As per discussions held in the 22nd GST Council Meeting held under Chairmanship of Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley on 6th October, 2017, the following changes in GST rates for certain Goods and IGST rates on Imports of specified Goods have been recommended.
A. GST RATE FOR FOLLOWING GOODS HAVE BEEN REDUCED
|
S. No. |
Chapter/ Heading/ Sub-heading/ Tariff item |
Description |
Present GST Rate |
GST Rate Recommended by the GST Council |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14. |
5401 |
Sewing thread of manmade filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale |
18% |
12% |
|
15. |
5402, 5404, 5406 |
All synthetic filament yarn, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc. |
18% |
12% |
|
16. |
5403, 5405, 5406
|
All artificial filament yarn, such as viscose rayon, Cuprammonium |
18% |
12% |
|
17. |
5508 |
Sewing thread of manmade staple fibres |
18% |
12% |
|
18. |
5509, 5510, 5511 |
Yarn of manmade staple fibres |
18% |
12% |
|
19. |
5605 |
Real Zari |
12% |
5% |
Foot note;
B. IGST EXEMPTION ON IMPORTS OF GOODS:
|
S. No |
Description |
Present applicable IGST rate |
Recommended IGST rate |
|
1 |
IGST exemption on imports of rigs imported for oil / gas exploration and production projects under lease, subject to the following conditions that: (i) Integrated tax leviable under section 5(1) of the IGST Act, 2017 on supply of service covered by item 1(b) or 5(f) of Schedule II of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017; (ii) The rig is not sold without the prior permission of the Commissioner of Customs of the port of importation; (iii) to re-export the goods within 3 months from the expiry of the period for which they were supplied under a transaction covered by item 1(b) or 5(f) of Schedule II of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 out of India; (iv) to pay on demand an amount equal to the integrated tax payable on the said goods but for the exemption under this notification in the event of violation of any of the above conditions and applicable interest. |
5% |
Nil |
|
2 |
Exemption from IGST on imports of medicines supplied free by international agencies like UNICEF, WHO, Red Cross etc.
|
12%/5% |
Nil |
|
3 |
A. Exemption from IGST on imports of bona fide gifts upto CIF value limit of Rs. 5000 imported through post or air.
|
28% |
Nil |
Source: PIB
The synthetic textile industry is divided in its reactions to the latest revision in the goods and services tax (GST) rates announced by the country’s finance minister, Arun Jaitley, on Friday. The GST Council on Friday announced a reduction in tax rates on man-made yarn from 18 per cent to 12 per cent, while slashing GST levy on job work of zari(embroidery) to 5 per cent, from the previously agreed upon rate of 12 per cent. The GST Council also announced a slew of other measures related to the new tax regime that has completed two months now. Further, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore have been allowed to file quarterly income returns and pay tax, instead of the current provision of monthly filings. However, while the spinning and weaving segment of the industry has welcomed the move, the trading community is livid. "This is sheer lollipop for traders. We had made 14 specific demands, of which our primary plea was to keep the trading community out of the tax net until a turnover of Rs 2 crore was realised. These have not been met. If our demands are not met, we will have to go on a strike again," said Tarachand Kasat of the Surat-based GST Sangharsh Samiti. There are roughly around 65,000-75,000 traders in the Rs 50,000-crore synthetic textile industry in Surat. On the other hand, the weaving community has welcomed the tax rate revision, along with the extension of the reverse charge mechanism (RCM) till March 2018. Commenting on the same, Ashish Gujarati, president of Pandesara Weavers Association in Surat said: "Quarterly returns for entities with a turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore is welcome. However, this provision should have been for the entire MSME industry, irrespective of their turnover amounts." Textile mills stated that the reduced rate of GST would benefit the spinning and power loom sector further. "The move would greatly benefit the spinning and power loom sector, besides improving on global competitiveness. It will also help in ensuring that the country’s poor are clothed at an affordable cost. We also welcome the announcement of processing refund cheques for July exports by October 10 and August exports by October 18, along with the decision for refunding a notional amount for the remaining months and later adjust the amount in the e-Wallet that is slated to be implemented from April 1, 2018," said P Nataraj, Chairman, the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA). Meanwhile, the industry is still seeking refunds for the accumulated input tax credit at the fabric stage, especially for processed fabrics, besides mandating the duty drawback committee to recommend appropriate duty drawback rates and RoSL rates to sustain export performance. "We hope the government would extend the transitional provision of giving the pre-GST duty drawback and RoSL rates for another three months or till the new rates are announced," Nataraj further commented. Power loom, mills welcome rate cut; traders cry foul
Source: Business Standard
Bringing significant relief to small and medium businesses and exporters, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Friday finalised a slew of relaxation measures. It also lowered GST rates for 27 items. Exporters’ tax refunds, which have been pending, will be cleared over the next two weeks — those for July by October 10, and for August by October 18. For exports till March 31, the previous GST exemptions such as advance authorisation, EPCG will continue. A nominal I-GST of 0.1 per cent will apply for merchant exports if they buy from domestic manufacturers. “The decisions were made based on the consideration of how to improve revenue and to create convenience for tax payers based on the revenue pattern,” said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who chairs the GST Council.
GST rate on food items down
Rates on food items such as khakra, dried sliced mango, ICDS food packets, unbranded namkeen, and unbranded Ayurvedic medicine have been lowered to 5 per cent, as have rates of waste paper, plastic and rubber e-waste.Similarly, the GST rate for job work services provided by Zaria workers, imitation jewellery, printing and food items has been cut to 5 per cent. However, the fitment committee will hencforth decide rates based on a concept paper, and not on an ad-hoc basis. Friday’s move, which comes nearly 100 days after the indirect tax levy was rolled out on July 1, came in response to representions from India Inc over difficulties in filing returns and securing refunds. The e-way bill will be rolled out between January 1 and April 1, 2018. From April 1, an e-wallet facility will be available for exporters. Similarly, to lower the compliance burden on small and medium businesses, the threshold for the composition scheme has been increased to an annual turnover of ₹1 crore from the earlier ₹75 lakh. Further, the facility of quarterly return filing will be available for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore. “These small and medium taxpayers account for nearly 90 per cent of GST return filers, but may pay marginal or zero tax,” Jaitley said. The relaxation will be available for returns that are filed from October. A group of State finance ministers will also be set up to look into the taxation structure of restaurants and what should be done as they have not reduced prices despite input tax credit. It will also look into the definition of turnover and inter state sales by those interested he composition scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Thursday met with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday; these measures are understood to have been discussed to boost industry after economic growth hit a three-year low in the first quarter. The meeting of the GST Council was advanced from late October to ensure fast resolution of concerns of exporters and small businesses.The Council had in its previous meeting also decided to set up two committees to look into the problems being faced by exporters and the technical glitches in the GST IT network. A Group of Ministers led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi was looking into issues relating to IT and GST Network. Separately, a committee chaired by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had proposed solutions to the issues being faced by exporters under the new levy.
