Synopsis NITMA has requested Prime Minister Modi to halt under-invoiced imports of synthetic knitted fabrics, which hurt the local textile industry. The association claims this has led to significant tax losses. Despite government efforts, import volumes have significantly increased. From April-June 81 million kg was imported, rising to 130 million kg during July-September. The Northern India Textile Mills’ Association (NITMA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop under-invoiced imports of synthetic knitted fabrics that are causing irreversible damage to the domestic textile industry. According to the association, this has led to a loss of over Rs 10,000 core to the exchequer by evading both direct and indirect taxes. The appeal made by Sidharth Khanna, president of NITMA comprised a list of importers affecting these under-priced fabrics, who are circumventing HS codes to import the fabric at a price of around $1 per kg whereas the true price ranges between $ 4-6/Kg globally. The Central government, earlier this month, had extended the imposition of a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of US$ 3.50 per Kg on 13 specific HSN codes of synthetic knitted fabrics up to March 31, 2025. Mr. Khanna informed despite the government’s efforts to curb these underpriced imports, the import quantities have been increasing substantially instead of decreasing. From April -June 2024 81 million kg was imported while during the July - September period 130 million kgs were imported.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis India is reviewing the impacts of Trump's America First Trade Policy on its trade relations with the US, its largest trading partner. The memo suggests exploring bilateral or sector specific agreements. Key trade officials' confirmations in the US are awaited. Trump also threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations targeting the US dollar's role in global trade. India is examining the Trump's memorandum - America First Trade Policy - to assess its impact on the bilateral trade with the US, which is its largest trading partner, sources said on Wednesday. They also said that the White House directive to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify countries with which the US can negotiate agreements on a bilateral or sector-specific basis is a positive development for countries like India.
"We are studying and examining the memo. We have to evaluate things before framing any strategy...As of now from a plain reading of that, I do not see something we need to be worried about. Everything that we examine does not translate into action," one of the sources added.
"Confirmations will take a bit of time. Once confirmations happen there will be discussion. India and the US are good trading partners," the source said. According to the memorandum, the USTR would identify countries with which the US can negotiate agreements on a bilateral or sector-specific basis to obtain export market access for America and shall make recommendations regarding such potential agreements During the first term of President Donald Trump, India and the US had discussed a mini trade deal to boost economic ties. It was shelved by the Biden-administration as they were not in favour of a free trade agreement. According to international trade experts, India-US trade deal talks could revive in view of the indications given by the memo. Economic think tank GTRI has said that India should respond with equal measures if the US would impose higher tariffs on domestic goods. President Trump has again warned that he will impose 100 per cent tariffs against countries of the BRICS bloc, of which India is a part, if they take any steps to replace the US dollar. Trump, who took oath as the 47th President of the US on Monday, said, "If the BRICS nations want to do that, that's okay, but we're going to put at least a 100 per cent tariff on the business they do with the United States." They "have a 100 per cent tariff if they so much as even think" about reducing the use of the dollar in global trade, he added. BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation of ten countries -- Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. In 2023-24, the US was the largest trading partner of India with USD 119.71 billion of bilateral trade in goods (USD 77.51 billion exports, and USD 42.19 billion of imports and USD 35.31 billion trade surplus). Trump has also said that he is considering imposing a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports starting February 1 to curb the flow of deadly drug fentanyl that Beijing sends to Mexico and Canada.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis India is examining the US 'America First' trade policy to determine its impact on bilateral trade. The White House directive to identify countries for potential agreements is viewed positively. Discussions are ongoing with US trade policies, and India's government is awaiting key trade official appointments for further dialogue. New Delhi: India is examining the 'America First' trade policy to assess its impact on bilateral trade with the US, an official said on Wednesday. The White House directive to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify countries with which the US can negotiate agreements on a bilateral or sector-specific basis is a positive development for countries like India, as per the official.
