AGP Executive Report

Textile Tech Breakthrough: Researchers report a way to make flexible photovoltaic fibers by dicing rigid III-V solar cells and stitching them into fabrics, aiming to power textile add-ons like LEDs under sunlight. Policy Push in India: Tamil Nadu plans a Technical Textiles Transformation Scheme for entrepreneurs and a Tirupur Textiles Technology Centre to help MSMEs move into higher-value technical textiles. Handloom Spotlight: India marks National Handloom Day on Aug. 7, with the Ministry of Textiles highlighting 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and major awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Bangladesh Garment Trade: Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US fell 5.75% in Jan–Jun to $4.01bn, per OTEXA, while June exports rose 5.74% YoY. Sustainability at Work: A clothes-recycling workshop promoted turning old textiles into practical bags, reinforcing circular-economy habits. Industry Finance: Sutlej Textiles swings back to Q1 FY27 profit, while Nahar Spinning also posts a sharp YoY profit jump. Safety Incident: A fire at a textile dyeing factory in Yangju, South Korea, injured six people and destroyed a building. Corporate Labor Standards: H&M, IndustriALL and IF Metall renew and expand their Global Framework Agreement to strengthen union rights and protections.

Photovoltaic Textiles Breakthrough: Researchers diced rigid III-V multijunction solar cells into tiny photovoltaic fibers and stitched them into fabrics via embroidery, enabling sunlight-powered threads that can run LEDs and other textile add-ons. Cultural Exchange & Handloom Spotlight: Senegal’s Dakar museum opened an exhibition pairing Ming-era Chinese costume replicas with West African garments, while Pakistan’s National Textile University marked Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir with a solidarity walk. First Nations Fashion Collaboration: Australia’s Creative Australia launched the Tri Nations Exchange Program linking First Nations fashion, textiles and customary adornment practitioners across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada (first gathering Aug 2-10 in Darwin). Trade & Market Access Moves: Pakistan and Australia discussed boosting cooperation including textiles, and the Netherlands pushed for stronger Pakistan ties via LCCI, citing home textiles and knitwear exports. Labour Rights Under Fire: A Turkish union accused H&M and Inditex of union-busting at supplier Eroğlu Giyim after factory closures and job losses. Handloom Day Events: India’s National Handloom Day (Aug 7) programming highlighted handloom fashion shows, exhibitions and weaving demos aimed at drawing young buyers.

Handloom policy push: India’s GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit in New Delhi wrapped up with the launch of a Digital Handloom Atlas and new Geographical Indication certificates for products including Ladakh Nambu and Pashmina, plus Himachal and Jharkhand items—aimed at giving weavers digital visibility and stronger market linkages. Smart textiles & waste: Niber Technologies says it has scaled a PFAS-free electrospun nanofiber membrane platform as PFAS rules tighten worldwide, while another report warns smart clothing could add to e-waste unless regulations keep up. Regional textile investment: Tamil Nadu’s TVK budget flagged upgrades for Tiruppur’s textile ecosystem, including a Tiruppur Textiles Technology Centre, alongside major energy and logistics plans. Heritage-to-luxury fashion: Ladakh designers are scaling indigenous fibres like yak wool and pashmina into contemporary everyday luxury through vertically integrated production. Corporate moves: Aastha Spintex posted a Rs 51.46 crore order book for Falcon Yarns and approved forward integration into fabric; Masood Textile saw Chinese shareholders sell a stake to a UAE buyer. Market signals: Sri Lanka’s textiles and apparel sector is urged to bet on innovation and tech as Intex–InMac Sri Lanka 2026 opens.