Source: Business Line
In what should come as a relief to exporters and small businesses, the GST Council on Friday announced a slew of decisions to reduce their compliance burdens, including the eventual setting up of an e-wallet for input tax credits for exporters, and the option for small businesses to file returns and pay taxes only once a quarter. The changes come two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had instructed the Council to find solutions to the problems being faced by the trading community. The GST Council also reduced the tax rates on 27 items, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. “The committee of secretaries set up to look into the problems faced by the exporters found that the credit blockage felt by exporters was causing a liquidity problem for them,” Mr. Jaitley told reporters following the 22nd GST Council meeting. “In light of this, we have taken three decisions... By October 10, the refunds for July will be processed and paid, and by October 18, the same for refunds for August. The Council has also decided that each exporter will get an e-wallet in which a nominal sum will be deposited for tax credit purposes, which will be offset against the credit refund when it happens.” The third decision regarding exporters taken by the Council is to impose a nominal 0.1% GST rate for them till March 31, 2018, Mr. Jaitley said. The e-wallet system is expected to rollout from April 1, 2018, he added. “The changes and initiatives announced by the Government following the GST Council meeting will address the problems of the exporters, particularly those in micro and small segments,” Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Kumar Gupta said in a statement. “The refund of GST for July by October 10 and August by October 18 will address the liquidity concerns of the exporters.” “Various relief granted by the GST Council today will be a major breakthrough in simplifying GST and encouraging fast adoption & access of GST among the trading community of the country and will clear the air of uncertainty and chaos,” the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said in a note. “In the wake of current situation where traders are a depressed lot, such relief were much awaited and will change the code and colour of GST on a positive note.”
Small Businesses
“The collection pattern observed so far shows that a substantial portion of the tax is coming from the big players,” Mr Jaitley said. “However, while the small players have a low tax burden, they have a high compliance burden. So, we have taken a few decisions to reduce this burden on them.” The Finance Minister announced that the composition scheme — meant to ease compliance for small businesses — will be extended to businesses with a turnover of ₹1 crore a year from the previous limit of ₹75 lakh. In addition, the Council has decided that all businesses with a turnover of ₹1.5 crore or less a year, can file their returns and pay taxes on a quarterly basis instead of a monthly basis. Mr Jaitley said this would reduce the compliance burden for 90% of the taxpayers not already in the composition scheme. Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia however, clarified that this will roll out from October 1. However, the GSTR-3B form will have to be filed monthly till December, he said. “The increase in threshold under composition scheme to ₹1 crore would bring in many more small businesses within its ambit,” Pratik Jain, Leader, Indirect Tax at PwC India said. “However, to make this scheme really effective, it needs to be liberalized more by including all service providers and allowing them to undertake inter-State supplies.” “The benefits to the exporters in the form of e-wallet, interim benefits by manual filing and payment of 0.1% are very welcome,” Abhishek A Rastogi, Partner, Khaitan & Co said. “It needs to be seen that how the other issues which have reached different courts in the country are addressed in the days to come. Certainly, the need of the hour is to provide impetus to the business growth and it appears that the government is openly looking into the concerns of the businesses.”
Group of Ministers
The GST Council has also set up a Group of Ministers to look into various issues — including whether, when calculating the tax burden of a business, its total turnover should be considered or should exempted goods first be excluded. The GoM will also look into whether those who opt for the composition scheme should be allowed inter-state trade. The third aspect the GoM will analyse is whether the rate of tax on restaurants needs to be reduced or should they not be allowed input tax credits. The GoM is to submit its report in two weeks.
Rate Changes
The Council has decided to reduce the rates on several items, including sliced dried mangos, khakhra and plain chappatis, unbranded namkeen, unbranded ayurvedic medicines, plastic, rubber and paper waste, yarn, diesel engine parts, pump parts, e-waste, and several services. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Kumar Gupta said the changes and initiatives announced by the Government following the GST Council meeting will address the problems of the exporters particularly those in micro and small segments. The refund of GST for July by October 10 and August by October 18 will address the liquidity concerns of the exporters, he said in a statement. Welcoming the decision to introduce e-wallet, mooted by FIEO, he said it will provide a permanent solution to the liquidity problem of the export sector. The Government has also resolved the problem of merchant exporters by putting a duty of 0.1% on any supply from manufacturing to merchant, he said, adding that these are very pragmatic decisions showing the flexible approach of the Government to ameliorate the problems of export sector and impart competitiveness.
The FIEO President said these decisions will help in pushing exports on a growth path.
Source: The Economic Times
Surat: Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) has called for an urgent meeting of its directors and textile market representatives on Saturday to decide whether to illuminate the markets during Diwali or not as the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting has failed to accept major demands of the traders on Friday. The decisions taken at the GST Council meeting have failed to impress the textile traders. Except for the relief in e-way bill and abolition of reserve mechanism charges (RCM) till March 2018, the GST Council meeting has not accepted most of the demands put forth by the traders' community. FOSTTA president Manoj Agarwal said, "Once again our demands have been grossly neglected at the GST Council meeting. The major issues concerning GST implementation are still looming large on the traders. Hence, we have convened an urgent meeting on Saturday to decide on celebrating a 'black Diwali' by staying away from illuminating the textile markets." Agarwal said, "The GST Council has given relief to taxpayers by filing quarterly returns, provided his turnover is less than Rs 1.5 crore per annum. In the textile sector, Rs 1.5 crore turnover per annum is a very small thing. Even a small trader will have this turnover." Traders stated that they will not be able to take the benefit of the composition scheme as the turnover for the scheme has been raised from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore per annum. Most of the traders, even the small one, will not be benefited by the scheme. "The Centre is not concerned about the textile sector, which is the second biggest employment generating sector in the country. The government has spoiled our Diwali, so we are not going to celebrate the festival," a trader said.
