INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
The Ministry of Textiles in partnership with Indian Technical Textiles Association (ITTA) and Wool Research Association (WRA) organized a full-day National Conclave on Sportech on the theme “The Future of Sport Textiles and Accessories Industry in India”, on 2nd June 2023 at Shangri-La Eros Hotel, New Delhi. There were technical sessions in the conclave focusing on Market size, Gaps, Experience and Expectations of consumers towards adoption of Indian Sports Textiles, Sports Goods and Accessories: Coated fabrics, Nets, Leather and Rubber Products, Innovations & Research in Composites and Smart Textiles and Design, Branding & Quality in the Value Chain. More than 300 participants attended the conclave including Officials and Representatives from Central Ministries, user Departments (sportech) of Central and State Governments, Institutes, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals related to technical textiles especially Sportech along with around 16 exhibitors. Chief Guest, Smt Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles & Railways, Government of India, highlighted that India is an emerging player in sports textiles, with tremendous scope for growth in the coming years. She mentioned that the government has significant focus on creating sports culture in India through its flagship schemes such as Khelo India, Fit India Movement, Target Olympic Podium Scheme, etc. This would support in enhancing the penetration of sports textiles in the country. Further, the factors such as rising health consciousness and increasing sports events being organized in India are also fostering the demand for sports goods and sports textiles. She highlighted that the recent initiative of Indian apparel & footwear sizing has been a significant step in sports and footwear industry. She mentioned that Ministry of Textiles, under NTTM, is in continuous process of discussion with the concerned ministries regarding enhancing the usage of the technical textile items within their respective domains. Recently, Ministry of Textiles convened a meeting to explore the possibility of increasing the usage of technical textiles in the Railways sector for yielding significant results in this direction. She urged various stakeholders to put forward their valuable inputs, which would pave way for creating a concrete roadmap for the future of sportech industry in India. Smt Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, stated that the government is working to make India a hub for the technical textiles. Our flagship interventions such as National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM Mitra Park initiative, among others are focused towards increasing the scale, size and integration of textiles and technical textiles in India. She highlighted that the growing interest in sporting activities, health consciousness among people, rising demand of athleisure, among others have been creating a huge potential for sports goods, sports textiles and accessories in India. She opined that to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the sports industry, the companies need to focus on research, product development, innovation, and sustainability. She suggested that all the stakeholders must work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth of sportech industry in India. Shri. Rajesh Kr. Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, highlighted that there is a need to facilitate and have confidence on various scientists and researchers working on product and technology development in technical textiles, including sportech. This will catalyze the development of entire ecosystem of technical textiles in India. Indian industry has to realise that their major competitors are not the domestic counterparts, but the international companies and thus their product quality & usage have to be superior to what is already present in the market. He mentioned that the Technology Development Board has been in forefront for supporting the deep tech companies, to bring innovative products in the Indian market. Shri. Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, highlighted that India’s Technical Textiles market has a huge potential backed by a significant growth rate of 10%, increased penetration level of 9-10% and placement as the 5th largest technical textiles market in the world. At this juncture, Ministry of Textiles’ National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is working towards enhancing the usage/demand of technical textiles, enhancing the awareness & know-how, facilitating product & machinery development, and conducting segment specific conferences, with the overall objective of creating adequate ecosystem of technical textiles in India. He highlighted that India’s sportech market at around USD 1.17 million is minimal as compared to country’s population size. Therefore, focus should be on developing this sector to meet domestic needs with indigenously produced quality sports textile products & accessories. PM Mitra presents a great opportunity in this regard wherein technical textiles companies could set-up their plants in plug-n-play mode. Smt. Shubhra, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted that the recent years have witnessed the birth of many Indian brands in sports sector, however, most of these brands are into athleisure market, thus, need of the hour is to expand the focus of these brands towards high performance specialized sports textile materials. Smt. Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted that there is a need for creating synergy amongst various stakeholders in sportech sector, including Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, sports industry, among others. Shri. Amit Agarwal, Chairman, ITTA, highlighted that coming years would create significant demand for the sportech products in India on the back of rising health consciousness, India’s hosting of 2036 Olympics Games and Government’s strong focus & vision towards enhancing entire ecosystem of technical textiles.
Source: PIB
India said on Thursday that the Supply Chains Agreement under Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is expected to bring benefits such as shift of production centres in key goods/critical sectors to the country. The commerce and industry ministry said the IPEF will give a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and production-linked incentive schemes, mobilisation of investments, integration of India in Global Supply and value chains, The pact will lead to enhanced exports from India, quicker port clearances and workforce development, the ministry said in a statement. Negotiations for the Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement were substantially concluded during the second IPEF ministerial meeting on May 27. As per the statement, upward mobility in the value chains, mitigation of risks of economic disruptions to India from supply chain shocks and adverse events, creation of a seamless regional trade ecosystem facilitating flow of Indian products, enhanced trade facilitation, including through digital exchange of trade documentation, and joint Research and Development are the other benefits of the agreemen t. The IPEF Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement is one of the fastest ever concluded plurilateral economic cooperation Agreement.