Source: Economic Times
Delhi’s Gandhi Nagar locality is home to one of Asia’s largest textile markets, with the livelihoods of many traders and merchants intricately linked to this wholesale hub. Ahead of the Union Budget for 2025-26, traders here cite differential Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates as one of their major concerns. They urge the Finance Minister to place all raw materials and finished products under a single tax slab. Among their other demands is the desire to be heard – directly by those at the highest policy levels. Traders in Gandhinagar are optimistic, saying that their demands are perfectly justified, and if addressed, they will not only boost their businesses but also the textile industry as a whole. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget in Parliament on February 1.
Source: The Hindu Business Line
As the nation celebrates Republic Day, Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU) shines a spotlight on one of India's most cherished cultural treasures—its rich textile heritage. The diverse weaves of India not only embody the country's cultural and regional diversity but also stand as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. MSU, a brand dedicated to preserving and promoting India's textile legacy, is showcasing some of the most renowned weaves from across the country, each with its own unique story of artistry and skill. From Gujarat, the intricate art of Bandhani transforms fabric through the meticulous tie-and-dye technique. Skilled artisans create thousands of tiny knots to craft distinctive patterns synonymous with celebration and tradition. Each Bandhani piece is the result of countless hours of dedication, producing designs that are both striking and meaningful.
The Ikkat and Patola weaves of Odisha showcase remarkable precision and craftsmanship. Known for their resist-dyeing process, these textiles are crafted by dyeing threads before they are woven. Patola, in particular, is celebrated for its identical patterns on both sides, reflecting the exceptional skill of the artisans. Maharashtra's Paithani sarees are distinguished by their "butterfly" pallus and peacock motifs. These sarees, created using traditional tapestry techniques, feature an interplay of vibrant colors that shift and shimmer with movement. Each Paithani saree is a true work of art, combining visual splendor with technical expertise. Andhra Pradesh's Venkatagiri sarees stand out for their lightweight and lustrous finish. Superfine weaving techniques and intricate zari work give these sarees a delicate appearance while embodying elegance and comfort.
In Rajasthan, the Leheriya weave captures the fluidity of movement through its diagonal wave-like patterns. Created using precise tie-and-dye techniques, Leheriya sarees reflect both artistic precision and natural beauty. Dinesh Talera, co-founder of Mysore Saree Udyog, shared MSU’s commitment to preserving India’s rich textile traditions: "We at MSU are committed to preserving India's rich textile culture while embracing modern design innovations. This balance is achieved by integrating the latest textile technologies with our traditional methods. Our investment in building a comprehensive repository of ancient textiles, documented by textile historians through the Registry of Sarees (TRS), ensures that our cultural heritage remains fully intact. This repository not only preserves our textile legacy but also serves as an inspiration for contemporary designs, ensuring that our collections remain timeless yet modern."
This Republic Day, Mysore Saree Udyog invites everyone to explore these treasured weaves—each a testament to the creativity, dedication, and skill of Indian artisans. Together, we can ensure that these traditional arts continue to thrive, preserving India’s textile heritage for generations to come.
Source: In fashion Business
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, met with Belgian Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade Minister Bernard Quintin earlier this week in Brussels to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations. The discussions reaffirmed the strong ties between India and Belgium, focusing on expanding economic collaboration and exploring new opportunities to strengthen their partnership.
The India-Belgium trade is estimated at over $15.07 billion in 2023-2024 while Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) from Belgium into India was estimated at over $3.94 billion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press release.
During the meeting, both leaders acknowledged Belgium’s significant reliance on foreign trade and India’s dynamic, growing economy as key factors for leveraging mutual opportunities. Recognizing the potential of trade as a cornerstone of their partnership, they emphasised the importance of diversifying trade relations and deepening economic diplomacy to achieve sustainable growth.
The leaders also discussed the progress of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and emphasised the importance of prioritising trade issues to streamline negotiations and strengthen economic ties.
Belgium recognised the importance of engaging with India as a strategic partner to diversify its trade relationships. The meeting concluded with a commitment to establish stronger mechanisms for resolving trade issues. Both leaders affirmed their dedication to fostering a robust and mutually beneficial trade partnership.
