Insights The LYCRA Company is previewing two new denim innovations—LYCRA VintageFX fiber and bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber—at Kingpins Amsterdam 2025. VintageFX offers low-stretch comfort with a vintage aesthetic, while EcoMade, made from 70 per cent plant-based resources, ensures sustainability without performance compromise. It highlighted its 'B-logic' collaboration with iTextiles, CIRCULOSE, and Neela. The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing sustainable and innovati

Insights ICE cotton futures declined as trade frictions and weaker crude oil prices dampened sentiment. December cotton settled at 63.51 cents per pound, marking new lows across 2025–26 contracts. Lower oil prices made polyester cheaper, pressuring cotton demand. A stronger US dollar and trade tariffs also weighed on prices. Market uncertainty deepened amid the US government shutdown. ICE cotton futures declined further yesterday as investors reacted negatively to escalating trade frict

Insights China's total goods trade rose 4 per cent YoY to ¥33.61 trillion (~$4.73 trillion) in the first nine months of 2025, driven by a 7.1 per cent surge in exports, while imports slipped 0.2 per cent, according to GAC. September saw the year's highest monthly growth at 8 per cent. Trade with Belt and Road partners climbed 6.2 per cent, showing continued diversification. China’s total goods imports and exports climbed to ¥33.61 trillion (~$4.73 trillion) in the first nine mon

Insights Increasing competition and evolving EU sustainability and due diligence regulations pose challenges to Bangladesh's apparel export growth in the bloc, feel many. Bangladesh is reportedly the second-largest apparel supplier to the EU after China. To maintain its foothold in the EU, Bangladesh is focusing on factory safety, labour law reforms, digital traceability, and high-value products. Ever since US President Donald Trump began imposing reciprocal tariffs, attention has shifted tow

Insights The US is India's top export destination, accounting for 28 per cent of its global trade. However, India's textile and apparel exporters are grappling with a 50 per cent additional tariff, severely impacting competitiveness, according to a CITI survey. Covering 69 per cent MSMEs and 31 per cent large firms, the survey found 91 per cent export to the US. Exporters seek policy relief. The United States remains India’s top textile and apparel (T&A) export destination, accounti

Insights Epson has introduced the SureColor G6030, its first Direct-to-Film printer designed to meet rising demand in wearable printing as the market shifts from DTG to DTFilm technology. The 32-inch model features a 1.6-litre ink capacity, automated maintenance, and minimal daily upkeep. Certified by Oeko-Tex Eco Passport and GOTS, it supports sustainable, high-speed printing. Epson, a leading enterprise in professional printing, has unveiled the SC-G6030, its first Direct-to-Film (DTFilm) p

Insights Most UK firms remain bruised, with no improvement to business sentiment, according to a BCC Q3 2025 survey. Confidence and investment levels remain at 2022 levels, and 21 per cent have increased investment, while 25 per cent have scaled back plans. Tax and inflation remain the key concerns for businesses. Labour costs continue to be far and away the main cost pressure for firms. Most UK firms remain bruised, with no improvement to business sentiment, according to the British Chambers

Insights The EU has granted €3.5 million (~$4.05 million) under Horizon Europe to Fabulose, a project led by Germany's DITF. Involving 11 partners, the project will develop recyclable, plastic-free, and biodegradable materials using bacterial cellulose and cyanophycin. Fabulose aims to advance Europe's circular bioeconomy and strengthen sustainable manufacturing. The European Union has approved €3.5 million (~$4.05 million) in funding for the Fabulose project under the Horizon Euro

Insights In August 2025, Dutch manufacturing output remained unchanged year-on-year, although output declined in over half of the industrial sectors. After seasonal adjustment, output rose by 1.7 per cent compared to July. The strongest growth was seen in the repair and installation of machinery, while transport equipment recorded the sharpest decline. In August 2025, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was at the same level as in August 2024, according to Statistic

Insights Trump has announced a 100 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports starting November 1, in retaliation to what he described as an “extraordinarily aggressive” export control policy from China. Labelling China's action a “moral disgrace”, Trump said the controls would affect virtually every product globally. US response is aimed at countering a long-planned strategy by China to reshape global trade, he said. In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, President D