Source: Economic times
In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team, which includes Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, are putting their best foot forward to boost free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries—whether it's with the European Union or the United Kingdom. On India- EU FTA negotiation, he stated that it is progressing well and Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is helpful as it is supplementing the FTA process. However, amid the enthusiasm for FTAs, Japan is among the least explored markets by Indian merchandise exporters among G-7 countries as measured by the share of India’s exports in the total import of these countries, as per a report by the World Trade Center Mumbai. Notably, Japan is the only country among the G-7 group with which India has a trade agreement and yet the share of its exports in Japan’s merchandise imports is hardly 0.85 per cent compared to 1.35 per cent for Italy, 0.87 per cent for France, 1.50 per cent for the UK and 2.47 per cent for the USA. Talking about if India has failed to leverage the trade agreement with Japan, Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Yes. India could not utilise the trade agreement. Japan gave duty-free market access to 2,218 products (at HS six-digit level) under this trade agreement to India. But out of this, India could not export 1.142 goods because of non-tariff barriers and stiff competition from ASEAN countries and China.” India’s exports to Japan are declining for the last five to six years, except for 2021-22. It was USD 4.73 billion in 2017-18, which decreased to USD 4.43 billion in 2020-21. In 2021-22, India’s exports to Japan increased significantly to USD 6.17 billion. However, In 2022-23, it again declined to USD 5.46 billion. The country’s top ten major exports to Japan include organic chemicals, fish and crustaceans, nuclear reactors, vehicles other than railway rolling stock, natural pearls, mineral oils and aluminium articles. These exports constitute around 70 per cent, i.e., USD 3.82 billion, of India's total exports to Japan, which amounted to USD 5.46 billion in 2022-23. Also, imports are consistently higher than exports. India’s imports from Japan were USD 12.77 billion in 2017-18 which increased to USD 16.49 billion in 2022-23. India’s trade deficit with Japan is on the rise for the last few years. “Though Japan is least explored by India among G-7 countries, India’s presidency of G-20 and Japan being president of G7 countries opens numerous areas of cooperation between the two. Working together, they can amplify their influence at the global level and can work for the betterment of the Global South. Japan is taking its investments towards India,” said Saket Dalmia, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Japan’s FDI inflows to India are expected to increase. Investments should be encouraged in new promising areas. In addition, defence and strategic partnerships are of paramount importance for enhancing trade ties between the two countries. “Though trade volumes between the two have not increased at a fast pace as expected, the cooperation in new areas can lead to a rise in trade volume through the exploration of new and promising areas in sustainable, strategic, technological and trade partnerships,” Dalmia added.
Accelerating trade Experts believe that Japan is India’s‘ partner in progress and the two countries have outstanding bilateral relations. Japan has been an ideal partner for India's infrastructure growth story. There’s immense potential for India to look at exports in agri and food products to Japan. “The two economies may seek to broaden ties in the agrarian sector. Both governments are working towards a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the government of India emphasising the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the PLI scheme and the diversification of the trade basket, etc., to strengthen its manufacturing sector and make it more competitive. This will aid in increasing its contribution to exports,” said Dinesh Joshi, Chairman, International Business Committee, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. If the Japanese market for Indian exports has not been “explored” India must look for the reasons behind this, experts noted. Despite Japan being the world’s third-largest economy at over USD 5 trillion, it accounts for just about 1.5 per cent of India’s overall exports amounting to over USD 6 billion. “The broad product-wise composition of Japanese imports reveals why this might be so. Japan’s chief imports are petrol and petroleum products as well as coal briquettes. Its most prominent import of a manufactured product is integrated circuits. India’s largest export to Japan is organic chemicals, which are, at the same time, also imported from Japan of almost equal value,” said Sashi Shiv Ramkrishna, Sr Adjunct Professor, NMIMS, Bangalore. Ramkrishna added that the one area where Japan is behind the curve may be in the area of fintech. India, with strides made by it in the area of digital payment technologies, could find substantial opportunities with the Japanese banking and financial sector. Here, greater collaboration between India and Japan through startups has already been promoted by the India-Japan digital partnership (IJDP) and startup hub.
The big push Under the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), Japan eliminated duty on 1,962 goods (at six-digit HS code) for India in 2011. Articles related to clothing and apparel constituted more than 37 per cent of these tariff lines followed by chemicals and pharmaceuticals which accounted for 27 per cent of the total tariff line under the initial phases of the agreement.