Textile Policy & Trade: India is weighing a second phase of its production-linked incentive (PLI) push, with officials discussing how to keep support for high-performing sectors and revise eligibility for textiles, including possible changes to minimum investment and turnover rules. Bangladesh Garments & Machinery: BGMEA and BTMA signed an MoU to jointly organize BITMA in Dhaka, aiming to attract investment and lift garment export earnings to $100bn, with a focus on AI-based manufacturing, automation and sustainable production. Handloom Recognition: India announced National Handloom Award 2025 winners, including two Budgam artisans for the Chanddar Kani Shawl, to be honored on National Handloom Day in New Delhi. Materials & Sustainability: A study highlights how merino wool resists odours naturally by absorbing moisture vapour, while a separate report points to circularity and textile recycling leaders in a new study. Regional Business: Pakistan and Iran agreed to target $10bn bilateral trade and speed up an FTA, with plans for joint border markets and port cooperation via Karachi and Gwadar.

Bangladesh RMG Heat Check: BGMEA pushed back on media claims that garment factories, including DBL Group, were shut due to gas and power shortages, saying production stayed operational with government support—while a separate report warns the gas crisis could cut output to 35–40% capacity and trigger shipment delays and order cancellations. Trade Deals & Tariffs: Bangladesh and South Korea signed a CEPA granting tariff preferences for 97% of Bangladeshi goods, and the UK-India FTA is projected to add about US$900m in medium-to-long-term textile exports for India. Industry Finance: DBL Group secured a USD 43m long-term financing deal with DEG to fund acquisition and expansion, targeting 2,150 new jobs. Sustainability Push: CITI, ICAC and Merago ink an MoU to develop regenerative cotton carbon-credit projects in India, while IWTO’s new “Green Book” argues wool’s footprint is lower than fossil-based synthetics. Market Mood: ITMF’s global textile survey shows sentiment slipping as order intake weakens. Business Updates: Sanathan Textiles reported higher standalone profits in Q1FY27; Albany International posted Q2 earnings.

U.S. Forced-Labor Trade Crackdown: The Trump administration expanded the UFLPA Entity List by 43 firms, raising the stakes for apparel and textile supply chains that could be traced to listed companies. Tariffs & Compliance: USTR also finalized sweeping Section 301 forced-labor tariffs covering 60 economies, adding new cost and sourcing pressure for global brands. Pakistan Cotton Flow: Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association reports 0.7m+ cotton bales processed at ginneries through July 31, up 32.33% year-on-year, with Punjab down slightly and Sindh up sharply. Handloom Support in India: Andhra Pradesh will launch the “Nethanna Sevalo” scheme on Aug 7, offering Rs 25,000 to eligible handloom weavers, while IIT Delhi inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology to modernize the sector. China PVA Scale-Up: Sinopec’s Chongqing SVW Chemical started a new PVA line, lifting single-site capacity to 210,000 tons and exporting the first batch to Europe—important for textiles and other high-value uses. Sourcing Policy Debate (Pakistan): PHMA warned against linking export rebates to incremental growth targets, saying it penalizes exporters facing higher energy costs, liquidity strain, and policy delays. Sustainability & Chemicals: German researchers say magnetic nanoparticles can cut PFAS in drinking water by 87%, with implications for textile-related PFAS contamination.

Cotton Policy: India set 2026-27 MSPs for all FAQ cotton varieties, with Suvin (ELS) topping at ₹9,867/quintal and CCI procurement starting Oct 1 if market prices fall below MSP. Sourcing Shift: A Nuvama report says India could gain as global apparel sourcing gradually moves away from China, helped by tariff parity and improving market access like India-UK CETA. Expo & Denim Tech: Gartex Texprocess India (with Denim Show) returns Aug 6-8 in Delhi, bringing 185+ exhibitors and a full denim value-chain focus from mills to finishing and automation. Circular Materials: Inditex-backed research explores turning hop plant residues into textile fibers or natural dyes, aiming to cut reliance on virgin inputs. Circular Plastics for Garments: Bangladesh could add $4-5bn in apparel exports by scaling plastic-to-textile recycling, with proposals on collection, traceability and recycled PET standards. Energy Pressure on RMG: Bangladesh’s worsening gas crisis is disrupting garments and textiles, forcing costly diesel generation and threatening delivery schedules. Renewables in Manufacturing: Yonex began on-site solar power via an on-site PPA at its Niigata factory, targeting lower CO₂ and steadier electricity costs. Local Textile Jobs: Pakistan’s ginning industry faces a crisis from declining cotton output, rising costs and outdated tech, threatening jobs across the cotton-textile chain. Handloom Push: India’s Textiles Ministry plans a Digital Handloom Atlas launch at GI & Beyond 2.0, supporting handloom visibility and market access.