Source: The Times of India
Hyderabad: It’s been a quarter since GST came into force, but the new indirect tax has already caused considerable damage to the textile trade in both the Telugu states with traders facing acute credit crunch and drastic fall in margins owing to abnormal increase in credit cycles. Post the GST implementation, consumers are also coughing up 8 per cent more as textiles attract 5 per cent tax now and there is significant administration cost involved in filing returns. “With GST adversely disrupting trade credit cycle, the net margins in the textile business have drastically slipped below the tax rate i.e. 5 per cent. Textile traders particularly wholesalers in both the Telugu states are reeling under severe credit crunch as GST has been impacting their cash flows,” Ammanabolu Prakash, president, Telangana State Federation of Textile Associations (TSFTA), told The Hans India. The industry body represents over 30,000 merchants in 31 districts of Telangana. Prakash said situation was no different in Andhra Pradesh. According to industry insiders, the credit cycle of textile wholesalers, who operate on razor-thin margins, has already gone up to six months from the usual 90 day-period thanks the twin blows of demonetisation and GST. “Textiles business runs on wafer-thin margins and is mostly credit-based. Demonetisation has crippled our business. Now, paying tax every month, including three returns is squeezing traders post the implementation of GST. There was no tax on fabric until GST came into force. But unfortunately, the Centre imposed tax on this business despite strong protests. We are not facing innumerable problems, including drastic fall in margins,” a wholesaler at General Bazar in Secunderabad lamented. He was not willing to be quoted fearing tax authorities. Technical glitches of GSTN portal which is used for filing returns are compounding their woes. Added to it, they have to raise an e-way bill number for transactions valued over Rs 50,000. Many traders complained that this process was time-consuming. “Under GST regime, if a trader is ferrying goods worth of over Rs 50,000 within or outside state, he will have to secure an e-way bill by prior online registration of the consignment. To generate an e-way bill, the seller and transporter with details of purchaser will have to upload details on the GSTN portal. Then only EBN will be available to the supplier, the recipient and the transporter on the common portal. Why EBN is required, when seller and buyer both are registered with GST. Moreover, the Rs 50,000 threshold is very less for volume-based textile business. We want the government to raise this bar,” said another wholesaler. Textile merchants, nearly 40 per cent of them are under GST fold, want scrapping e-way bill as raising e-way bill number (EBN) is time-consuming process and redundant.
Source: The Hans India
The GST council today announced major cuts in taxes of various items and announced variousmeasures to support exporters and small businesses. The GST council today announced major cuts in taxes of various items and announced various measures to support exporters and small businesses. "It's almost three months since GST roll out..returns have been filed for first two months as well. So it was a time to deliberate on its effect on various trades and the transition," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a press briefing after the meeting of GST Council. Keeping in view of the liquidity problem being faced by the exporters, the Council has decided to immediately start refund process for the month of July by 10th October while exporters can get refund of August by 18th October. "As a long term solution, an e-wallet will be created for every exporter where a notional amount will be given in advance...the refund will be offset later against that amount," Jaitley said. The e-wallet option will be launched by 1st April, Jaitley added. For small businesses, it has been decided to increase the limit of composition scheme to Rs 1 crore. So now the small business can now file returns on a quarterly basis. This, Jaitley said, has been done to increase compliance. Under this, resturant businesses will pay GST at 5% rate, traders will pay 1% while manufacturing composition will be 2%.Jaitley also revealed that about 72 lakh taxpayers have been migrated to the GST system while 25-26 lakh are new taxpayers under the new taxation system. He said that a majority of them have less than Rs 1 crore of turnover. Meanwhile, the FM said that the GST Council has decided to revise tax of many items including sliced mango (12 to 5%), khakra chapati (12 to 5%), ICDS food packages (5 from 18%), unbranded namkeen (5%), unbranded ayurvedi medicine (12 to 5%), plastice waster (18 to 5%), rubber waste (18 to 5%), paper waste (5 from 12%), man made yard (12%) etc. In total, rates have been revised for 27 items. Service providers with revenue below Rs 20 lakh have been exempted from iGST as well. GST, which was launched in July, is a landmark reform which turned India's 29 states into a single market for the first time. But small and medium-sized enterprises, crucial to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans to create millions more of jobs, have been hurt by the massive tax overhaul that added layers of extra bureaucracy for firms and hit exports.
Source: The Hans India
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Friday took major decisions to prevent working capital of exporters from getting locked up and reduce the compliance burden on small and medium enterprises, while reducing rates on 27 items of daily use, including khakhra, which may help the ruling party, the BJP, in poll-bound Gujarat. It deferred implementing the controversial e-way Bill and the reverse charge mechanism. The Council also postponed imposing tax deducted or collected at source, which will particularly benefit e-commerce companies. It also decided to set up a committee to frame principles to reduce rates, depending on revenue patterns of the GST so that no ad hoc decision was taken, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who chaired the Council meeting. Exporters will start getting credit for the integrated GST (IGST) paid for July from October 10 and for August from October 18. Other refunds of the IGST paid on supplies to special economic zones (SEZs) and of input taxes on exports under bonds or the letter of undertaking would also be processed from October 18. Both Central and state officials will be empowered to do so. The decision, an interim one, was based on the recommendations of a committee headed by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia.
