#Associations

2024-12-06

Mixed outlook for the global textile value chain

ITMF’s 29th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted in the second half of November 2024 reveals nuanced shifts within the global textile value chain, highlighting both challenges and resilience. While business sentiment has declined slightly over the past two months, long-term improvements have persisted since the low of November 2023.

South America leads in regional performance with strong optimism, together with Africa. Order intake has improved globally, driven by gains in South America as well. Europe and the textile machinery segment experienced the weakest order intake. Inventory levels along the textile value chain continue to decrease worldwide, though variations exist, with Africa reporting the highest inventories and garments maintaining the lowest.

Source: 8th-29th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (29th: 17-25.11.2024) © 2024 ITMF

Despite recent challenges, the industry remains optimistic about future business prospects, propelled by confidence among South American and African respondents. The survey underscores that global demand remains the primary concern, although its intensity is gradually diminishing, with geopolitical tensions, high energy prices, and inflation gaining attention. Interestingly, the lack of workers/talents ranks third when it comes to concerns. Order cancellations have continued to decline, confirming a 14-month trend, and the average order backlog stands at 2.1 months, reflecting slight declines but indicating ongoing recovery.

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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.

Italian textile machinery: Orders index declines in 2025 third quarter

In the third quarter of 2025, the orders index for textile machinery – compiled by ACIMIT’s Economics Department (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) – recorded a 16% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. In absolute terms, the index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021 = 100).

EURATEX calls for a competitive and harmonised Circular Economy Act For Textiles

EURATEX, representing Europe’s textile and clothing industry with over 200,000 companies and 1.3 million workers, has submitted its official position paper to the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA). The association welcomes the Commission’s initiative to shape a framework that strengthens Europe’s circular economy while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

VDMA members at ITMA ASIA + CITME in Singapore

With 69 exhibiting member companies, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 is once again marked by a strong presence of VDMA companies. Altogether 82 companies from Germany will exhibit at the show, covering about 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, topped only by China and Italy. VDMA initiated a German Pavilion with two group stands (spinning in hall 4 and finishing in hall 7) with a total of 30 exhibitors.

Innovation and customer proximity – KARL MAYER’s clear focus makes an impression

ITMA ASIA in Singapore was a resounding success for KARL MAYER, exceeding all expectations. The company welcomed visitors from 39 countries and held around 570 expert discussions. Most guests came from India, followed by China, Indonesia and Pakistan. The exchange with them was both well-founded and targeted. Conversation topics ranged from investment projects and new technologies to opportunities for cooperation and business expansion.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.