New Delhi: Union Textiles Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao applauded textile industry bodies for their proactive efforts in organizing Bharat Tex 2025.... New Delhi: Union Textiles Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao applauded textile industry bodies for their proactive efforts in organizing Bharat Tex 2025. Describing it as the largest and most comprehensive textiles event ever, she commended the commitment of textile Export Promotion Councils and other industry bodies for their relentless efforts and dedication in bringing the entire value chain of textiles under the Bharat Tex umbrel-la. She underlined that Bharat Tex will reaffirm the attractiveness of India as a relia-ble, sustainable sourcing destination as well as an investment destination at scale for textiles. The entire event is a testament to India’s commitment to becoming a global textile powerhouse, she added. The Secretary was speaking on the occasion of the unveiling of the Bharat Tex 2025 app and website at the Ministry’s headquarters at Udyog Bhawan. Bharat Tex 2025, organized by 11 major textile industry bodies and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, promises to be a landmark event showcasing the diversity, scale, and capability of India’s textile sector. The event spread over an area of 2.2 million square feet is expected to attract over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from 120 countries, and more than 1,20,000 visitors. Exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products, including apparel, dyes & chemicals, machinery & equipment, home furnishings, technical textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts. The event will also feature over 70 conference sessions, roundtables, and master classes, with discussions led by nearly 100 international speakers. Topics such as sus-tainability, investments, manufacturing 4.0, and future fashion trends will dominate the agenda.
Source: Hans India
The textile event at New Delhi and Greater Noida, from Feb 14-17, to showcase wide range of products; 70 conference sessions by international experts also lined u. Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest textile event showcasing the country’s emergence as a premier textile manufacturing hub, is expected to attract over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from 120 countries, and more than 1,20,000 visitors, per the Textiles Ministry.
Source: Business Line
Synopsis
The government plans to reclassify MSMEs, allowing small enterprises with a turnover of up to ₹100 crore to benefit from a 25% public procurement policy. This change aims to encourage more investment in plant and machinery. The new rule is expected to start in FY26 and will benefit those with turnovers between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore. The proposed reclassification of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) will bring more small enterprises under the 25% public procurement policy, benefitting those with a turnover between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore.
Source: Business Standard
Growth in India's dominant services sector was the slowest in over two years in January amid cooling demand but remained historically strong and led to a substantial rate of hiring, a business survey showed on Wednesday. Asia's third-largest economy has been struggling with slackening consumption. To try and boost spending the government gave some tax relief to the middle class at its annual budget on Feb. 1 but shied away from announcing big reforms which are much needed to prop up growth. The HSBC final India Services Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, fell to 56.5 in January from 59.3 in December, a tad lower than a preliminary estimate of 56.8 but comfortably ahead of the 50-mark separating contraction from growth. "The business activity and new business PMI indices eased to their lowest levels since November 2022 and November 2023 respectively," said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC. "That said, new export business partly countered the downtrend and continued to rebound from a dip in late-2024, in line with official data." Demand for services rose at the slowest pace in 14 months but remained sturdy. It was supported by international demand that was the strongest in five months. The future activity sub-index moderated to a three-month low but the fall was insignificant and firms hired new staff at one of the fastest paces since the inception of the survey in December 2005. Inflationary pressures picked up, as both input costs and prices charged rose at a strong pace. But India's retail inflation eased to a four-month low in December, increasing the chances of easier monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected to cut its key repo rate on Feb. 7, a Reuters poll taken last week showed. Slower services growth overshadowed a six-month high pace of expansion in the manufacturing sector and dragged the overall Composite PMI down to 57.7 last month from 59.2 in December.
Source: Business Standard
India may be willing to restart negotiations for an India-US mini free trade deal if Washington is ready to do so taking forward similar efforts made during US President Donald Trump’s previous term, per top sources. While the Trump regime has been demanding tariff cuts from India for a more balanced trade, it is not clear whether it would be willing to give significant concessions to the country in return, which is necessary for a successful free trade agreement.
Modi’s visit
“Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the White House next week, hectic meetings are on in the government to prepare for the discussions and examine room for additional tariff maneuverability after the Union Budget giveaways. In case the Trump regime is ready for a mini trade deal, it would mean that India may also get some concessions. But everything is fluid right now,” a source tracking the matter told businessline.
Source: Business Line
India’s Rajasthan state cabinet recently cleared a comprehensive textile and apparel policy, a data centre policy and a logistics policy. The textile and apparel policy is expected to attract an investment of nearly ₹40,000 crore. The target is to transform the state into a global manufacturing hub, particularly in textiles, by fostering sustainable growth and enhancing local textile producers' competitiveness on the global stage, according to media reports from the state. State parliamentary affairs minister Jogaram Patel said the policies were essential to implement the memoranda of understanding signed during the ‘Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit'. The logistics policy is expected improve infrastructure and attract private investment to the sector. Up to 10 per cent of allocatable land in upcoming RIICO industrial areas will be reserved for logistics facilities.
