[pageLogInLogOut]

#Associations

10th ITMF Corona-Survey

Companies see mostly a good business situation and anticipate an even more favourable business in six months’ time. Some differences between regions and segments persist.

Between the middle of August and the middle of September 2021, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has conducted the 10th ITMF Corona-Survey among companies around the world covering all segments of the textile value chain.

The latest results reveal that on average the business situation of the companies is mostly positive. The balance between companies finding themselves in a “good” and a “poor” business situation has reached +10 percentage points (pp) in September 2021 after +5 pp in July and +14pp in May 2021.

The business expectations in six months’ time remain on a relative high level. 48% of companies are expecting a more favorable and only 13% a less favorable business which results in a positive balance of +35 pp (48% minus 13%).



Looking at regions it can be observed that those regions with a slow vaccination campaign are lagging those with high vaccination rates when it comes to business situation and expectations.

As for the segments, upstream segments have been faring somewhat better since the recovery is under way than the downstream ones, but the latter seem to be catching up. One important reason for this are the supply chain disruptions the industry is faced with. Further down the value chain the disruptions are felt more pronouncedly due to the cumulative effects in delays of raw and intermediate materials.

Compared to May and July order intake has increased significantly in September on a global level and companies anticipate a further increase in the next six months.

A look at the order backlog since May 2021 reveals that companies have a stable order backlog on average of around 2.4 months. Differences between regions and segments remain.

More information about the results of the 10th ITMF Corona-Survey, please contact the ITMF-Secretariat at secretariat@itmf.org.



More News from International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

#Associations

Data and skills, not algorithms, hold back AI adoption in textiles, finds ITMF and ITA white paper

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) have published a new white paper entitled AI in the Textile Value Chain: A Strategic Guide to Artificial Intelligence for the Global Textile Industry. The study concludes that the main barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in the textile and apparel industry are not technological limitations, but poor data integration, skills shortages and gaps in governance. According to the authors, further progress will depend on coordinated efforts to develop capabilities across the industry.

#Associations

ITMF survey shows slight improvement in global textile industry despite continued pressure

The 40th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 21 to 29 September 2026, shows a slight improvement in the global business situation, to -23pp, well above the November 2023 low of -46pp. Conditions nevertheless remain weak, in what has become a new normal of high uncertainty. Only South Asia (+13pp) and Africa (+9pp) are positive, while Europe (-36pp), South America (-44pp) and North & Central America (-56pp) report the weakest conditions.

#Associations

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

#Associations

ITMF names five winners of the Start-up Award 2026

Five start-ups from Switzerland, Brazil, the United States and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2026. Their concepts range from new polymer chemistry and natural-fiber biocomposites to zero-waste design, 3D weaving and enzymatic PET recycling.

More News on Associations

#ITMA 2027

Get into pole position for ITMA 2027: German technology delegations open for pre-registration

International textile manufacturers can now pre-register for the Global Textile Technology Mission, taking place in Germany from 12 to 17 September 2027. Four thematic technology routes will provide selected participants with first-hand insights into leading German textile machinery manufacturers and research institutes ahead of ITMA 2027 in Hanover. The deadline for expressions of interest is 11 December 2026.

#India ITME 2026

New momentum for British textile machinery in India

The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is looking to India ITME 2026 as a major opportunity to strengthen industrial partnerships and mutually expand exports, following the introduction of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the formation of the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition (UKITMC).

#Associations

China and India: Different market dynamics create opportunities for Swiss textile machinery

Ahead of ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai and India ITME in Greater Noida, Swiss Textile Machinery highlights the contrasting industrial structures, investment priorities and technological requirements of two of the world's most important textile manufacturing markets.

#Associations

European and Canadian textile associations call for stronger transatlantic cooperation

Ahead of the EU–Canada Summit in Montréal on 29–30 October 2026, EURATEX, the Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) have issued a joint statement calling for closer industrial cooperation, improved implementation of the CETA trade agreement and stronger partnerships in innovation, sustainability and advanced textile technologies.

Latest News

#Weaving

unspun and Arvind partner to bring 3D weaving into industrial-scale apparel production

US fashion technology company unspun and Indian textile manufacturer Arvind Limited have announced a strategic partnership to introduce OneWeave™ 3D weaving technology into industrial-scale apparel manufacturing. Two machines are expected to become operational at Arvind’s Ahmedabad facility by December 2026, with plans for a potential expansion involving more than 30 additional machines across India and North America in 2027 and 2028.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Nine Orthopac RXVMC-20 systems: Y.R.C. Textile relies on Mahlo for uncompromising fabric quality

In 2026, Y.R.C. Textile invested in nine Mahlo Orthopac RXVMC-20 straightening systems, a clear vote of confidence in technology engineered for textiles with high distortion dynamics and the tightest quality demands.

#Natural Fibers

Better Cotton Initiative partners with FarmRaise to simplify data management for US cotton growers

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has announced a partnership with agricultural technology company FarmRaise to simplify data collection, reporting and program participation for cotton growers in the United States. The digital platform will help farmers manage certification requirements, document agricultural practices and track progress towards regenerative agriculture goals while reducing administrative work. The solution is scheduled to become available in January 2027.

#Research & Development

ITA spin-off TERNAfil wins third place at KUER.NRW 2026 with MAXCarbon technology

The Aachen-based ITA spin-off TERNAfil GmbH has secured third place in the KUER.NRW Business Plan Competition 2026 with MAXCarbon, an innovative carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre developed for applications in the hydrogen economy. The technology combines the mechanical properties of carbon fibres with the thermal and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials.

TOP