Besides, there would be long-term solutions for exporters — a facility of e-wallet will be set up, preferably by April 1 next year. There will be a notional amount in the e-wallet to give advance credit to exporters. This credit will be used to pay the IGST or GST for his products. Refunds that exporters get will be used to offset this advance credit. A technology firm will develop the e-wallet. This decision was taken since no sector could be exempt from the GST. Till then, merchant exporters will pay the nominal GST at the rate of 0.1 per cent for procuring goods from domestic suppliers for export. Those possessing Advance Authorisation licences come under the Export Promotion Capital Guarantee Scheme and 100 per cent export-oriented units need not pay the IGST and cess on imports. Also, domestic supplies to these exporters would be treated as deemed exports and refunds of tax paid on such supplies be given to the supplier. The Council allowed those with an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore to file returns and pay taxes quarterly from October. It also raised the eligibility limit in terms of annual turnover to Rs one crore from the current Rs 75 lakh for the composition scheme, which allows a flat rate and easy compliance. The assessees are required to file and pay taxes only quarterly under this scheme. Under the scheme, a trader pays the GST at one per cent, a manufacturer at two per cent and a restaurant owner at 5 per cent, but they are not allowed input tax credit. And they are permitted to file quarterly returns. The two moves are aimed at reducing the compliance burden on small and medium enterprises. Jaitley said 94-95 per cent of taxes came from big taxpayers. “While taxes paid by small and medium tax payers are small, the compliance burden on them was huge,” he said. About 90 per cent taxpayers under the GST has an annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore. There are approximately 9.8 million assessees under the GST with 7.2 million migrants from the old tax regime and 2.6 million new assessees. Archit Gupta of ClearTax says, “Unless the scope of the composition scheme is widened it may not see much favour. The services sector is still devoid of the benefits of this scheme.”The Council deferred the reverse charge mechanism (RCM) till March 31, 2018. In the GST the one selling goods and services has to pay the tax. But under the RCM, those buying goods and services from unregistered entities have to pay the tax. This move will help many companies but it will be particularly helpful for small enterprises since bigger companies were asking them to register. Those with an annual turnover of Rs 20 lakh are exempt from registration.The controversial proposal of the e-way Bill has also been put off. It is in force in Karnataka on an experimental basis. Jaitley said the experiment had been successful. It will be put in place in other states from January next year till March 31 of that year. But the e-way Bill has been notified. The Bill is required even if goods are transferred from one vehicle to the other. Pratik Jain of PwC says, “Industry would hope that GST council would carry out a detailed study for the need of such a system and a decision would be taken after proper consultation with all stake holders.” In what will benefit e-commerce companies, the Council also postponed tax collected at source, which will give e-commerce companies a breather. The Council constituted a group of ministers to study whether those under the composition scheme could be allowed to engage in inter-state business, whether goods exempted from the GST will also be taxed under the composition scheme, if two per cent tax on manufacturing under the composition scheme will also be allowed input tax credit and whether tax on restaurant owners be reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent without input tax credit as there are complaints that they are not giving benefits to customers. There was no unanimity on these issues in the Council. Jaitley said returns filing and taxes paid for July and August could not be taken as a pattern since compliance will improve after quarterly returns for SMEs kick in and collections would be better once transition credits were not there. The government collected Rs 90,669 crore under the goods and services tax (GST) for August, a little lower than Rs 94,063 crore collected in July. Almost only 55 per cent filed returns in August against over 64 per cent in July.
Source: Business Standard
The GST council today announced major cuts in taxes of various items and announced various measures to support exporters and small businesses. The GST council today announced major cuts in taxes of various items and announced various measures to support exporters and small businesses. "It's almost three months since GST roll out..returns have been filed for first two months as well. So it was a time to deliberate on its effect on various trades and the transition," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a press briefing after the meeting of GST Council. Keeping in view of the liquidity problem being faced by the exporters, the Council has decided to immediately start refund process for the month of July by 10th October while exporters can get refund of August by 18th October. "As a long term solution, an e-wallet will be created for every exporter where a notional amount will be given in advance...the refund will be offset later against that amount," Jaitley said. The e-wallet option will be launched by 1st April, Jaitley added. For small businesses, it has been decided to increase the limit of composition scheme to Rs 1 crore. So now the small business can now file returns on a quarterly basis. This, Jaitley said, has been done to increase compliance. Under this, resturant businesses will pay GST at 5% rate, traders will pay 1% while manufacturing composition will be 2%.Jaitley also revealed that about 72 lakh taxpayers have been migrated to the GST system while 25-26 lakh are new taxpayers under the new taxation system. He said that a majority of them have less than Rs 1 crore of turnover. Meanwhile, the FM said that the GST Council has decided to revise tax of many items including sliced mango (12 to 5%), khakra chapati (12 to 5%), ICDS food packages (5 from 18%), unbranded namkeen (5%), unbranded ayurvedi medicine (12 to 5%), plastice waster (18 to 5%), rubber waste (18 to 5%), paper waste (5 from 12%), man made yard (12%) etc. In total, rates have been revised for 27 items. Service providers with revenue below Rs 20 lakh have been exempted from iGST as well. GST, which was launched in July, is a landmark reform which turned India's 29 states into a single market for the first time. But small and medium-sized enterprises, crucial to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans to create millions more of jobs, have been hurt by the massive tax overhaul that added layers of extra bureaucracy for firms and hit exports.