Source: Fibre2fashion
The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented by the Union Finance Minister on February 1, 2025. The Budget announced an outlay of Rs. 5272 crores (Budget Estimates) for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19 percent over budget estimates of 2024-25 (Rs. 4417.03 crore). To address the challenges of stagnant cotton productivity, Union Budget 2025-26 has announced a five year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity especially extra-long staple varieties. Science & Technology support will be provided to farmers under this Mission. By boosting domestic productivity, this initiative will stabilise raw material availability, reduce import dependence and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s textile sector, where 80% of capacity is driven by MSMEs.
Source: Business Standard
New Delhi, Feb 5 (KNN) India’s textile exports are unlikely to be impacted by any potential increase in tariffs by the United States, as the country has been competing in the sector on the strength of its own products, Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao told DH. “India has been competing on its own merits and the quality of its products. We are not among those nations that benefit from being classified as least developed countries (LDCs),” Rao remarked, referencing the preferential trade access that Bangladesh and other LDCs enjoy. Preferential treatment, such as duty-free access and relaxed rules of origin norms in key markets like the European Union and the United Kingdom, provides Bangladesh a competitive edge in the textiles sector. However, Rao emphasised that India’s position remains stable. “India is among the top six textile exporting countries. I don’t foresee any instability in our position,” she stated confidently. According to official data, India accounted for 3.9 per cent of the global textile and apparel trade in 2023-24. Nearly half of India’s textile and apparel shipments are destined for the U.S. and EU markets, highlighting the country’s significant footprint in these regions. Rao highlighted that increased budget allocations and tariff-related measures announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 would further enhance the sector’s competitiveness. “There is normally an 8-10 per cent increase, but this year we have received an approximately 20 per cent increase. We have been directed to spend more and propel the industry forward,” she noted. The Union Budget has raised the allocation for the Ministry of Textiles to Rs 5,272 crore for 2025-26, reflecting a 19 per cent year-on-year rise. Rao believes these measures will improve cotton industry quality, productivity, and innovation. With around 80 per cent of the Indian textile industry being part of the MSME sector, Rao emphasised that broader policies for MSMEs and exports would directly benefit textiles.On the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, she affirmed that the focus remains on achieving the targets of the first phase before considering an expansion. “Once we deliver on PLI 1.0, we can certainly explore the next phase,” she concluded.
Source: KNN India
Synopsis Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and Oman progress well, with another round of talks planned to resolve remaining issues. Progress was boosted by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Muscat. The deal aims to expand economic cooperation, significantly reducing or eliminating customs duties on traded goods and easing trade norms. The negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman are progressing at a healthy pace and the two sides will hold another round of talks to resolve the pending issues, an official said. The official said that issues pertaining to petrochemical products have been resolved. The negotiations received a much need impetus after the visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Muscat last month. On January 27 in Muscat, trade ministers of India and Oman reviewed progress of the proposed agreement and focused on advancing the negotiations for the pact. The agreement was discussed between Goyal and Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef On January 14, India and Oman held the fifth round of talks for the agreement, aiming to boost bilateral economic ties. The negotiations for the agreement, officially dubbed CEPA, formally began in November 2023. In such agreements, two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on a maximum number of goods traded between them. They also ease norms to promote trade in services and attract investments. Oman is the third largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for India. India already has a similar agreement with another GCC member UAE which came into effect in May 2022. India's key imports are petroleum products and urea. These account for over 70 per cent of imports. Other key products are propylene and ethylene polymers, pet coke, gypsum, chemicals, and iron and steel.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis The renewed US-China trade war, sparked by Trump's policies, presents India with lucrative economic opportunities from trade diversions and increased exports. While India stands to gain, it must navigate carefully to avoid falling into protectionist traps set by either superpower. Modi's potential visit to the US could secure favorable trade terms. As tensions between the world's two largest economies escalate, a third player, India, finds itself in a unique position. The latest trade war between the United States and China, reignited by US President Donald Trump’s return to office, has opened up fresh economic opportunities for India. With Trump imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing responding with countermeasures, global trade dynamics are shifting. In the midst of this power struggle, India could gain substantially from trade diversions and increased export opportunities. However, the situation is not without its challenges. The ongoing US-China trade war has set the stage for India to emerge as a key beneficiary, thanks to trade diversions and increased export opportunities. However, India must navigate this terrain carefully, balancing its economic either superpower. Modi’s anticipated visit to the US and ongoing trade negotiations could determine how much India truly stands to gain from this shifting economic landscape. Trump, known for his tough stance on trade, has previously accused India of being the “biggest tariff abuser” and the “tariff king.” Despite these allegations, India has largely remained out of Trump’s immediate line of fire as he focuses on confronting China. Yet, the complexities of international trade mean that while India stands to benefit from the US-China economic fallout, it must also tread carefully to avoid becoming entangled in protectionist policies How India stands to gain from the US-China trade war Officials indicated to ET that India is poised to capitalise on the trade war’s ripple effects. When the US imposed higher duties on Chinese goods during Trump’s firsttenure,India was the fourth-largest beneficiary. This time, exporters have expressed optimism about a surge in orders. "India is likely to gain out of this trade war. This will impact us positively. Exporters have given positive feedback on export orders and value," an official told ET
Source: Economic Times
At a time when the search for new sources of supply is becoming essential, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris offers buyers an unrivalled diversity. The show brings together not only the major players in global sourcing, such as China, Turkey, India, Korea, Pakistan and Taiwan, but also suppliers from alternative zones with rich expertise, such as Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Vietnam, the Netherlands, Africa - a dozen companies from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt and Benin will be in Paris in February - and South America. For the first time this year, Texworld will be welcoming an Argentinian woollen manufacturer - Industrias Textiles Frione - which offers a range of top-quality fabrics while promoting manufacturing processes that are particularly environmentally friendly.