Handloom Innovation Push: Handloom Hackathon 2.0 wrapped up at IIT Delhi with 2,500+ participants and 280 top teams showcasing tech-led solutions for loom modernisation, design, sustainability, market access and weaver livelihoods. Corporate Turnaround Watch: Raymond Lifestyle’s new CEO Satyaki Ghosh lays out FY27 consolidation—closing loss-making stores, streamlining operations and leaning into premiumisation/casualisation—after a June-quarter loss widened to ₹23 crore. Cotton Trade Tensions: China Cotton Association rejects US forced-labour claims tied to 43 firms on an entity list, arguing the allegations lack legal basis; meanwhile Egypt’s cotton keeps premium pricing despite mixed weekly moves ahead of the new crop. Water Stress for Fashion: Reports warn textiles face rising water risks as heat and drought intensify, with supply chains spanning cotton cultivation, dyeing and consumer use. Pakistan Export Policy: Pakistan’s government expands export support via Exim finance and long-term growth facilities, aiming to counter weak export performance. Local Craft Development: Multan blue pottery artisans and training bodies push for stronger export footing, citing rising costs, limited investment and aging workshop capacity. Market/Routes: Air India Express adds Bhopal links to Delhi and Mumbai, boosting regional connectivity.

US–China Trade Tensions: The China Cotton Association hit back at new U.S. sanctions adding 43 Chinese cotton and textile firms to the Entity List, calling the forced-labor claims baseless and warning the move could destabilize global cotton supply chains. Handloom Innovation Push: India’s Handloom Hackathon 2.0 (“Weaving Innovations”) wrapped up at IIT Delhi with 2,500+ participants and 280 top teams showcasing tech solutions for loom modernisation, design, sustainability, market access and weaver livelihoods. Policy for Cotton Farmers: India’s Cotton Corporation of India marked its 56th Foundation Day as Minister Giriraj Singh reiterated plans to boost farmer incomes and cotton productivity, citing large MSP procurement and a ~7% MSP increase for 2026-27. Sourcing Shift Watch: Brokerage Nuvama says global apparel sourcing is gradually moving away from China, creating a major opportunity for India if trade access and tariff parity keep improving. Industry Events: Taiwan’s hosiery makers plan a Curve New York 2026 showcase, while Egypt prepares for its Cairo textile machinery and printing expo in September. Local Factory Oversight: Tamil Nadu’s handlooms and textiles minister inspected cooperative spinning and handloom weaver societies in Kanniyakumari, reviewing output and asking about workforce and GST support.

US Trade Relief for Africa’s Garments: Lesotho’s textiles and apparel are set to re-enter the US duty-free market after Washington’s 29 July tariff expiry, restoring Agoa-linked zero duties and easing pressure on a sector employing 30,000+ workers. Industrial Safety Probe: In India’s Bhiwandi, police are investigating a deadly building collapse tied to alleged unauthorised repairs, with cases filed against the owner and contractor. Green Manufacturing Playbook: China’s 2026-2030 industrial green plan targets peaking emissions by 2030 and boosting recycling and low-carbon equipment—an approach Pakistan is being urged to study amid energy and cost strains. Bangladesh Garment Heat Costs: Rising heat is driving a “heat tax” for garment workers in Bangladesh, with workers spending on hydration just to keep working. Cotton-to-Clothing Push in Africa: A new discussion argues Africa captures only a small share of value because it exports raw cotton while Asia processes it—calling for integrated textile and apparel value chains. India Technical Textiles Boost: Surat’s MANTRA has been selected by the Indian Air Force to test defence fabric for quality and performance standards. Shein Under FTC Scrutiny: Shein disclosed an FTC probe into its US business, warning a settlement could materially hit finances as it moves toward an IPO. Handloom & Policy Signals: India marks National Handloom Day with renewed focus on cotton productivity and farmer support, while Bhutan expands GI protection with its first four registered products.