Source: The Hans India
Textile production in India contributes 4 per cent of GDP and 15 per cent of exports and is one of the largest generators of employment, yet Indian textiles lack export competitiveness. In a session called Weaving a Better Future at the India Economic Summit 2017 organized by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry, the textiles industry and its various dimensions were discussed. “Textile production in India contributes 4 per cent of GDP and 15 per cent of exports and is one of the largest generators of employment, yet Indian textiles lack export competitiveness,” said Daniel Moss, Global Economics Writer, Bloomberg View, the moderator of the session. The dimensions addressed were facilitating access to global markets and supply chains, preserving and protecting Indian traditions and legacy, skilling, reskilling and up-skilling the workforce and innovative solutions which could unlock global opportunities for Indian products. Neelam Chhiber, Managing Director, Industree/Mother Earth, said, “Building an ecosystem for inclusive growth in the country is integral. Scale in this country is essential, we cannot do anything with scalability. In the next 3-5 years, we are going to see a major transformation. India cannot look to any other country for a model.” She also added, “It is very heartening to see large corporates and senior officials in the government is looking at this labor force and sector. India needs to build big plants and large businesses, at the same time we are going to need decentralized distributed models. The future is going to be India’s ability to build its global brand.” Speaking about China, she said, “China has been tearing its hair about why it is not creating global brands. It’s because it has killed its culture during the Cultural Revolution, and now there is a big effort to revive it.” “Amul is owned by farmers, 84 per cent of its revenues and profits go to farmers. And it’s one of the best managed companies. That’s a great example of how textiles should go,” said Chhiber, speaking about how co-operatives which involve the textile labour force should be made. “Textiles is the second largest employer in the country after agriculture. We have a structure which not only generates employment, but creates entrepreneurs,” said Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Textiles, Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Textiles of India. “I have seen how much of a difference a huge investment in the composite structure makes in a region which needs it. The ownership of a composite mill can revive culture, generate employment, create entrepreneurs and empower women,” said Irani adding that textiles story is “not a story which can be said in one particular silo, but in various silos. Expansion of textile entails expansion of retail services”. She also added, “I am proud to say that the towels used in Wimbledon are made in Gujarat. I think the strength of textiles is that it is the silent tiger which doesn’t roar, but can the lead the way when it requires. We have a legacy we can leverage in the world market.” Speaking about initiatives of the textile ministry, she said, “From 7th to 17th, we have about 800 clusters of weavers, and the government is going to go to 401 of them and offer them financial aid and support through national banks.” “We have a power-loom sector which employs millions of people, and is at the loggerhead with the handloom sector, but we are providing them with support. If we want to have sustainable growth, it is important to support them, whether power-loom or handloom and we provide them with capital subsidies for renewable energy,” added Irani about the power-loom sector. Dipali Goenka, Chief Executive Officer and Joint Managing Director, Welspun India Ltd, said, “How do we talk about skilling from the bottom of the pyramid. Textiles,-we see a thread from the communities where we work to the market that we supply to, it’s a very integrated chain. Adult literacy is the key in the work we do. Textiles is the thread that will employ the people. We weave the social thread together.” She also added, “India has an opportunity to play in the median scale to the upper scale price points. If farmers have a crop-app which can support, what is the crop they have to grow, what seed support they need, that is the help and boost which is needed, cutting out the middleman. It’s about whether we can bring farmers to the centre of the stage.” Speaking about the role of businesses, Goenka added, “We recycle 13 million liters of water every day, so that the farmer can get irrigation. We can tell the government what to do, but businesses too have to do their part. Businesses have to become the agent of change.” William Bissell, Managing Director, FabIndia Overseas Pvt Ltd, said, “We are at a exciting point in our journey. The PM has a vision of creating 5 crore jobs in the next 4 years which is really what is the needed.” He also added, “We have as a small gesture towards that, we have decided to take the number of people from 55,000 to 200,000. Textiles is the driver of growth to create sustainable employment.” Speaking about India’s cultural heritage, he said, “India’s cultural assets are the most underleveraged out of any country in the world. We have tens of thousands of cultural assets in our country. The best place in the world is India for this transformation.” Commending the government’s initiatives to support start-ups in the textile sector, Bissell added, “I think there is a very proactive approach from the government to support businesses. Every start up needs to be given a chance in the last 2 years there has been a lot of support given by the government for start-ups. They need an ecosystem which rewards them, protects them, nurtures them and I think that ecosystem has come.” He also went on to say, “We should export things which create man-days and wages for those who use their hands and skills, especially in textiles. We have some of the greatest talent here, and they can rival some of the best Italian and French brands.”
Source: Business World
The Maharashtra government is working out a new textile policy for the period 2017-22, and has invited inputs from all the stake holders in this regard. "We are working on the new textile policy for year 2017-2022, and have invited suggestions from industry members for consideration," Maharashtra Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Minister Subhash Deshmukh said at CII Conference on Achieving Sustainable Growth in Textile and Apparel Industry through Manufacturing Excellence.The textile policy for year 2017-2022, will be out soon, he added. Textile Commissioner Kavita Gupta, who was present on the occasion, said the government is focussed on value added garments and technical textiles. "We see huge potential in value added products and technical textiles. Going forward we are going to focus on these two segments, which will benefit the industry as a whole," she added. Reliance Industries' President (polyester chain) R D Udeshi emphasised that today's textile and apparel sector is at the cusp of some major structural changes. "The demand pattern is governed by the economic growth of regions, which indicates a slowdown in developed countries while strong growth in China and India. "There is a need for manufacturing more value added items that will benefit the industry as a whole," he added.
Source: moneycontrol.com
NEW DELHI: Foreign direct investment into the country's textile sector has gone up three times in the last one-and-a-half to two years, resonating the confidence of foreign investors in the industry, Union Minister Smriti Irani said today. The textile minister asserted that the country's man-made fibre sector can soon look forward to "good news" as an inter- ministerial group (IMG)has been formed to suggest measures to maximise its potential. However, she did not elaborate on the details. "For the first time if there is an IMG on how to leverage our potential in MMF (man-made fibre), how to make rates competitive, and I think you will hear good news very very soon," Irani said while participating in a discussion at the India Economic Summit here. The summit is organised by the World Economic Forum in partnership with CII.
Source: PTI
The government may ease norms for filing returns for small and medium traders, further easing the disruption created in the textile industry due to the twin blows of GST and demonetization, as per media report.
Textile stocks
The textile sector has been facing an acute credit crunch and drastic fall in margins due to an abnormal increase in credit cycles following the rollout of GST. were trading higher ahead of the outcome of the meeting of the GST Council today. The government may ease norms for filing returns for small and medium traders, further easing the disruption created in the textile industry due to the twin blows of GST and demonetization, as per media report. Arvind Ltd is currently trading at Rs 386.65, up by Rs 4.35 or 1.14% from its previous closing of Rs 382.3 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs 385.9 and has touched a high and low of Rs 389.5 and Rs 384.5 respectively. The stock is currently trading above its 200 DMA. Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Company Ltd is currently trading at Rs 214.8, up by Rs 10.2 or 4.99% from its previous closing of Rs 204.6 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs 213.7 and has touched a high and low of Rs 214.8 and Rs 208.7 respectively. The stock is currently trading above its 50 DMA. Grasim Industries Ltd is currently trading at Rs 1153.85, down by Rs 5.9 or 0.51% from its previous closing of Rs 1159.75 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs 1165.65 and has touched a high and low of Rs 1168.75 and Rs 1151.4 respectively. The stock is currently trading above its 50 DMA.
