catering to a wide range of materials. The company specialises in providing customised dyeing solutions for everything from commercial seating fabrics to the finest cashmere scarves, from polyester to vicuña. The company’s managing director John Parry said: “Our dye plant relies on the skills and knowledge of our staff, running a labour-intensive colour weighing process. It’s a time-consuming exercise that cuts into our productivity.”
DP Dyers 24
DP Dyers recently installed a new digital colour weighing system from Adaptive Control Systems, which optimises, digitises and integrates a new colour weighing recipe management system. The new equipment streamlines the recipe formulation, chemical dispensing, check weighing and central system processes, explained John. Adam Pursell, head dyer at DP Dyers said “There are only few businesses with this colour weigh system, it’s a revolutionary system install and we’re pleased to be one of the first to operate it in our region. Our technicians have transferrable skills that has equipped the business with the career knowledge needed in dyeing.” When the system was installed, DP Dyers arranged for nine technicians to undertake the training modules, which were delivered in situ at the manufacturing facility in Huddersfield. Adam “We’re always looking for ways in which we can better support our customer base, and ways that our staff can develop their skills. This system does both and has already demonstrated a return on investment.” John added: “The feedback from them all has been very positive. They’re now adapting to the bar coding and colour weighing processes and we are seeing the difference in efficiency.” Sam Williams, a dyehouse apprentice who received the training, said it was a vital stepping stone in his career. “I’m new to textiles and learning the ins and outs of the industry. I love working with the colour team and learning this new system. It was a chance for me to combine my love of textiles with my love of ICT, as this new programme is perfect for new industry entrants like me.” Martin Jenkins, Director of Training at Textile Centre of Excellence (TCoE) visited DP Dyers to undertake a funding audit and conducted the interviews. The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers. The Young Textile Technician Fund is now open to businesses applying to train textile technicians under the age of 35. To find out more, email katie.robinson@ukft.org
Source: UKFT
HIGH POINT — With the fall edition of Interwoven soon after October High Point Market and after an intense presidential election, optimism seemed to be the vibe as manufacturers unveiled their latest designs. With potential tariff increases the industry might expect in 2025 top of mind for many in the home furnishings industry, several Interwoven vendors expressed cautious optimism, measured concern and in-progress solutions. “Our company has had several conversations with our top customers and suppliers on potential impacts that could arise if in fact the additional tariffs are imposed,” said Lance Keziah, CEO for Crypton. “We are addressing these concerns with risk management and supply chain diversification. “If we source product oversees, we must have two-tiered manufacturing to ensure that we can manage production to avoid increased tariffs or supply chain disruptions,” he continued. “In addition, we will leverage our production facilities in the U.S. to drive more production to North Carolina.” Crypton has developed a supply chain outside of China to protect the company and its customers. “Our weaving mill in North Carolina (Crypton Mills) is in a strong position to provide value priced Crypton textures, small-scale jacquard patterns as well as decorative jacquards,” said Keziah. “We have invested heavily over the past five years in our team, technology and yarn systems to really differentiate our company from others.”
Planning for possibilities
Sunbrella’s Executive Design Director Greg Voorhis and Glen Raven’s Kelsie Coletrane are taking a wait-and-see approach, but they are being proactive and ensuring they’re ready to be nimble and are keeping an eye on what is coming. “Navigating various possibilities and making sure we are prepared for various possibilities and planning for those,” said Coletrane, addressing tariffs. “We will look into the best possible ways we can do business and how to ensure we are getting our Sunbrella fabrics into our partner’s hands.” Amy Gillam, left, Paxton Kernodle, Kelsie Coletrane and Greg Voorhis, all of Sunbrella. Regal Fabrics Director of Marketing Andy Kahan feels tariffs are liable to impact fabric and furniture, and he says it is Regal’s job to minimize the impacts on its customers as much as possible. “Regal Fabrics has been actively working to diversify our supply chain for many years,” said Kahan. “Today, we offered fabrics made in U.S., Mexico, India, China, Pakistan, Belgium, Indonesia and Turkey. We continue to focus on introducing undeniable product, investigating in inventory to maintain large stock levels and providing great customer service.” Kahan said tariffs will largely affect imports, such as fabrics and other components which are used by upholstery manufacturers in the U.S. “Import prices will rise, leading to manufacturers charging more for their finished products,” he said. “In the end, the sofa will cost the consumer more due to the tariffs.” The leadership at STI/Revolution said that tariffs might benefit some American companies. “We do not rely on government assistance,” said Sean Gibbons, CEO at STI/Revolution. “This is because we have never received any. If the government wants to finally help U.S. textile manufacturers fight an unfair daily battle with China on below-market textiles, we would welcome the help. However, we will believe it when it actually happens.”
Strategies in place
Pegi Cladis, director of sales and creative for Threadology, said that tariffs will always have an impact on its business, but she noted that her team is ready to address the challenge. “You just have to get ahead of schedule, so you’re prepared,” Cladis said. “You can’t negotiate the tariffs, but you can your costs; you learn to pivot. “Being new at 18 months in the business, our strategy is to protect our partners and clients so we are not selling to everybody else,” she added. “Not selling directly to designers and protecting manufacturers to flow stock is one strategy.” Nidhi Loyalka, owner and president of Zensilk, said the company also is being watchful and creating a strategy to meet its customers price points. “Overall, I think it depends on the percentage increase of the tariffs and how the market will perceive it,” she said. “We just have to wait and watch.” For Zensilk, the company plans to work around its quantities and meet the prices the market is demanding. For Reidsville, N.C., textile company David Rothschild, there will be no major impacts for the company as it is a domestic producer, and President Walter Rothschild said he was all for tariffs. “If North Carolina had their own (tariffs), I might worry, but they don’t,” he said. “There are not many North Caroline mills left, and I am proud to be one of them.”
Source: Furniture Today