WTC Mumbai report added that even though it has been a decade since the India-Japan FTA came into force, merchandise trade between the two countries has not seen much traction. India’s export to Japan has just risen 8.7 per cent during the decade. However, for commodities covered under the FTA, India’s exports to Japan have declined 42.7 per cent led by a 94 per cent contraction in shipment of petroleum products covered under the FTA from USD 1.8 billion to USD 114.3 million. Theoretically, under the current trade agreement, India has an untapped export potential of USD 119 billion to Japan. This is the excess import of Japan from other countries over what is supplied by India to Japan. However, more realistically India’s true untapped export potential may be computed at around USD 20.5 billion for 474 commodities (at HS code six digit) which India may explore in the short to medium term. For these commodities, India has a proven global competitiveness with more than five per cent global share for each of these 474 commodities. The textile, clothing and apparel sectors have the highest untapped export potential of USD 7.2 billion, followed by chemicals and pharmaceuticals with USD 4.6 billion and energy sectors with USD 3.4 billion untapped export potential. “There are three major reasons for the low share of India in the Japanese market. Indian exporters have traditionally focused on Western markets such as USA and EU, rather than far Eastern markets such as Japan. Compliance procedure is generally stringent in the Japanese market and hence Indian exporters find it difficult to enter this market. India faces stiff competition from ASEAN countries and China in most of the goods, where we have export potential,” said Kalantri. Trade cooperation in new areas, expanding the coverage of the India-Japan CEPA and encouraging Japan’s FDI inflows in new areas are expected to help to further leverage the trade potential between the two nations. “Since India has adequately developed its infrastructure and Japan leads in technological developments, there is large scope for cooperation in high technology areas such as semiconductors, electronic equipment manufacturing, military hardware, digital public infrastructure and sustainable new technologies in order to achieve India’s decarbonisation and sustainable goals,” added Dalmia.
Source: Business world
Naroda Enviro Projects Ltd (NEPL), which manages Naroda Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), has decided to set up the hydrodynamic cavitation system at the CETP as suggested by Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI). According to sources, Gujarat Control Board (GPCB) has directed NEPL to achieve prescribed norms as soon as possible and NEPL has said that the new system will ensure COD and other parameters in prescribed limits. NEPL has a CETP with 14MLD capacity and 180 units of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles are members of the CETP. NEPL director Ajay Patel said, “NEERI team had visited NEPL CETP and directed us to install hydrodynamic cavitation to improve CETP performance. Our performance has improved significantly over the years due to various technologies and we believe the new system will help us bring down Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) level below 250mg/litre.” As per the February CETP results, Vatva and Narol CETP outlet COD levels were below 250, while Naroda CETP outlet COD level was 264mg/litre. “We are near the target and hopeful to achieve norms soon,” said Patel. However, industry experts said due to weak market conditions, chemical factories are not working at full capacity and also, CETPs are not operational at full capacity and its management will have to ensure proper results at the time of booming market situation. A senior GPCB official said, “We want to ensure all the CETPs achieve prescribed norms. Currently, Narol and Vatva CETPs show proper performance, but Naroda CETP is not able to bring down COD level below 250mg/litre so we have directed the Naroda CETP management to install new technology to improve results and they are implementing it. We will monitor the results and ensure that the pollution levels are under control.”
Source: Times of India
Alice Rivlin, vice chair of the Federal Reserve Board in the 1990s, aptly remarked that the “job of a central bank is to worry”. The RBI’s Currency and Finance Report for 2022-23 — “Towards a greener cleaner India” — is proof that the central bank is on the job. It is a timely update to its previous reports that had left many wondering what will be its response to climate change. The report covers an expansive set of issues, and conveys the central bank’s future course of action. India is committed to achieving net zero status by 2070 at CoP26. The road to net zero will not be smooth, as is reflected in the report. The RBI provides a muchdesired framework of thinking about the trade-offs between growth, inflation and efforts to transition to a net zero economy. There is a tension between India’s ambition to achieve advanced economy status by 2047 and lowering its emissions. An annual GDP growth rate of 9.6 per cent would raise net GHG emissions by 10.5 times of levels in 2021-22. In a scenario where India seeks to achieve dual objectives of net zero by 2070 and advanced economy status, it would have to increase the share of green energy in primary energy consumption to 82 per cent by 2070 and reduce emission intensity by 5.4 per cent annually. The report’s finding that nationally determined contribution will set back economic output by as much as 9 per cent by 2049 is a 2049. The question for policy is how can India scale its ambition given the constraints set by investment costs. The report also weighs on the inflationary impact of the status quo against the alternative of achieving net zero by 2050. The latter will raise prices over the next three years but will subdue persistent inflationary effects over the long term. The empirics, therefore, make it clear that transitioning to net zero by 2050 may be a better option globally. Once the shift is set in motion, the productive life of existing fossil fuel-based assets will be shortened thus exposing the banking sector (through loans) to these assets. Such risks are more pronounced for public-sector banks. However, the financial risks are not just limited to conventional energy, non-conventional energy registered an increase in share of industry bad loans. With an annual estimated investment cost of 5-6 per cent of GDP, associated risks to the financial system are also anticipated by the report. At the same time, there are risks to assets, and therefore to the banking system, from the growing incidence of extreme weather RBI’s assessment is that a one-period climate shock can reduce output by 1 per cent up to five quarters. This in turn will reduce incomes and consumption. The important question then is what are the policy alternatives to address these risks. Interestingly, the report lays significant emphasis on the role of fiscal policy. It makes a case for fiscal intervention in the form of a carbon tax or an emission trading system. It finds that a carbon tax of $25 per tonne and $50 per tonne of Co2 under different scenarios can be effective, alongside other policy interventions. The importance of a carbon tax is indisputable, especially given the G7’s commitment to trade based tax measures. However, its distributional consequences are not addressed at all. It remains unclear from the analysis the level of carbon tax most compatible with different growth outcomes. It is also unclear which tax redistribution mechanisms can mitigate the distributional consequences The report sets the tone for monetary policy in the coming years. But it also lays out policy questions that remain widely unaddressed — the need for a taxonomy and sectoral pathways aligned with net zero. While it does mention the role of shifts in production to less energy intensive sectors — fisheries, textiles, land transport and services — there is no roadmap for these sectors that have long confronted legacy issues. As the RBI takes on the responsibility of managing risks, fiscal policy and regulatory measures are also needed to meet the challenges.