Source: News Service
India and the European Union on Friday adopted a declaration to counter terrorism as they discussed ways to strengthen their cooperation in key areas of trade and security during the 14th summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top EU leadership here. However, there was no major headway on the much-delayed free trade pact at Modi's meeting with the European Council President Donald Franciszek Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. At the summit, the two sides also held extensive deliberations on bilateral, regional and international issues, including the Rohingya crisis and volatile situation in the Korean peninsula. Addressing a joint press event with the EU leaders, Modi said,"We have agreed to strengthen our security cooperation and work together against terrorism. We will not only further strengthen our bilateral cooperation on this issue, but will also increase our cooperation and coordination in multilateral fora." Tusk said,"We have adopted a joint declaration on counter terrorism in which we agreed to counter violent extremism and radicalisation, particularly online, and to deal effectively with the threat by foreign terrorist fighters, terrorist financing and arms supply." The two sides also inked three pacts, including one on an international solar alliance, after the summit. Noting that the EU is the largest investor in India and also its largest trading partner, Juncker said the equation between the two sides will remain unchanged even after Britain exits the 28-nation bloc. "It is the time for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. Once the conditions are right, and only when the conditions are right we resume (talks). Today's summit is an important step in the right direction," Juncker said. He added that the chief negotiators from the two sides will sit together in the coming days to chart the way forward. Juncker said the two sides should step up work to ensure free flow of data, but emphasised on high standards of data protection as several Indian IT firms offer their services to companies from the European Union. He asserted that data protection was a precondition for exchanging personal data freely and fully. Indian companies are specialised in offering back office services and IT services to IT companies in EU. Many of these services and jobs that go with them depend on exchange of data. If India's standards of data protection are converging with those of the European Union, the European Union will be in a position to recognise the adequacy of India's goods, Juncker said. The 28-nation bloc is India's largest regional trading partner with bilateral trade in goods at USD 88 billion in 2016. It is also the largest destination for Indian exports and a key source of investment and technologies. India received around USD 83 billion of foreign direct investment from Europe during 2000-17, constituting approximately 24 per cent of total FDI inflows into the country during the period, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004. The 13th India-EU Summit was held in Brussels on March 30 last year during Modi's visit. The last year's summit meeting had also failed to make any headway on the resumption of long stalled negotiations for a free trade agreement. Launched in June 2007, negotiations for the proposed India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) have witnessed many hurdles due to major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, and duty cut in automobile and spirits. Tusk said the two sides have decided to step up cooperation on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and beyond which, he hoped, will lead to enhanced military cooperation. He also welcomed the resumption of tactical exercise in the Gulf of Aden between EU's Naval Force Atlanta and the Indian Navy.
Source: Business Standard
NEW DELHI: A top Indian cotton-producing state has ordered an inspection of fields planted with an unapproved variety of genetically modified seeds developed by Monsanto, which is fighting to retain its market in the world's biggest grower of the fibre. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh have planted 15 percent of the cotton area in the state with Bollgard II Roundup Ready Flex (RRF), prompting the local government on Friday to form a panel of officials to "inspect the fields of farmers growing RRF".The order, issued by senior Andhra Pradesh official B. Rajasekhar, did not say how the farmers accessed the unapproved variety of genetically modified (GM) cotton. Calls to his office went unanswered. "It's a matter of grave concern that some seed companies, while suppressing their real intent of profiteering, are attempting to illegally incorporate unauthorised and unapproved herbicide-tolerant technologies into their seeds," a Monsanto spokesman said. "Commercial release of GM technologies in India without the requisite regulatory approvals may not only pose tremendous risks for the country's farmers, it may also be in violation of applicable laws of the land." The spokesman did not identify the local companies. Bollgard II RRF is a proprietary technology owned by Monsanto, the world's biggest seed maker, which last year withdrew its application seeking approval from the regulator, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), for this variety. The withdrawal was seen as a major escalation in a long-running dispute between the Indian government and Monsanto, which is also locked in a bitter battle with Andhra Pradesh-based Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd. Monsanto applied for GEAC approval of Bollgard II RRF, known for its herbicide-tolerant properties, in 2007. When the U.S. company withdrew the application last year, it was in the final stages of a lengthy process that included years of field trials. The illegal sale of the seeds violates India's environmental protection rules, said C.D. Mayee, president of the South Asia Biotech Centre, a not-for-profit scientific society. Mayee, a former government scientist, estimated that 3.5 million packets of such seeds were sold this season. "Over the years, we have kept the regulators and key stakeholders apprised of the illegal usage of unapproved technology," the Monsanto spokesman said. "Even as late as August 2017, we have sought their intervention on the gross misuse of patented and regulated technologies which may pose numerous other challenges to India's cotton ecosystem." A spokesman for the federal environment ministry was not immediately available for comment. New Delhi approved the first GM cotton seed trait in 2003 and an upgraded variety in 2006, helping transform India into the world's top producer and second-largest exporter of the fibre.
Source: The Economic times
Chandigarh: Government school children in the cotton belt of the Malwa region in Punjab, are on unofficial holidays or “cotton break” to assist their parents pluck the cotton crop in neighbouring Haryana and Rajasthan. The demand for extra hands in these poor farm labour families deprives their children of schooling during the three-month-long cotton season and shrinks attendance in almost all state-run schools in Malwa. According to general secretary of Punjab Khet Mazdoor union Lachman Singh Sawewal cotton plucking is labour intensive exercise and continues for long period. “Work in cotton fields provides employment for three months unlike paddy, which continues hardly for 15 days. These families have to go out of the state for a living and prefer taking their children with them,” he said. Tarsem, a farm labourer from Khude Halal village in Muktsar district, said the trend of labourers from Malawa temporarily shifting to cotton-growing neighbouring states has picked up in the last three-four years. “Last year, 12 families from our village went to Gujarat for cotton-plucking. Employing children in farm work helps boost family earnings,” he said. In government elementary school at Doad village in Faridkot district, 34 students have gone on three-month-long leave as their families have moved over to Sriganagnagar district of Rajasthan for cotton-plucking. Similarly, in government primary school at Chanian village over 30 students are not attending classes. Although the teachers try to counsel parents of these kids not to take them for such long gaps, the advice had no impact. But, Dharambir Singh, district education officer said, “The department is planning the conduct special courses for the farm workers' students once they return to school after three months so that they can cope with their studies.” Interestingly, the Malwa region, known as cotton belt of Punjab, and its farm workers who specialised in cotton plucking had no problems finding jobs in local farms during the plucking season.