Source: ANI News
Synopsis With global retailers scrambling to find alternative suppliers amidst the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, industry stakeholders urge the Indian government to introduce significant budget reforms in the textile sector. India's textile industry must focus on capitalising on the shifting global supply chain landscape, driven by the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh. With global retailers scrambling to find alternative suppliers amidst the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, industry stakeholders and experts urge the Indian government to introduce significant budget reforms to revitalise the country's textile sector. To achieve this, they advocate for several key measures, including reducing import duties, simplifying import procedures, interest subsidies and tax incentives.
free access to such raw materials, India has imposed QCO on MMF fibre/yarn, which is acting as a Non-Tariff Barrier on the imports of such raw materials and thus affecting their free flow. It has resulted in a shortage of some specialized fibre or yarn varieties which has also affected domestic prices," says Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). CITI expects the government to ensure availability of raw materials at international competitive prices. CITI advocated for income tax relief for MSME manufacturing units within the textile sector. The government may remove BCD from all cotton varieties to ensure the availability of cotton at internationally competitive prices, the organisation said. The stakeholders also said that the government through Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) may ensure enough availability of cotton at international prices (when domestic prices rule higher than international prices) and any loss to CCI in this regard may be compensated by the government in the form of a subsidy, the way government is providing for other commodities. For context, India's textile and apparel industry is facing significant headwinds because of sluggish global and domestic demand. India's textile sector employs about 45 million people.
This is a watershed moment, when India is aspiring to capture a higher share in global imports of apparels owing to the enhanced trust that global brands are placing on India. This is the opportune time for the country to leverage it in terms of export growth, as reputed global buyers or retailers or chain stores are looking for alternatives because of China plus one factor and the Bangladesh crisis," says Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). The AEPC budget demands are also driven by the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, which has prompted global retailers to diversify their supply chains and seek alternative suppliers, presenting an opportunity for India's textile industry to fill the gap. The AEPC has outlined its key demands for the upcoming budget to boost the growth of India's apparel export sector and the major demands include continuation of interest equalisation scheme, removal of Sec 43B (H) of IT Act, simplification of imports of trims and embellishments under IGCR (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate) procedure, exemption of customs duty on imports of garmenting machinery, and Green Transformation Scheme for upgrading ESG infrastructure. Focus on exports Vikas Singh Chauhan, Director, Home Textile Exporters Welfare Association (HEWA), urged the government to extend the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) benefits for home textile exporters from the current average of 6-8% to at least 10%, ensuring competitiveness with countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam and extend RoSCTL on entire value chain of textiles, promoting value addition. Chauhan also called for an introduction of special export subsidies on logistics to offset increased freight cost of 20-30% post pandemic create logistics scheme to offset the same. "The government can extend the Interest Subvention scheme to both merchant exporter and manufacturer exporter for a minimum of 5 years and from 2% to 5%. as borrowing rates are very high. Also, the government can declare 2025 as an export year to promote and focus exports specially from ground level and to motivate youth to start their career in the export field," note.
The stakeholders and experts also called for a simplified tax regime for (currently taxed at 12%) and finished home textile goods (18%) to 5%), creating cost parity with international competitors. Chauhan said that the government can also expand the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) coverage from the current Rs 2 crore limit to Rs 5 crore, enabling higher capital availability for MSME exporters. Boosting overall competitiveness Ravi Gupta, Creative Director at Gargee Designers, emphasised the need to liberalize e-commerce export procedures to facilitate smoother access to international markets. He recommended two key reforms: increasing the ceiling per consignment to at least Rs 25 lakh and extending the export realisation period to 12 months These changes would enable enterprises to operate more efficiently, expand their global reach, and capitalize on emerging export opportunities, said Gupta. Gupta further suggested that extending the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to small and medium-sized textile companies can have a transformative impact. This inclusion can significantly boost production capacity, attract investments, and promote the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies, ultimately driving growth and competitiveness in the sector. “In order to support the complete value chain from production to retail, it is possible to close structural gaps, increase consumption, and facilitate company operations by expediting the National Retail Policy's implementation,” said Gupta. Ishant Gupta, Partner, NPV & Associates LLP, emphasised the need for the industry to focus on two key areas: skill development of workers and technology upgradation. "Through targeted skill development programs and support for MSMEs, we aim to upskill workers and empower small enterprises to scale up production. Modernization support is crucial, with initiatives like technology upgradation schemes and R&D investments in innovative textiles driving the sector forward,” says Ishant Gupta. To further bolster cost competitiveness, Ishant Gupta suggests that energy subsidies, streamlined trade processes, and enhanced access to raw materials are essential.