As part of its commitment to more responsible fashion, Messe Frankfurt is supporting players who respect the ecological and social standards of the textile industry. At the entrance to Hall 4, the new ‘Initiatives’ zone will be showcasing inspiring and sustainable solutions promoted by some exhibitors. This area (where you'll find press and partner stands, events and trend forums) will also host the China Textile Information Centre's trend forum, as well as the Texpertise Econogy Hub, where Messe Frankfurt will be presenting its commitments to sustainability in the textile sector through the Texpertise Econogy concept, which combines ecology and economic development.
As part of this initiative, two Econogy Tours will enable visitors to discover what a selection of certified companies can offer. These guided tours, led by a specialist in the sustainable approach, will be offered on Monday 10 February (12.30pm-1.30pm) and Tuesday 11 February (10am-11am) to buyers who wish to take part. Appointments are scheduled at the Econogy Hub counter.
Conferences, trends and forecasts
To complement the product offering, a series of events and conferences will be taking place. Held in the Agora in Hall 2, they will explore market trends and prospects in detail. Louis Gérin, the shows' artistic director, will be commenting on “Neocene”, the Trendbook for the Spring-Summer 2026 season, focusing on the creative directions that will shape the fashion of tomorrow. Several conferences will provide an insight into the business models of manufacturers such as Wellfabric - Bao Lan Textiles, one of the pioneers of sustainable textiles in Vietnam, and the African platform Arise IIP, present at Apparel Sourcing. Finally, there will be round-table discussions on forward-looking issues such as fast fashion and the challenges of sustainability in terms of production and sourcing. They will also look at solutions to support the ecological transition (Econogy Talks), as well as innovation and management challenges. These conferences, which will take place on Monday and Tuesday, are free to attend.
Synergies between materials and finished products synergies
For the Messe Frankfurt France team, this edition was also an opportunity to reorganise the visiting areas and optimise the sourcing experience in order to meet the expectations expressed by buyers. Sectors and services were reorganised to create new synergies between raw materials and finished products. Women's wear areas (All about her, Embrodery & Lace, Silky aspect...) have been set up in Hall 4 and a large area will be devoted to the outdoor - sportswear - casualwear offer in Hall 3. Hall 2 will be the place to find inspiration and exchange ideas, with trend forums and product presentations, the Agora for conferences and round tables, and services with areas for catering, relaxation and networking.
Providing maximum convenience for visitors, Apparel Sourcing,and Texworld Paris belong to the cluster of related trade fairs organised by Messe Frankfurt France (alongside Avantex and Leatherworld which take place only once a year during July session), held in one and the same location, on the same dates and where entry is free upon presentation of professional credentials.
Source: Fibre2fashion
HO CHI MINH CITY – As Vietnam becomes poised to overtake Bangladesh as the world’s second-largest garment exporter after China, the organisers of the upcoming VIATT trade show in Ho Chi Minh City say that Chinese textile suppliers are deepening their relationships in the country. “With a robust lineup of Chinese exhibitors showcasing to the Vietnamese market, and sustainability high on the list of priorities, these two textile powerhouses are set to unlock new opportunities,” according to the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT), organisers Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE).
Source: Eco Textiles
The Italian textiles industry has ended 2024 on a downbeat note. According to estimates by the economics department of Confindustria Moda, the fashion industry branch of Italy’s industrialists’ association, the revenue of textiles producers fell by 7.7% to €7.1 billion. The result was mainly influenced by the downward trend in exports, which fell by 8.5% on an annual basis, although the volume drop in the first nine months of 2024 was more contained, amounting to only 1.3%.
Source: Fashion Network
The textile industry has been constantly reinventing itself with innovations and new segments, and one of the most promising is the nonwovens market, which has gained traction in various industries such as personal hygiene, healthcare, automotive, construction, and many others. These materials offer advantages such as lightness, durability and versatility, and are widely used in products like masks, diapers, sanitary pads and wet wipes. To highlight the importance of this segment, the Nonwovens and Technical Textiles Exhibition (ENT Brasil) will promote the sector both nationally and internationally. This edition will share the Expo Center Norte pavilion with FebraTêxtil 2025 from February 18-20.
The fair will host national and international exhibitors, including companies from Turkey, China and India, which will showcase technological innovations and sustainable solutions for the sector. Key highlights will include products designed for healthcare, personal hygiene, automotive and construction industries, as well as advanced manufacturing equipment and technology.
Source: Nonwoven Industry