Source: Indian express
The fashion industry has the potential to significantly boost women’s empowerment. With its global reach, influence, and creative power, the industry can create a transformative environment that celebrates women’s individuality, challenges societal norms, and promotes inclusivity. Through various avenues such as design, representation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, the fashion industry can empower women economically, socially, and culturally. By providing opportunities for selfexpression, promoting body positivity, supporting women-led businesses, advocating for gender equality, and fostering mentorship and collaboration, the fashion industry can be a catalyst for positive change.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: Starting their own fashion businesses allows women to have control over their financial lives. It enables them to generate income, build wealth, and have a greater say in their financial decisions. By being their own bosses, women entrepreneurs can break free from traditional employment structures and create opportunities for themselves. As entrepreneurs, women in the fashion industry can have more flexibility and control over their work schedules. They can create a work-life balance that suits their personal needs and responsibilities, allowing them to pursue their passions while also fulfilling their family or caregiving roles. The fashion industry employs a significant number of women worldwide. According to the International Trade Centre, in 2022, approximately 85% of global textile and garment workers were women. This employment provides women with economic independence, financial stability, and the opportunity to support themselves and their families.
Skill Development and Employment: Skill development programs, workshops, and vocational training in fashion can empower women by enhancing their expertise and technical skills. These programs provide opportunities to learn various aspects of the fashion industry, such as design, pattern making, sewing, garment construction, and textile technology. By acquiring these skills, women can pursue careers as designers, artisans, technicians, or fashion professionals. kill development in the fashion industry opens doors to leadership roles and career advancement opportunities for women. As they acquire expertise and gain experience, women can climb the ladder to managerial positions, become fashion consultants, or even establish themselves as industry experts and thought leaders. According to the State of Fashion 2022 report, womenowned fashion enterprises have been on the rise, contributing to the industry’s growth and innovation.
Body Positivity and Self-Expression: Fashion can be a powerful tool for boosting women’s confidence and selfesteem. When women are encouraged to dress in a way that aligns with their personal style and body type, they can express their individuality and feel comfortable in their own skin. Fashion that celebrates diverse bodies and offers inclusive sizing options enables women to feel confident, empowered, and beautiful. Fashion allows women to express their unique personalities, tastes, and identities. Women can experiment with different styles, mix, and match clothing items, and create looks that reflect who they are. This freedom of self-expression fosters confidence, empowers women to celebrate their individuality, and encourages them to take ownership of their personal style.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights and Social Issues: The fashion industry has the ability to challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes. By featuring gender-neutral fashion, promoting inclusive and diverse representation, and breaking down barriers associated with gender roles, the industry can empower women to defy societal expectations and embrace their true selves. This advocacy contributes to a more inclusive society that values gender equality and allows women to thrive. Fashion brands and industry professionals can collaborate with women’s organizations and NGOs that work towards women’s empowerment. By supporting and amplifying the work of these organizations through partnerships, donations, or awareness campaigns, the fashion industry can contribute to positive social change.
Mentorship and Collaboration: Mentorship helps build the confidence of women in the fashion industry. Having a mentor who believes in their abilities and supports their aspirations can boost selfesteem and provide reassurance. Through mentorship, women gain the confidence to take risks, explore new opportunities, and overcome challenges. This increased self-confidence empowers women to pursue their goals with determination and resilience. Collaboration among women in the fashion industry promotes empowerment and collective growth. Women can share ideas, pool resources, and collaborate on projects by working together. Collaboration allows for the exchange of knowledge, creativity, and skills, leading to innovative outcomes. By embracing these pointers, the fashion industry has the potential to make significant strides in empowering women, promoting equality, and challenging traditional norms. The industry can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women through entrepreneurship, representation, skill development, sustainability, body positivity, advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration.