Similarly, Ashish Karundia, Founder, Ashish Karundia & Co, bats for removal of the Quality Control Order ('QCO') on Man Made Fibres ('MMF') and yarn. "It would facilitate a free flow of these raw materials at competitive prices, especially in comparison to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Furthermore, abolishing the customs duty on all types of cotton fibers would provide a boost to the textile sector. Additionally, India's garment export sector relies heavily on imported machinery for quality and competitiveness.
Source: Economic Times
The US freight transportation services index (TSI), based on the amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry, fell by 0.3 per cent month on month (MoM) and rose by 0.6 per cent year on year (YoY) in November last year, according to the department of transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). It increased marginally by 0.2 per cent MoM in October last year.The level of for-hire freight shipments in November 2024 measured by the freight TSI (138.6) was 2 per cent below the all-time high of 141.4 reached in August 2019. The October 2024 index was revised to 139 from 139.3 in last month's release. The freight TSI decreased in November last year due to seasonally adjusted decreases in water, air freight, rail carload and pipeline, while rail intermodal and trucking grew.
The November decrease came in the context of mixed results in other indicators. The Federal Reserve Board industrial production (IP) index was down by 0.1 per cent in November, while manufacturing grew by 0.2 per cent. The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing (ISM) index was up by 1.9 to 48.4. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion of U.S. manufacturing, while a reading below 50 indicates a contraction. The November 2024 freight index decrease was the second decrease in three months leaving the index 1.1 per cent below its level in August 2024. The index increased by 4.4 per cent since August 2021. It exceeds the pandemic low in April 2020 by 11.4 per cent; the index increased MoM in 32 of the 55 months since that low.
For-hire freight shipments in November 2024 (138.6) were 45.7 per cent higher than the low in April 2009 during the recession (95.1). The November 2024 level was 2.0 per cent below the historic peak (since 2000) reached in August 2019 (141.4).
For-hire freight shipments measured by the index were at the same level as in November compared to the end of 2023.
Source: BTS Gov
The Mariposa Museum, 26 Main St., Peterborough, has opened its winter exhibit, “Textile Treasures of Guatemala,” which will be on display through March. The exhibit features a collection of huipiles, intricately embroidered blouses woven by Mayan women in Guatemala’s highlands. Donated by a former Peace Corps volunteer, these garments showcase traditional weaving techniques, including backstrap looms, vibrant vegetal and synthetic dyes and ikat tie-dye methods. Additional displays highlight ikat textiles from Southeast and Central Asia, floral embroidery from Europe and Guatemala and children’s clothing from the Hmong, India and Mayan cultures. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. Members enter free.
Source: Ledger Tran Script
DONGGUAN, China, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Data Beyond Technology officially launched China's first "AI Hyperspectral Optical Sorter for Blended Fabrics" which integrates advanced artificial intelligence algorithms with hyperspectral recognition technology. This breakthrough successfully addresses the long-standing challenges in the sorting of blended fabrics, marking a pivotal milestone in DataBeyond Technology's efforts to drive transformation and upgrades in the textile recycling industry.
Blended Fabric Sorting: A Bottleneck in Traditional Technology
The sorting of blended fabrics has been a persistent problem for the textile recycling industry. Blended textiles are made from a mix of various materials with complex and uneven distribution, making it difficult for traditional sorting methods to efficiently and accurately separate these materials. As a result, a large portion of blended fabric waste is either incinerated or landfilled, causing significant resource wastage and environmental damage. In response to this challenge, DataBeyond Technology has innovatively developed the "AI-powered hyperspectral sorter for blended fabrics," which enables precise separation of textiles containing multiple material components. This technology provides an excellent solution for the efficient sorting and recycling of blended fabrics.
Technological Breakthrough: Empowering the Development of Textile Recycling
The "AI-powered hyperspectral sorter for blended fabrics" revolutionizes the technology for sorting mixed textiles:
Source: Kilgore News Herald.
