Textile Sphere News Roundup - October 28, 2024
1. Textile Exporters Urged
to Explore Emerging Markets
In a recent media briefing,
CEM Altan, President of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), urged
Pakistan's garment and textile exporters to diversify their markets by
targeting emerging regions such as Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on value-added products, such as fast
fashion and medical wear, rather than low-cost items. The IAF highlights the
potential for capturing orders from Bangladesh due to its current political
instability. Additionally, the need for digitalization in supply chains and the
strengthening of e-commerce platforms was stressed, alongside calls for a
comprehensive five-year textile policy from the Pakistani government.
2. Bangladesh Losing Ground
to Pakistan in Home Textiles
As Bangladesh struggles to
regain lost home textile orders, many have shifted to Pakistan over the past
two years. This shift has been attributed to increased gas prices in Bangladesh
and ongoing political unrest. Pakistan, being the seventh-largest cotton producer
globally, has inherent advantages, such as lower production costs and
preferential tariffs under the EU's GSP+. Recent data shows a significant rise
in Pakistan's textile exports, with an increase of 13% year-on-year in August
2024, while Bangladesh's home textile exports fell 2.05% in the same period.
3. Sustainable Textiles from
Areca Nut Husks
Georgy Sunny Chandrankunnel,
an Assistant Professor at NIFT, has developed a process to convert areca nut
husk fibers into yarn suitable for fabric production. This innovation offers a
sustainable solution for areca nut farmers in Kerala, who previously struggled
with disposing of husks. The project reflects a commitment to sustainability
and aims to provide new revenue streams for farmers while transforming a
discarded agricultural byproduct into valuable textile materials.
4. Labour Shortage in
Maharashtra Due to Government Scheme
Maharashtra's Ladli Behna
Yojna, aimed at empowering women through financial incentives, is reportedly
leading to a labor shortage in cotton farming. While the scheme provides
financial assistance to eligible women, it is drawing them away from farm work
during the crucial harvest season. This has driven up cotton harvesting costs
significantly, from ₹5 to ₹9 per kg, with expectations of further increases.
The state's cotton production is set to decline to 8 million bales this fiscal
year due to a combination of adverse weather, pest outbreaks, and the recent
changes in labor availability.
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