Source: Times of India
The PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) program primarily benefits manufacturers and industries in India. It is designed to promote domestic manufacturing and attract investments in key sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles. The program offers financial incentives to eligible manufacturers based on their incremental production over a specified base year. These incentives encourage companies to expand their manufacturing capabilities, increase production volumes, and enhance technological capabilities. As a result, the PLI program aims to boost domestic production, reduce import dependence, create employment opportunities, and attract foreign investments. While the program benefits various industries, its impact varies depending on the sector. For example, in the electronics sector, the PLI program benefits manufacturers of mobile phones, electronic components, and semiconductor fabrication. Similarly, in the pharmaceutical sector, the program focuses on specific drug categories to encourage their production within the country. For India to reduce its imports and encourage domestic players to enhance production, the government should and is focusing on strategizing ways to make the PLI scheme more inclusive. The government can consider expanding the scope of industries and sectors eligible for the PLI scheme to include a wider range of sectors beyond traditional manufacturing. This could encompass emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and advanced technology industries. Separate provisions can be created within the PLI scheme to incentivize Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This can be achieved by introducing lower investment thresholds, simplified application processes, and dedicated support mechanisms for MSMEs to participate and benefit from the scheme. There should also be a smooth implementation of region-specific incentives to promote industrial development in underdeveloped or backward regions. This could involve providing additional incentives or higher incentive rates for investments made in these regions, thus reducing regional imbalances. There should be flexibility in the minimum investment requirements for different sectors, allowing businesses of varying sizes to participate. This could include tiered investment slabs or customized investment criteria based on the nature of the industry. There should be a keen focus on emphasizing skill development and technological upgradation. Alongside the PLI scheme, there should be a focus on supporting skill development programs and technology upgradation initiatives. This will help enhance the capabilities of domestic manufacturers, making them more competitive in both domestic and international markets. The players across the industry, with support from the government, should ensure streamlined and efficient implementation of the PLI scheme by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying application processes, and establishing a robust monitoring mechanism to track the progress and outcomes of the scheme. There should be dynamic collaborations between industry players, research institutions, and academia to foster innovation, research, and development, which will drive technological advancements and improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers. It is important to note that the effectiveness of any measure will depend on various factors, including sector-specific dynamics, global market conditions, and policy implementation. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the PLI scheme’s outcomes can help identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to achieve the goal of reducing imports and promoting domestic production.
Source: Financial express
The gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collected in Gujarat in May stood at Rs 9,800 crore, marking a modest 5% growth compared to Rs 9,321 crore in the same month of 2022, as per data provided by the Union ministry of finance. This growth rate is slower than the nationwide growth in collection, which stood at 12% during the same period, reaching Rs 1.57 lakh crore. In May, revenue from the import of goods increased by 12%, while revenue from domestic transactions (including import of services) grew by 11% compared to the previous year, according to the ministry. Gujarat’s GST collection comprises Rs 3,371.18 crore of SGST, Rs 2,729.13 crore of CGST, Rs 3,025.07 crore of IGST, and additional income from cess. However, GST collection from Gujarat dropped by 16% compared to April of this year. Industry experts attribute the decline in tax collection growth to reduced demand, which has adversely affected most industrial sectors. “The overall reduction in discretionary spending within the domestic market has become a significant obstacle to tax collection, as consumption has decreased. Additionally, global economic uncertainty has resulted in a decline in exports, impacting the production levels of various ancillary industries. Textiles and chemicals are among the sectors hit hardest by these challenges in Gujarat. Consequently, this situation is expected to have an impact on tax collection,” said Chintan Thaker, chairman of Assocham Gujarat state council. Interestingly, Gujarat’s revenue through GST, including SGST and IGST settlement, has increased by 24% from Rs 4,218.36 crore in May 2022 to Rs 5,156 crore in May of this year, according to officials from the state GST department. Interestingly, Gujarat’s revenue through GST, which includes SGST mop-up and IGST settlement, has increased 22.22% during the month from Rs 4,218.36 crore in May 2022 to Rs 5,156 crore in May this year, according to state GST department officials.
Source: Times of India
INTERNATIONAL
With 600 votes in favour, 17 against and 16 abstentions, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles calls for textile products sold in the EU to be more durable, easier to reuse, repair and recycle. It states their production should respect human, social and labour rights, the environment and animal welfare throughout the supply chain. Moreover, the members of Parliament (MEPs) state they want EU and national measures to put an end to “fast fashion” with a call for the ban on the destruction of unsold and returned textile goods.
