Insights India has eased import norms for synthetic fabrics under HS code 60053600 by exempting materials within the 28–48 GSM range from the $3.5 per kg minimum import price. The move aims to balance import control with industry needs while curbing low-cost fabric inflows that threaten domestic producers. MIP rules for other fabric codes remain unchanged. The Indian government has partially exempted synthetic fabrics under ITC HS code 60053600 from the minimum import price (MIP) of $3.

Insights IAF partners with Infor to enhance traceability, ESG compliance, and digital transformation across the global apparel and footwear industry. The collaboration leverages the Infor Nexus platform and NexTrace solution to support multi-tier manufacturers. Together, they aim to simplify regulatory compliance and drive scalable, data-driven supply chain innovation. The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has announced a strategic collaboration with Infor, a global leader in business cl

Insights Heimtextil 2026 positions itself as a stabilising force in uncertain times, merging craftsmanship with AI innovation under the theme 'Lead the Change'. With 3,100 exhibitors from 65 nations, it unveils a new hall layout, trend arena, and immersive design experiences that redefine sustainability, creativity, and the future of home textiles. With an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, inspiring trends and AI-driven innovations, Heimtextil 2026 reacts to the curren

Insights Nearly a thousand jobs are to be created in a major boost to UK communities after over $13.4 billion in investments were announced yesterday at the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. Major investments are planned in life sciences, AI and innovation. New investments include a Crown Estate acquisition in Oxfordshire for increased laboratory and manufacturing space. Nearly a thousand jobs are to be created in a major boost to communities across the United Kingdom after over

Insights China's Transport Ministry recently launched the Initiative for International Cooperation on Green Shipping Corridor during the 2025 North Bund Forum in Shanghai. Calling for joint efforts to build a safer, more efficient and greener global shipping ecosystem, the initiative outlines seven key measures to promote international cooperation on green shipping corridors. China's Transport Ministry recently launched the Initiative for International Cooperation on Green Shipping Corridor d

Inspecting machinery, marking obstacles, and planning routes... At a recent technology demonstration for the Cotton Smart Topping Robot VTM-09B held by the 222nd Regiment of the 12th Division, the Division's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, and the Industry and Information Technology Bureau, a self-propelled cotton smart topping robot precisely "decapitated" cotton plants using AI visual recognition and high-speed robotic arms, showcasing this groundbreaking technology in cotton topping. To

Insights China's retail sales of consumer goods went up by 4.5 per cent YoY in the first three quarters this year to 36.5877 trillion yuan ($5.16 trillion). The growth rate was 1.2 percentage points higher than that during the same period last year. In September, retail sales rose by 3 per cent YoY. Online retail sales climbed by 9.8 per cent YoY in the first nine months. China's retail sales of consumer goods went up by 4.5 per cent YoY in the first three quarters this year to 36.5877 trilli

Insights Kapok is gaining global attention for its sustainability and performance, thanks to Flocus' patented spinning and exclusive sorting technology. Once seen as unworkable, kapok is now scalable, consistent, and OEKO-TEX certified safe. With product ranges Clarus and Fina, plus its KRAF tree-planting initiative, Flocus positions kapok as a sustainable, ethical, high-performance fibre. Kapok is finally entering the spotlight—long praised for its sustainability as a regenerative, pes

Insights China's fiscal revenue rose by 0.5 per cent YoY to 16.39 trillion yuan ($2.31 trillion) in the first nine months this year. The central government collected 7.08 trillion yuan—down by 1.2 per cent YoY, and local governments 9.3 trillion yuan—up by 1.8 per cent YoY. The tax revenue was 13.27 trillion yuan—up by 0.7 per cent YoY, while the non-tax revenue fell by 0.4 per cent YoY to 3.12 trillion yuan. China's fiscal revenue increased by 0.5 per cent year on year (YoY

Insights A 2023 ITC report found Bangladesh had the highest average number of audits per facility globally, surpassing China, Vietnam, India, and Turkiye. To address this, the BGMEA has launched an initiative to streamline the audit process and is developing a credible framework to reduce manufacturers' burden without compromising compliance or sustainability. For garment manufacturers, working with a mix of buyers and brands across different geographies is not an option; it is a business imp