Source: The Asian Age
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has forayed into co-branded apparel business with the launch of R|Elan high-performance fabrics brand in Bengaluru today. RIL has created R|Elan following extensive R&D, and using its expertise in fibre re-engineering. These fabrics have been created with active participation of Hub Excellence Program (HEP) partners. R|Elan – a portfolio of speciality fabrics, enhances performance attributes in all apparel segments, such as activewear, denim, formalwear, casual, and ethnicwear. These fabrics have been created with active participation of HEP partners, spread across various textile centres of India. As an umbrella brand from the house of RIL, R|Elan encompasses a range of new-age fabrics. It is a perfect blend of art and smart, with fabrics providing enhanced aesthetics, performance and comfort. Along with the launch of the new brand, RIL is also creating robust fibre-to-fabric value chain to ensure that these innovations match the commercial expectations of fashion brands. Following intensive primary and secondary research, the company has decided to focus on six key growth engines through the specialty R|Elan fabrics: R|Elan Kooltex – for use in activewear; R|Elan FreeFlow – for use in saris and dress material; R|Elan FreeFlow – for use in western and ethnicwear; R|Elan SuperSoft – for use in shirting; R|Elan GreenGold – made of greenest fibres in the world, manufactured by recycling used PET bottles, and for use in trousers and denim; and R|Elan SuperBlack – for use in suiting. R|Elan Kooltex, a performance fibre, capable of moisture management in apparel, has found acceptance with the makers of Wrangler. RIL has entered into a partnership with the VF Corporation, US, owner of the Wrangler brand and the largest denim player globally. VF will launch the Inficool denim range, made from Kooltex fabric, for Spring Summer 2018 in its Asian markets, namely China, India, Japan and Thailand. This range aims to encourage young men and women to wear ‘cool and dry’ performance denim during sultry summer months. As per the partnership deal, R|Elan will get visibility in the form of hangtags on garments, as well as in AV being played at points of sale. On its part, RIL will ensure that superior-quality, high-performance R|Elan fabrics are supplied exclusively to VF for denim applications. The co-branding exercise will give RIL a foothold in the Rs 2,50,000 crore Indian apparel industry comprising almost a 50-50 share of menswear and womenswear. The R|Elan fabrics score over regular fabrics in a number of different ways, such as enhanced breathability, dry feel, and anti-odour. They come in vibrant colours, have excellent drape and hand feel, are among the most eco-friendly, and are easy care. All these properties are inherent and permanent, giving assured comfort and confidence to end consumers. RIL has partnered with more than 25 textile players that are equipped to produce new-age fabrics using R|Elan technologies. RIL is providing the latest know-how, specifications and expert consultation support to these players to enhance and sustain the quality of textile. The pan-India network will reassure apparel brand owners and retailers about streamlined production, timelines and standard quality. “R|Elan products will provide consumers next generation fabrics which are in line with the latest fashion trends and fulfil lifestyle needs as well. If there is R|Elan on the outside, consumers can be sure that there is something very special inside,” RIL said in a press release. (RKS)
Source: Fibre2Fashion
India's exports to China, which have been showing signs of revival this year after years of slump, registered a 40.69 per cent rise year-on-year to reach $10.60 billion in the first seven months of 2017. Fired by exports of zinc, iron ore and steel, total Indian exports to China registered a 38.6 per cent increase year-on-year in August this year totalling to $1.26 billion, the sharpest increase this year. However, the trade deficit expanded to $44.51 billion in the first seven months despite surge in Indian exports as imports from China continue to increase. The India-China bilateral trade increased 18.34 per cent year-on-year to reach $55.11 billion from January to August this year, according to official data accessed by PTI here. India's exports to China increased by 40.69 per cent year-on-year to reach $10.60 billion during the seven months. India's imports from China saw a year-on-year growth of 14.02 per cent to reach $44.50 billion. The cause for surge of Indian exports to China was a result of exponential increase of 353.99 per cent of exports of zinc and related items, 248.19 per cent of iron and steel and 100.7 per cent increase in ores and slag and 151.17 per cent rise in copper.
India was the second largest exporter of diamonds to China totalling to $1.63 billion with a market share of 32.97 per cent after South Africa. India was the second largest exporter of salt, sulphur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement to China totalling to $692 million with 17.39 per cent market share after Turkey. India's cotton exports, including yarn and woven fabric, to China showed a growth of 6.77 per cent to reach $844 million. The country was the third largest exporter of cotton to China after Vietnam and the US accounting for 15.05 per cent share in the Chinese market. India-China bilateral trade increased by 14.93 per cent year-on-year in August to reach $7.51 billion. Despite the increase in Indian exports to China, Indian business and trade circles associated with bilateral trade however advise caution as it is mostly led by iron ore and steel exports which started declining in 2013 due to a domestic crackdown on mines as well as China scaling down its steel production due to the global economic crisis. The trade deficit began expanding ever since iron ore exports, the mainstay of Indian exports started declining. Last year, the trade deficit climbed to $52 billion. India has been pressing China to open up its pharmaceutical and IT software sectors to expand the base of Indian exports. So far, there has been no major breakthrough in both areas, despite promises by China.
Source: Business Standard
Vice President SAARC Chamber and Chairman United Business Group Iftikhar Ali Malik while chairing core will disburse huge amount of rupees 162 billion to textile sector on priority through Prime Minister “Trade Enhancement Package” for boosting exports during the current fiscal year across the country. committee meeting of the group here on Friday said that Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervaiz Malik has assured him on the occasion of 5th Export Trophy Award ceremonyHe said that “we have also been assured by the minister for timely payments to textile of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry a couple of days ago in Karachi that federal ministry for commerce and textile has already been instructed to work out a viable package of incentives for boosting exports after taking stakeholders into confidence. exporters”. He said that government has accorded top priority to textile sector and helping it to gain competitiveness in order to enhance export. He said new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was fully committed to restore the confidence ofbusiness community. He said that through PM package, cost of and exporters with special focus on textile exporters. The core committee reposed full confidence on the assurance of the minister and hoped that all genuine complications being confronted by the business community especially exporters will be addressed on priority. in textile sector could come down in the country and help boost export after competing in global markets. He said that minister further informed that government is also actively considering a proposal to extend its package to other industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals. He said that minister also assured that stakeholders will always be taken on board in his ministry while framing future policies and share their expertise to make to policies a success for strengthening the national economy on sound footings. Iftikhar Ali Malik said that in the prevailing scenario, survival of any country now exclusively depended on its sound economy and hence government should focus towards achieving the goal of balanced, durable and stable economy by offering incentives to local and foreign investors besides fully ensuring conducive and healthy business environment. He informed the committee that the actual exports in the three years from 2012-2015 totaled $75 billion, against the target of $95 billion – averaging $25 billion a year. He said in order to achieve the export target the government and the industry will have to do a great deal in several spheres. “These include higher sophistication, better design and cost-effective products, all around. Some of these items and commodities include: all types of home appliances, fans, sports goods, cutlery, and rice. An up-gradation incentive will be provided to the manufacturers, in the form of investment support. The support will be up to a maximum of Rs1 million a year to each company to import new machinery for the improvement of its products,” he added in the county.