Sustainability and competitiveness – a balanced vision While Euratex says it supports the EU Textile Strategy, it believes despite the efforts outlined to step up the EU’s ambition towards sustainability and circularity even further, the report fails to recognise the strategic role of the European textile industry to scale up sustainability. The report also does not take into consideration the global competitive threat which companies in Europe are currently facing. Director General of Euratex, Dirk Vantyghem, explains: “We welcome the strong interest of the European Parliament in the textile and fashion industry, but encourage MEPs to develop a balanced vision which reconciles sustainability and competitiveness. Developing a new business model for our industry requires carefully crafted legislation at the global level, and an open dialogue between the industry, the brands and the consumer.” Euratex believes the report fails to respect the balance between sustainability and competitiveness. Instead, Euratex says it suggests even more rules and restrictions, totally disregarding the current economic challenges caused by high energy prices, loss in consumer confidence and assertive trade partners. The organisation goes as far as to say: “Putting the bar even higher will simply mean that the European textile industry will be pushed out of the market, resulting in a bigger environmental footprint and increased dependency on foreign supplies. Quite the opposite of what the EU wants to achieve with its open strategic autonomy plans. “The report also fails to differentiate between textile products. There is a mix-up between fashion and technical textiles, between products made in Europe and outside, and between high-quality and durable products and low-quality items. It is regretful that the European Parliament did not make that distinction and simply refers to “textiles” as a general cause of concern, without acknowledging e.g. the high-quality products, made by European textile and fashion companies. “It puts a strong responsibility on the supply side – the industry and the brands – and does not sufficiently address the role of the consumer. We need initiatives therefore to create a stronger demand for sustainable textiles, which includes better communication and transparency (avoid greenwashing), fiscal measures, green public procurement and better control of online marketplaces.” However, Euratex believes the report does recognise the importance to invest in research and innovation, to support reskilling and upskilling, the need to scale up the circular economy and pay attention to the needs of SMEs.
Measures to be addressed in future EU legislation The European Parliament says consumers should have more information to make sustainable choices and calls for a ban on the destruction of unsold and returned textile goods in the upcoming revision of the ecodesign regulation. It says MEPs want clear rules to stop greenwashing by producers, through for example the ongoing legislative work related to ’empowering consumers in the green transition’ and ‘regulating green claims’. MEPs also want the upcoming revision of the Waste Framework Directive to include specific separate targets for textile waste prevention, collection, reuse and recycling. They urge the Commission to launch the initiative to prevent and minimise the release of microplastics and microfibres into the environment, without further delay. The EU Commission initially presented the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles on 30 March 2022 to address the entire lifecycle of textile products and propose actions to change how we produce and consume textiles. The move is part of the EU Green Deal which proposes to make sustainable products “the norm in the EU”, boost circular business models and empower consumers for the green transition. As announced in the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Commission is proposing new rules to make almost all physical goods on the EU market more friendly to the environment, circular, and energy-efficient throughout their whole lifecycle from the design phase through to daily use, repurposing and end-oflife. Manufacturers will have to ensure their clothes are eco-friendly and long-lasting and consumers will be given more information on how to reuse, repair and recycle clothing. The European Parliament says that by adopting this report it is responding to citizens’ expectations to build a circular economy by promoting sustainable EU products and production, and to support the shift to a sustainable and resilient growth model.
Source: just-style.com
The ASEAN region is collectively emerging as a major global supplier of textile-related goods, in a market traditionally dominated by mainland China and other players, according to ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) chairman Albert Tan. Tan, who is also deputy chairman of Cambodian AFTEX member Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), was speaking at the AFTEX 49th Council Meeting and 47th Plenary Session in Siem Reap, held from June 1- 2. The textile-linked industries are a linchpin of many ASEAN economies and operate in highly competitive markets, he stressed. “So far, our region has performed well in terms of capturing more global market share, serving as an alternative source of supply to China and some other key supplying countries,” he said. Tan highlighted that over the past decade, the overall gap between production costs, which primarily include raw materials, labour, logistics and compliance, and FOB (free-on-board) and retail pricing has narrowed. He expects this trend to continue into the next decade. “Keeping these costs competitively low is extremely difficult, while having price increases from the buyers and brands looks impossible, unless we can offer something special. What’s special about AFTEX? Let’s spend the day in serious discussions to bring about something meaningful and valuable for AFTEX’s future. “Of course, AFTEX members might compete in some areas, in some shapes or forms, but surely there are areas that we need to work together on to be strong as a region and deal with changing global market forces,” he said. Royal Academy of Cambodia economist Ky Sereyvath, stressed that these industries continue to be highly competitive and appealing in the Kingdom as well as in many of the other nine ASEAN countries due to their capacity to generate jobs and drive the economy. Exports from the industry to the US and Europe have, however, slowed down as a result of economic turbulence, he lamented. “We can see that the industries have played a vital role in the economy and livelihood of the populations of several ASEAN nations, including Cambodia. To encourage further investment in our country, the government has been treating the industry quite nicely by offering some tax breaks,” Sereyvath said. The AFTEX 49th Council Meeting and 47th Plenary Session was attended by representatives of member organisations from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These organisations reaffirmed their commitments to work together in the ASEAN spirit and speak with a unified voice on behalf of the Southeast Asian region’s textile and apparel sectors. Participants put together a list of projects and work plans for the coming months under Cambodia’s chairmanship, in a bid to consolidate AFTEX’s roles and spur growth of ASEAN’s textile and apparel industries. Cambodia earned $1.395 billion from the export of “articles of apparel, knit or crocheted” in the first four months of 2023, down 28.49 per cent year-on-year and down 40.80 per cent half-on-half (compared to July-October 2022), according to provisional Customs (GDCE) data. This category of items, corresponding to Chapter 61 of the Harmonised System (HS) of Tariff Nomenclature, accounted for 19.28 per cent of the $7.234 billion value of the Kingdom’s total merchandise exports over the four months – compared to 25.64 per cent and $7.606 billion in January-April 2022, as well as 31.97 per cent and $7.368 billion in July-October 2022. Chapter 61 was the Kingdom’s top export category of textile-linked items for the January-April period, followed by “articles of apparel, not knit or crocheted” (Chapter 62 of the HS) with $754.727 $754.727 million, “articles of leather, animal gut, harness, travel goods” (Chapter 42) with $515.214 $515.214 million and “footwear, gaiters and the like” (Chapter 64) with $436.910 $436.910 million. Trading Economics statistics show that Cambodia was ASEAN’s second largest exporter of Chapter 61 items in 2021 with $5.82 billion, compared to Vietnam’s $15.73 billion and third-ranked Indonesia’s $4.35 billion. Mainland China, on the other hand, exported $86.46 billion that year, the economic data provider reported, citing the UN Comtrade database.
