27 September 2023, Mumbai

Industry officials highlight challenges of structural issues related to raw materials, high production costs, and operational scale.

The textile and clothing sectors, which play a significant role in India's economy, need a comprehensive, forward-thinking strategy to capitalize on global market opportunities, according to industry officials.

Contribution

The sectors contribute Rs 30,000 crore in GST revenue and generate USD 44 billion in foreign exchange earnings, but have faced challenges in recent times, including structural issues related to raw materials, high production costs, and operational scale.

SIMA Chairman SK Sundararaman highlighted these concerns as obstacles to their continued growth and success.

Holistic View; He called for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the structural issues in the sector, such as the high cost of raw materials and the need for scale. He also urged the government to provide more support to the sector in terms of infrastructure development, research and development, and export promotion.

Job creator

The textile and clothing sectors are among the largest employers in India, providing direct employment to over 45 million people. The sector also plays a significant role in the country's foreign exchange earnings.

However, the sector has been facing challenges in recent years due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of raw materials, competition from low-cost countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, and the lack of scale.

A comprehensive strategy that addresses these challenges is essential to ensure the continued growth and success of the textile and clothing sectors in India.

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20 September 2023, Mumbai

Substantial Increase in Exhibitors and Visitors

The recent Yarn Expo Autumn show, Asia's largest yarn and fiber trade fair, boasted an impressive participation of 510 exhibitors hailing from 14 different countries and regions, marking a substantial 19% increase compared to the previous edition. Notably, the event welcomed new exhibitor countries and regions, including Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, resulting in an almost six-fold surge in international booths.

Wide Array of Products on Display

The fair showcased a wide array of products across various zones and pavilions, encompassing an extensive spectrum of offerings such as cotton yarns, cellulose fibers, and recycled synthetics, among others.

In light of the growing emphasis on sustainability, the event witnessed a significant surge in attendance, with 20,297 buyers representing 106 countries and regions, a substantial increase from 2021 when there were 13,037 visitors from 28 countries and regions.

Global Industry Collaboration

By bringing together numerous prominent industry players from across the globe, the organizers assert that the Yarn Expo Autumn serves as a crucial contributor to global industry trends. The event's fringe program often mirrors the innovative trends observed on the show floor.

Notably, one of the most notable trends in recent years has been the increased focus on eco-friendliness throughout the textile supply chain.

Sustainability at the Forefront

There was palpable enthusiasm throughout the fairground during this edition, with buyers displaying a particular interest in the diverse range of environmentally friendly products showcased by both international and domestic exhibitors."

The Econogy Concept

The recently introduced 'Econogy' concept, which combines economic and ecological considerations, is poised to have a lasting and sustainable impact within Messe Frankfurt's Texpertise Network.

For Yarn Expo Autumn, this initiative will further enhance the focus on an area that is already of paramount importance to a multitude of fair attendees.

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Leading German companies Brückner, Groz-Beckert, the Karl Mayer Group, and Thies are extending a warm invitation to representatives of the Indian textile industry for an enlightening symposium. The event is scheduled to take place at the Marriott Hotel Surat and will be centered on the burgeoning demand for warp knitted elastic fabrics.

The last few years have witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for warp knitted elastic fabrics. This presents a promising growth avenue for the Indian textile sector, offering the prospect of securing a dominant position in this expanding market.

However, the transition poses unique challenges as the manufacturing processes for these fabrics significantly differ from traditional methods. To provide optimal support and guidance to the Indian warp knitting industry during this transformative period, Brückner, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer, and Thies are hosting a specialized symposium on "Production of Warp Knitted Elastic Fabric."

This event aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of collaborative efforts. It will feature a diverse range of technical presentations, best practice examples, and the presentation of cutting-edge technologies and innovations in warp knitting.

This symposium represents a unique opportunity for industry experts, stakeholders, and textile visionaries to share their insights and experiences, fostering growth and innovation within the Indian textile sector. Don't miss this chance to be part of an engaging and informative event that promises to shape the future of warp knitted elastic fabrics in India.

Structural Challenges and External Factors 

The Indian textiles and clothing industry, second only to agriculture in employment, has faced recent challenges. Structural issues in raw material supply, tariff barriers, high production costs, and logistical hurdles have impeded growth. 

The NDA Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made efforts to boost competitiveness but faces policy issues and delays in raw material development. Capacity Expansion and Incentives 

States offer incentives for capacity expansion, but delays in benefit disbursement strain new investments. 

A holistic, long-term vision is essential to fill China's textile trade gap and ensure sustained growth. Industry Leaders' Perspectives Dr. S.K. Sundararaman, Chairman of SIMA, highlights issues like rising cotton prices, anti-dumping duties, and recent Quality Control Orders. 

While appreciating initiatives to remove duties on raw materials, he urges the government to exempt certain materials under the Advance Authorization Scheme and direct domestic producers to offer materials at international prices. 

Technology Mission on Cotton 2.0 Sundararaman calls for a Technology Mission on Cotton 2.0, emphasizing the need for modern seed technology and global best practices in agronomy. 

Increased cotton productivity and value-added varieties can benefit farmers and enhance global competitiveness. 

Value Addition and Sustainability 

SIMA Chairman urges the industry to focus on value addition, innovation, and sustainability. Coastal transportation, reducing carbon footprint, and collaboration with shipping and port authorities are key strategies. 

Leadership and Vision 

Dr. S.K. Sundararaman is elected Chairman of SIMA for 2023-24, a leader with a strong background in technical textiles and education. Mr. Durai Palanisamy and Mr. S. Krishnakumar serve as Deputy Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, bringing expertise and experience to the association's leadership.

20 September 2023, Mumbai

Kejriwal Unveils Plans for Major Event

In a significant revelation, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, unveiled the government's intentions to host a Delhi Shopping Festival inspired by the world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival.

Speaking at the Chandni Chowk Shopping Festival in Rangpuri, Kejriwal announced that the government is actively working on organizing this major event.

Delay to Ensure Grand Launch

Kejriwal recognized that the planning and implementation of this festival had taken longer than initially expected, resulting in missed deadlines.

Nevertheless, he stressed that this delay was imperative to guarantee that the inaugural event would be a magnificent spectacle, leaving an indelible mark on all those in attendance.

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13 September 2023, Mumbai

The 9th edition of Techtextil India, the biggest technical textiles trade fair in India, opens today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The trade fair will unite over 160 industry players and showcase over 200 brands from across the world.

The event will provide a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, and will explore the latest trends and developments in the technical textiles sector. The technical textiles sector is set to see a brighter future, with applications in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, construction, healthcare, and defense.

The trade fair will feature a variety of events, including product demonstrations, seminars, and workshops. It will also host the MEDITEX™ pavilion, which is dedicated to medical textiles.

The Techtextil India 2023 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the technical textiles sector. It is an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and technologies, and to network with industry leaders.

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12 September 2023, Mumbai

Significant Progress in Reducing Pesticide and Water Use

• Better Cotton farmers in India have reduced their pesticide use by 53%, and their use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) by 90%.
• They have also reduced their water usage for irrigation by 29%.

Improvements in Farmer Livelihoods

• Better Cotton farmers have seen a 15.6% decrease in their total costs per hectare, and their average cotton lint yield per hectare is 200kg more than the national average.

Increasing Participation of Women

• The number of women Better Cotton Field Staff has increased from 10% in 2019-20 to 25% in 2022-23.

The Better Cotton India Impact Report is a testament to the positive impact that the programme is having on the environment, farmers, and communities in India. The report also shows that Better Cotton is committed to driving further improvements at the farm-level.

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