Source: Pakistan Observer
After an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations New York, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Notations Inc., a garment wholesaler based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, with a showroom in New York, has settled civil fraud claims brought under the False Claims Act. As alleged in the complaint, Notations repeatedly ignored warning signs that its business partner, which imported garments from China, was engaged in a scheme to underpay customs duties owed on the imported garments it sold to Notations. As part of the settlement, Notations admits and accepts responsibility for failing to act in response to indications of fraudulent conduct, agrees to pay $1 million in damages and agrees to implement measures designed to prevent future fraud by Notations or its business partners. “Evading the payment of customs duties to increase profit is not a victimless crime,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York. “It has a negative effect on the U.S. economy and law-abiding importers. HSI special agents will continue to work diligently with the officers of CBP to locate these offenders and put an end to their fraudulent business practices.” As alleged in the complaint filed last year, Yingshun Garments Inc., an importer of women’s apparel manufactured in China, and Import Global Designs Inc. and Olgrem, LLC, successor entities to Yingshun, and Marie Rogers, an owner and/or officer of each entity, engaged in a double-invoice scheme whereby Yingshun, and later Import Global and Olgrem, presented false and fraudulent invoices to CBP showing prices for imported garments that were discounted by 75 percent or more for the purpose of avoiding customs duties on the garments. Notations, which was Yingshun’s biggest customer, aided the fraudulent scheme by ignoring warning signs that Yingshun’s irregular business practices were highly suggestive of fraud. “As global supply chains grow more complex, it is important for American businesses to know their suppliers and be confident of their integrity,” said Leon Hayward, CBP acting director. “The outcome of this case is a testament to the dedication of our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the men and women of CBP in enforcing our nation’s trade laws and holding accountable those perpetrating this type of fraud.” The manufacturing sector is highly vulnerable to fraud. According to the recent Kroll Global Fraud and Risk Report survey, 91 percent of respondents had experienced fraud in the last 12 months. Also as part of the settlement, Notations has agreed to implement a written compliance policy that will include measures to educate its employees on identifying red flags for fraud in import transactions, to monitor the conduct of its business partners who act as importers of overseas goods and to report all potentially fraudulent conduct to CBP. Claims against Yingshun, Import Global, Olgrem and Marie Rogers remain pending. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.
Source: Sourcing Journal Online
Synthetic fiber maker Trevira has launched a new brand called Sinfineco, its first range of recycled polyester yarns that meet the Global Recycled Standard and the GCS-NL recycled claim standard. Trevira, owned by Indorama Venture of Thailand, said the filament yarns are made in its German spinning mills from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled polymers derived recycled granulate from PET bottles supplied by its parent company. The company joins several fiber manufacturers that have created a range of branded recycled polyester fibers, such as Unifi’s Repreve and Sinterama’s Newlife, and is looking to capitalize on the overall heightened demand for more sustainable synthetic materials. As an industrial enterprise, Trevira said it is conscious of its responsibility to help protect the environment and has long advocated for the recycling of valuable raw materials and waste products. “We at Trevira wish to preserve the environment and at the same time work to create value,” said Klaus Holz, chief executive officer of Trevira. “These are the criteria of our sustainability concept.” In the area of sustainability, the company said, “In fiber production, a small proportion of tow cannot be used for converting. Instead of selling this material as waste, it is cut up, pressed into balls and then carded and combed by a partner and incorporated into polyester wool blends primarily used in corporate wear and uniforms. The company spins regranulate made by Indorama from bottle flakes into filament yarns consisting of 100 percent recycled material and the recycled chips. Fibers and filaments from Indorama bear the GRS and RCS-NL certification marks. Alongside technical applications, they are used in the automotive and apparel sectors, with other applications in development. Trevira GmbH is a manufacturer of branded fibers and filament yarns for technical applications and hygiene products, as well as for home textiles, automotive interiors and functional apparel. Its two production sites and a marketing and sales office with about 1,100 employees are located in Germany, supported by an international marketing and sales organization. In 2016, the company had sales of about 230 million euros ($269 million).
Source: Sourcing Journal Online
AATCC, the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals, and SGIA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association), have announced that they have gathered some of the biggest names in the industry for the Digital Textile Printing Conference Version 2.0, to be held on November 29 and 30, 2017 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in US. Digital textile printing is experiencing significant growth, and with growth comes opportunity. The exclusive conference focuses on the latest industry trends, print technology developments, key market drivers and insights, applications, and case studies. The forum will help visitors connect with industry colleagues and experts, network with businesses, and gain valuable knowledge to stay ahead of competitors. Ron Gilboa from Keypoint Intelligence will talk on state of the digital textile printing industry: technology and the innovation that drives growth, Vince Cahill from VCE Solutions will talk on digital textile solutions—matching the technology to the application, Duncan Ross, AVA CAD from CAM Group will speak on digital textile printing—an impartial guide to choosing the more suitable technology for your business. The topic of digital inkjet printing on jacquard woven fabrics will be discussed by Claire Hider and Traci Lamar, North Carolina State University. The two-day event will deliver unprecedented content to conference registrants who will leave with a wealth of understanding and inspiration to take back to their respective jobs. Attendees will have an opportunity to socialise with colleagues and visit tabletop displays at the conference.
Source: Fibre2Fashion