Source: Thephnompenhpost.com
The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year has no realistic direction as to how the exportoriented sectors will tide over the post-graduation and fourth industrial revolution challenges to enjoy the duty-free market access, garment accessories makers have claimed. Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) on Saturday expressed their concern as the budget did not spell out any specific instruction about how to mitigate the complexities relating to the dollar crunch, high price of raw materials and opening of letters of credit (L/C). The trade body said that the budget did not cut the source tax to 0.50 per cent on export proceeds and to 10 per cent on the interest of a company's bank deposit. It would not aid export business. shortest possible lead time and even after 2027, it said in a statement. BGAPMEA acting president Mohammad Belal in the statement said, "Though equal benefits for our sector have been mentioned in the national industrial policy, export policy and textile guidelines, they are yet to be offered despite the fact that this industry has helped the RMG sector to be the largest foreign currency earner from the very beginning." As a result, the local accessories and packaging industry is yet to be in a developed stage to face the post-graduation challenges, he added. Welcoming the budgetary proposal for providing an incentive to the sector, he urged the government to fix the source tax on export proceeds at 0.50 per cent and continue it for the next five years. Mr Belal also demanded an equal bonded warehouse facility as given to the RMG sector and an import ban on the accessories and packaging goods that are locally produced.
Source: Thefinancialexpress.com
Layoffs could run until the end of 2023 as firms continue to trim their ranks in line with slumping global demand, experts said. According to the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV), of the 9,560 companies surveyed in late April, 82 per cent said they would either downsize or cease operation for the rest of the year because of falling orders. Over 5,200 respondents cited layoffs as a measure to deal with the economic downturn and over 2,100 planned to cut more than half of their workforce. It is worth noting that most of the latter clustered around HCM City and Bình Dương Province. Based on the survey, Board IV forecast that job cuts could continue unabated between now and the end of the year. And in addition to the redundancies, 30 per cent of the companies would see their revenues drop by half. The result of the Board IV survey was not so different from that of the survey by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, which forecast in mid-May that rounds of layoffs would re-emerge unless the situation turns around. Job cuts would be more evident in labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, footwear, and seafood. For instance, the Pouyuen Company has planned to slash 8,000 workers between early January and July 8. The majority of the workers facing the axe would be women and those over 40 years old. They have been scheduled for layoffs on the grounds of "cutting capacity amid falling orders". Phạm Ngọc Toàn, director of the Center for Information, Analytics, and Strategic Forecast, said there were 52.2 million people in the workforce in Q1, of which twothirds were employed in the informal sector. He forecast that global weakening demand would continue to cause job losses in the economy. Job-seekers in the textiles and wooden furniture sectors would be among those on the receiving end of the changing consumption patterns. Ageism would fuel the situation by making it more difficult for middle-aged candidates to get a job. Legally, firms are not allowed to favour one age group over others, but in practice, it is a different story. "Firms prefer younger candidates in recruitment because they are believed to have higher productivity," Toàn said.
Source: The Vietnam news
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, is the biggest free trade partnership in the world. Xu Hua reports from Shenzhen where customs have just cleared the first shipment to the Southeast Asian country, under the agreement. XU HUA Shenzhen "The first batch of goods under RCEP has just been cleared by customs at Huanggang Port in Shenzhen, and will arrive on the Philippines' market in around two weeks." Starting from June 2, the Philippines will enjoy favorable tariffs in trade with China on automobiles, certain plastic products, textiles and more. After a transition period, tariffs on the above products will gradually be reduced to zero. WANG MINGYONG Chief Operating Officer, Shenzhen Guanlai Electronic "We've mainly exported core materials and semi-finished products today. After RCEP comes into effect, the total amount of our exports to the Philippines is expected to increase by two to three times compared with the same period last year." RCEP includes fifteen East Asian and Pacific nations, totalling around one third of the global population and GDP. The ratification of the Philippines is the latest step in regional integration. XU XIAOXUE Deputy Director, Duty Collection Division Shenzhen Customs District "Since the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the value of trade under RCEP through Shenzhen Customs District has reached 10.4 billion yuan, with tariff reductions amounting to about 466 million yuan." China is the Philippines' largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching more than 87 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. By reducing trade barriers, RCEP is widely expected to promote increased trade and investment flows between China and the Philippines. Xu Hua, CGTN, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.