Defence Textiles Testing: Surat’s MANTRA has been selected by the Indian Air Force to scientifically test fabrics for digital pattern jackets and trousers, covering specs like strength, pilling, drape, colour fastness and anti-bacterial performance under NABL accreditation—an opening for defence and high-performance textile work. Textile Infrastructure Push: Tamil Nadu inaugurated two mini textile parks in Karur (Kodangipatti and Uppidamangalam) under a scheme supporting MSMEs with shared facilities and up to 50% subsidy, aiming to boost cluster-based production. Handloom Policy & Training: Bangladesh’s state minister says handloom modernisation is underway via training centres, skills development and market expansion, while India’s Ministry of Textiles will mark 12th National Handloom Day on Aug 7 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Corporate Garment Update: Raymond Lifestyle reported Q1 FY27 results with revenue up to ₹1,516 crore and a 50%+ surge in garmenting, despite a consolidated net loss. Craft Spotlight: Banarasi weavers are re-positioning the labour-heavy Rangkat sari as a differentiated, reversible, story-rich product as power-loom replication rises.

Tariff Shock for Industry: The US Senate advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could enable tariffs up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, signaling Congress is moving to harden and expand tariff power beyond the White House. Safeguard Move: The US also set a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products after an ITC finding of serious injury to domestic producers, with quota volumes rising annually. Textile Waste Reality Check: A new report highlights that a large share of textile fibres is lost before garments even reach consumers, adding urgency to reuse and recycling efforts. Pakistan Cotton Pressure: Pakistan’s cotton shortfall is framed as an economy-wide drag hitting textile exports, with critics pointing to regulatory delays and inconsistent policy. Circularity & Materials: India’s textiles debate keeps returning to sustainability versus fast fashion, while new research and product launches keep pushing eco-friendly materials and circular design. Trade & Logistics Signals: India’s GSTN deferred key e-way bill enhancements, easing near-term compliance changes for textile and apparel supply chains.

Policy & Industry Support: India’s MRMA 2.0 (Central Silk Board) held a district stakeholders’ consultation in Tseminyu, focusing on technology transfer to boost raw silk and coordinate farmers, SHGs and youth. Trade & Supply Chains: Bangladesh Bank issued updated foreign-exchange rules for export transactions, pushing digital export declarations via the Online Export Monitoring System to simplify compliance and speed earnings. Market Signals (Cotton & Freight): ICE cotton futures rebounded above 80 cents on a weaker dollar and stronger USDA export sales; Drewry’s World Container Index fell for a third straight week as Asia–Europe and Transpacific rates softened. Corporate Moves: Columbia Sportswear returned to profit in Q2 FY26, lifting its FY26 outlook after a $78m IEEPA tariff refund; Canada Goose reported higher Q1 sales with improved margins as DTC momentum offset wholesale pressure. Sustainability & Innovation: Harvard researchers used machine-knitted textiles with multistable behavior to create programmable switches and step-tracking; a new project aims to turn brewing waste into bio-based textile materials. Legal/Competition: India’s Supreme Court upheld an NCLAT order setting aside CCI’s ₹301.6 crore penalty on Grasim Industries and sent the matter back for a fresh hearing. Circularity in Practice: Ghana’s CircularEconomy4Ghana challenge opened applications for startups tackling waste in agriculture and textiles with circular solutions.

