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#Associations

3rd ITMF-Survey about the impact of the Corona-Pandemic on the Global Textile Industry

Between April 16-28, 2020, ITMF has conducted a third survey among ITMF Members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic on the global textile value chain, especially on current orders and expected turnover in 2020. In total 600 companies from around the world participated.

Worldwide, current orders are down by -41% on average

Source: ITMF
Source: ITMF


Orders in East Asia dropped visibly less (-28%) than in all the other regions (-40% and more). It can be assumed that this region, which was hit first by the Corona-crisis, is also recovering first from it. Especially China and Korea were able to contain the epidemic successfully. In the last few weeks, most Chinese textile companies have ramped up production significantly. Likewise, off-line retail stores have reopened, and consumption is picking up again in East Asian countries. It remains to be seen what the consumption behaviour will be like in China, Korea and other places once shops are open again. 

Worldwide, expected turnover 2020 is down by -33% on average compared to 2019

Source: ITMF
Source: ITMF


Companies in Europe are expecting turnover in 2020 to be down by “only” -22%, a figure significantly better than the -33% reported in the second survey. Companies in East Asia are expecting turnover to be down by -26%, which is close to what was reported in the second survey (-24%). Companies’ turnover expectations in South East Asia and South Asia on the other hand have deteriorated significantly. These regions were hit later by the Corona-pandemic and hence the full impact was felt with a delay. Compared to 2019, expected turnover for 2020 is down to -38% in South East Asia and to -31% in South Asia. Turnover expectations in Africa, South America and North America have not changed much since the second survey. 


Challenges: 

  • securing enough liquidity 
  • supply chain disruption
  • uncertainty


Opportunities: 

  • increasingly thinking about diversification, currently focusing on medical textiles
  • streamlining organisation and production processes
  • accelerating the reassessment of existing supply chains
  • accelerating digitalisation and investing in sustainable production

Government Support:

  • Many companies receive little to no help, even if governments have support policies in place. 
  • Government support can comprise:
    • loans with low interest rates and deferred repayment
    • delayed tax payments
    • delayed social security payments
    • short-work schemes
    • reduction of power costs

    •   :UL:LI
  • The biggest relief comes when retailers/brands discuss adaption to the unwinding crisis with their suppliers instead of cancelling orders unilaterally


More News from International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

#Associations

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

#Associations

Mr. Juan Parès (Spain) elected as new ITMF President

On October 24th, 2025, during the ITMF Annual Conference & IAF World Fashion Convention 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Committee of Management of the ITMF elected the members of the ITMF Board for the period 2025-2027.

#Associations

ITMF and IAF conclude successful Joint Convention 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have successfully concluded their second joint convention, held this year in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In close collaboration with the host Indonesian Textile Association (API), the event gathered over 400 delegates from around the world from across the entire textile and apparel value chain.

#Associations

Winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Award 2025

The winners of the ITMF International Collaboration Awards 2025 will present their project at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2025 which will be held from 24 - 25 October in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and will be co-hosted by Indonesia Textile Industry Association (API).

More News on Associations

#Associations

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

#Associations

INDA announces future dates and locations for FiltXPO™ and IDEA® events

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the future dates and locations for its FiltXPO™ and IDEA® events, reaffirming its long-term commitment to serving the global filtration, nonwovens, and engineered materials communities.

#Associations

Latest news from Bremen: ICAC Plenary Meeting to take place right before the International Cotton Conference

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will hold its 83rd Plenary Meeting on 23–24 March 2026 at the Parliament building in Bremen. The meeting will take place immediately ahead of the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen (25–27 March 2026) and marks a historic premiere: for the first time, the ICAC Plenary will be hosted in close cooperation with the Bremen Cotton Exchange and the Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. (FIBRE).

#Associations

Textile machinery: the upcoming Colombiatex 2026 speaks Italian

Numerous Italian textile machinery companies will be attending the upcoming Colombiatex, the premier trade fair for the Colombian textile supply chain, held in Medellin from January 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s edition further confirms the strong bond between local textile manufacturers and Italian technology providers.

Latest News

#Exhibitions & Events

VIATT 2026 announces inaugural lifestyle Trend Forum: Unified vision for S/S 2027 across fashion, home, and tech

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to host its first Trend Forum, offering a forward-looking, industry-wide perspective for Spring / Summer 2027. With the show scheduled from 26 – 28 February 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), VIATT’s trend curators – NellyRodi™ Agency and MUSEATIVE – will provide comprehensive insights across the interconnected realms of Apparel Fabrics & Fashion, Home & Contract Textiles, and Technical Textiles & Technologies.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Precision jet dyeing moves towards industrial scale as Alchemie partners with Acatel

BTMA member Alchemie Technology, the pioneer of precision jet dyeing solutions based in Cambridge, UK, is partnering with Acatel, the Portuguese leader in sustainable textile manufacturing. The two companies will work together to validate and optimise Alchemie’s Endeavour system for knitted cellulosic fabrics.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Monforts customers make strong showing at Heimtextil 2026

Monforts dyeing and finishing technology customers from Pakistan had a formidable presence at the Heimtextil 2026 home and contract textiles exhibition which attracted over 48,000 visitors to Frankfurt in Germany this month (January 13-16).

#Fabrics

MUNICH FABRIC START: Between Attitude and Sensuality

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