Source: The news.cgtn.com
At next week’s ITMA 2023 (June 8-14), it will be very evident that digitalisation has become the key enabler for sustainable gains across the entire textile industry, according to TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association. “So much has been achieved in the rollercoaster years since the last ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, especially in terms of automation,” says TMAS secretary general Therese Premler-Andersson. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, the need to respond to many shortages, such as in PPE for example, resulted in major gains in automated machine efficiency, remote monitoring and supply chain transparency. These are now influencing the undiminished drive to establish a more sustainable textile industry.” bag forming and gusset forming which all previously had to be carried out manually, to produce some 540 units an hour. “Terrible as it was, the Covid-19 pandemic gave us the opportunity to stand back from what we were doing and make some bold moves in advancing automated features,” says Chuck de Sousa, the company’s head of business development.
Bold moves bag forming and gusset forming which all previously had to be carried out manually, to produce some 540 units an hour. “Terrible as it was, the Covid-19 pandemic gave us the opportunity to stand back from what we were doing and make some bold moves in advancing automated features,” says Chuck de Sousa, the company’s head of business development.
Materials handling Eton Systems provides automated material handling systems consisting of individually addressable product carriers designed to eliminate manual transportation and minimise handling, radically increasing the time for adding value to garments and other finished items. After Covid-19 supply chain shortages, these advantages have subsequently proven a powerful incentive for textile manufactures across Europe and the United States to bring some production closer to home, according to CEO Jerker Krabbe. At ITMA 2023 Eton will launch its new ETONingenious software platform, which continuously gathers, processes and presents powerful, value-adding product information to operators, supervisors, quality control personnel and management. Other notable TMAS machine demonstrations to look out for at ITMA 2023 include the latest EyETM system for the monitoring of literally hundreds of yarns in real time on a warping creel, developed by Eltex, and Svegea’s EC 300 collarette cutting machine for the production of essential tubular apparel components which is now operating at speeds of up to 20,000 metres per hour.
Bedrock Weaving remains the bedrock of the textile industry and Vandewiele Sweden AB benefits from all of the synergies and accumulated know-how of the market leading Vandewiele Group. The company supplies weft yarn feeding and tension control units for weaving looms to the majority of the leading weaving machine manufacturers, as well for retrofitting in working mills around the world, and at ITMA 2023, will present its latest X4 yarn feeders with integrated accessory displays, as well as launching its own e-commerce platform – iroonline.com. X4 feeders are available in three different versions – with an integrated tension display (TED), with integrated active tension control (ATC), or with quick release, which enables weft tension settings to be transferred from one machine to another, enabling a fast start-up the next time the same article is woven. The position of the SFlex Tensioner is constantly monitored by an internal sensor – even if adjustment is made during power off. Specialised weaving technology for the paper making industry is meanwhile the domain of TEXO AB which has seen a surge in the demand for its Compfelt weaving looms for press felt base fabrics for the paper making industry. One of the machines TEXO AB has recently successfully delivered and commissioned has a working width of 23 metres.
Dyeing and Finishing Visitors to ITMA 2023 will quickly come to realise that terrific sustainable gains are now possible with new technologies in dyeing and finishing and two TMAS members are at the forefront here, offering highly digitised alternatives to a water and energyintensive sector. Baldwin’s TexCoat G4, a non-contact spray technology for textile finishing and remoistening not only reduces water, chemicals and energy consumption, but also provides the flexibility to adapt to a customer’s requirements in terms of single and double-sided finishing applications. “TexCoat G4 can reduce water consumption by as much as 50% compared to traditional padding application processes,” says Rick Stanford, Baldwin’s VP of global business development. Similar impressive savings can also now be made in textile dyeing with imogo’s DyeMax spray dyeing technology.
It can slash the use of fresh water, wastewater, energy and chemicals by as much as 90% compared to conventional jet dyeing systems as a result of an extremely low liquor ratio of 0.6-0.8 litres per kilo of fabric. At the same time, considerably fewer auxiliary chemicals are required to start with. In addition, Coloreel’s instant embroidery thread colouration system will be demonstrated on a ZSK Stickmaschinen Sprint 7 embroidery machine at the show and Tajima Software Solutions is also incorporating the Coloreel colouring system into its leading DG16 embroidery design software. “Brands and mills are already starting to see environmental and economic benefits from non-contact precision dyeing and finishing systems,” says Premler-Andersson in conclusion. “Spray application and instant thread colouring technologies are a perfect illustration of how new digital technologies can lead to more sustainable production and it’s fantastic that all of this innovation is taking place in Europe, as will be conclusively demonstrated at ITMA 2023.”
Source: Innovation in Textiles