Circularity & Compliance: California’s SB 707 textile recycling push is forcing brands to register under an extended producer responsibility model, while Italy has advanced its own textile EPR decree—both aimed at tackling the gap where only a small share of textiles get collected for reuse or recycling. Fashion Business & Scrutiny: Shein’s IPO case leans on the tech behind its fashion model as the company discloses financial performance and faces ongoing U.S. scrutiny. Pakistan Export Push: Pakistan used Texworld New York City 2026 to spotlight value-added textiles, apparel, leather and home textiles via a new Pakistan Pavilion, backed by TDAP and consulate officials. Industry Infrastructure: Karachi’s SITE Industrial Area gets a Rs2bn rehabilitation plan for roads, drainage and civic works to revive Pakistan’s long-running textile hub. Skills for Women in Fashion: TDAP, LCCI and PIFD ran training for women entrepreneurs and SMEs on forecasting, pattern making and garment sizing/fit to improve export readiness. Sustainability Tech: UL acquired ICQ Global to expand consumer product testing reach, including textiles—supporting quality assurance across supply chains. Corporate Strategy: Lenzing outlined “Grow Nonwovens, Reset Textiles,” including workforce reductions, to reposition amid tougher conditions for man-made cellulosic fibers. Local Textile Jobs Drive: Nigeria’s Governor Lawal says he’ll revive Zamfara textile industries, cotton ginneries and oil mills to create thousands of jobs. Design & Craft Spotlight: The 18th Annual Atlanta Quilt Festival returns July 31–Sept 5, focusing on African American quilts with workshops and master classes.

Earnings Watch: Vardhman Textiles posted a strong June-quarter, with consolidated net profit up 49.8% YoY to Rs 310 crore and EBITDA up 45.1% to Rs 473 crore as margins improved. Handloom Innovation: Delhi label BhashaBharat launched the Blush Loom Kurta Set, using a patented Warp Manipulation technique that changes warp positioning during weaving for structural texture. Materials R&D: Harvard researchers unveiled multistable knitted textiles that snap between stable 3D shapes and can act as soft switches or sensors using conductive yarns—built on standard industrial knitting machines. Cotton Supply Signals: India’s Cotton Association of India expects record imports of 60 lakh bales in 2025-26, driven by a temporary 11% import duty exemption, while lowering export projections to 15 lakh bales. Policy & Costs (India): Tamil Nadu textile bodies urged cheaper electricity and investment incentives in the state’s new industrial policy, including renewable power support and employment-linked measures. PLI Update (India): The textiles PLI scheme attracted Rs 167.51 crore in Maharashtra so far, with 24 approved companies benefiting under revised rules that lowered thresholds and expanded HSN coverage. Bangladesh Gas Crunch: BGMEA and BKMEA asked for temporary permission for export garment factories to collect CNG in cylinders from filling stations after LNG terminal shutdowns worsened supply. Trade Promotion: Vietnam’s Trade Office in China pushed VIS 2026 in Beijing, aiming to pull in Chinese buyers for Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City sourcing event. Spandex Expansion: Hyosung TNC will add up to 3,000 tons/year of hygiene spandex in Brazil from early Q4 2027, completing a five-country manufacturing network. Sustainability Tech: MIT engineers developed recyclable elastic yarn designed to replace spandex for more circular textile applications.

Apparel Sizing Standardization: India’s textiles ministry is close to finalising a national apparel sizing framework, with a shift toward familiar S/M/L categories and tight rules on acceptable variation, based on NIFT anthropometric research of 25,000+ people. Living Textiles Breakthrough: Chinese researchers have created “living” fungus-based clothing that can repair itself after damage, pointing to a new route for self-healing materials. Microfibre Pollution Baseline: A new global study estimates textile manufacturing releases 92,145 tonnes of microfibres into wastewater each year, with 58,000 tonnes ending up in land and water, pushing brands toward upstream solutions. Colour Profiling for Print & Textile: Currie Group launched a colour and media profiling service using a Barbieri Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer to build custom ICC profiles for textile and print workflows. Tax Crackdown via Digital Monitoring (Pakistan): Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered strict action against informal-economy tax evaders and directed FBR to expand digital production monitoring to textile and other sectors by December. US Forced-Labour Tariff Update: The US made a 10% Section 301 forced-labour tariff permanent for 60 partners, keeping India at 10% after New Delhi’s forced-labour import ban. Lenzing Restructuring: Lenzing plans to close its Grimsby lyocell plant by end-2027, putting 215 jobs at risk as it reshapes its fibre strategy. EU Trade Pressure on Textiles: Albania’s textile and footwear exporters are hit by euro depreciation, while EU duties on Chinese polyamide yarn imports remain a major cost pressure point.