Insights A record 36 apparel factories in Bangladesh have earned international environmental compliance certifications this year, surpassing the previous high of 30 awarded in 2022. Twenty two factories have bagged the 'LEED platinum' certification, according to the BGMEA. Bangladesh now has a total of 268 LEED-certified garment factories. Among these, 114 are platinum, 135 gold, 15 silver and four certified. A record 36 apparel factories in Bangladesh have earned international environmental

Insights India has scrapped or reduced customs duties on key textile inputs and accessories to support garment exporters facing US tariff pressures. Under Notification No. 45/2025–Customs issued on October 24, items like zippers, threads, interlinings, and embellishments can now be imported at nil duty until March 31, 2026. The simplified framework aims to enhance export competitiveness and streamline procedures. India has reduced customs duties on several textile-related inputs and acc

The 8th World Textile Merchants Conference 2025, themed "International Competition & Cooperation – Reshaping the New Landscape of the Global Textile Value Chain," is scheduled to take place on November 6 in Keqiao. The conference will delve into the new dynamics of competition and pathways for cooperation within the global textile industry against the backdrop of the new era. More than ten concurrent events will be held, including the WGSN Fashion Future Congress, the International Tex

Insights The Indonesian Trade Security Committee has imposed safeguard import duties for three years on 27 harmonised system cotton yarn codes. This followed a probe into specific yarn imports initiated at the Indonesian Textile Association's request. It found a surge in imports had caused serious losses to the domestic industry. The rate will be applied on a degressive schedule across the three-year period. The Indonesian Trade Security Committee (KPPI) recently announced the imposition of s

Insights Russia's OTK Proizvodstvo has agreed to invest an additional $50 million to build a third textile factory in Turakurgan district of Namangan region in Uzbekistan. The firm had earlier invested in the district to set up Runamteks, an enterprise that built two textile units with a total value of $40 million. The new project is expected to create 1,500 jobs and generate annual exports worth $35-40 million. Russian company OTK Proizvodstvo recently agreed to invest an additional $50 mill

Insights The UK manufacturing sector endured another challenging period in the quarter to October, with output and orders falling sharply, sentiment deteriorating and investment plans cut back sharply, a Confederation of British Industry survey revealed. Demand conditions weakened notably, cost pressures remained elevated and and manufacturers' investment appetite markedly deteriorated. The UK manufacturing sector endured another challenging period in the quarter to October, with output and o

Insights The producer prices of industrial products in Germany were 1.7 per cent lower YoY and 0.1 per cent month on month (MoM) in September, the main reason being lower energy prices, official statistical show. When energy prices are excluded, producer prices in September rose by 0.9 per cent YoY and remained unchanged MoM. Energy prices in the month were down by 7.3 per cent YoY and 0.3 per cent MoM. The producer prices of industrial products in Germany were 1.7 per cent lower year on year

Insights Hop Lun has signed definitive agreements to acquire Morocco-based Tobago and Chantelle Group's Famaco and Atma facilities, adding about 800 employees and a combined output of 2.4 million pieces annually. The acquisitions, expected to close in Q4 2025, will create a new manufacturing platform in Morocco and mark Hop Lun's fourth and fifth deals since Platinum Equity's 2022 takeover. Hop Lun, one of the world's largest designers and manufacturers of intimate apparel and swimwear, annou

Insights India has eased import norms for synthetic fabrics under HS code 60053600 by exempting materials within the 28–48 GSM range from the $3.5 per kg minimum import price. The move aims to balance import control with industry needs while curbing low-cost fabric inflows that threaten domestic producers. MIP rules for other fabric codes remain unchanged. The Indian government has partially exempted synthetic fabrics under ITC HS code 60053600 from the minimum import price (MIP) of $3.

Insights IAF partners with Infor to enhance traceability, ESG compliance, and digital transformation across the global apparel and footwear industry. The collaboration leverages the Infor Nexus platform and NexTrace solution to support multi-tier manufacturers. Together, they aim to simplify regulatory compliance and drive scalable, data-driven supply chain innovation. The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has announced a strategic collaboration with Infor, a global leader in business cl