The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) estimated textile and garment exports at $27.02 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 2.67% from the same period last year.

July provided additional momentum. Textile and garment exports reached an estimated $4.7 billion, up 4.3% year over year and 8.2% from June.

The growth is not limited to finished garments. Vietnam is also seeing stronger performance in upstream categories such as fibers, fabrics, accessories and nonwoven materials.

During the first half of 2026, exports of these upstream products grew between 5.6% and 10.6%, according to VITAS. Garment exports, in contrast, declined 0.4% during the period.

This shift is important for traceability. Product-level sustainability data often starts upstream, covering fiber origin, yarn production, fabric processing, dyeing and finishing.

As buyers demand stronger environmental and social data, Vietnamese suppliers are under increasing pressure to document these stages of production. Traceability is therefore becoming part of supply chain competitiveness, not only a compliance exercise.

Vietnam’s industry is also facing higher costs linked to environmental, social and governance requirements and product traceability. VITAS has said future growth will depend more on productivity, higher-value products, domestic raw material development, market diversification and digital and green transformation.

The country’s textile and garment imports also increased during the period. Imports reached $15.26 billion in the first seven months, up 3.27% year over year. This shows that Vietnam still relies significantly on imported textile inputs even as it expands its upstream manufacturing base.

For exporters, the direction is clear. Growth in fiber, fabric, and accessory production can give Vietnam greater control over its supply chain. At the same time, better digital records across these stages can help suppliers respond to rising traceability requirements from international buyers and markets.

Read more about Vietnam T&A Industry:

https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/vietnams-textile-strategy-highlights-bangladeshs-competitiveness-challenge

https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/vietnam-is-winning-the-apparel-war-bangladesh-is-still-fighting-the-last-one

https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/vietnams-textile-and-garment-sector-returns-to-growth-while-confronting-structural-hurdles

The AmCham Executive Committee, led by Syed Mohammad Kamal, President, AmCham Bangladesh and Vice President, Mastercard, called on the Honorable Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, AmCham highlighted its longstanding role, since 1996, in strengthening Bangladesh-U.S. economic and commercial relations and promoting a transparent, predictable, competitive, and investment-friendly business environment.

AmCham emphasized that its member companies collectively contribute more than 20% to the country’s tax exchequer, underscoring the significant contribution of the AmCham business community to Bangladesh’s economy.

AmCham highlighted that its member companies have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh over the years, with significant potential for further investment. Looking ahead, AmCham expressed its commitment to help facilitate and mobilize a further $5 billion in investment over the next five years through its existing members and prospective American companies considering investment in Bangladesh.

AmCham sought the Honorable Prime Minister’s leadership and the Government’s partnership in creating the enabling environment to achieve this ambition.

AmCham acknowledged the Government’s progress in strengthening Bangladesh’s investment and business environment, particularly the shift toward practical investment facilitation under the FY2026-27 reform package.

The delegation welcomed measures including time-bound approvals and licensing, Single Window implementation, digital tax and VAT administration, reduced compliance burdens, improved capital and profit repatriation processes, and simplified customs procedures.

AmCham also recognized the importance of greater long-term policy predictability in priority sectors to support investor confidence and long-term investment decisions.

On digital governance, AmCham welcomed the enactment of the PDPA and NDGA and emphasized the importance of effective implementation, AI readiness, cybersecurity resilience, regulatory clarity, and continued public-private collaboration.

The delegation also recognized the U.S.-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement framework as a strategic opportunity to deepen bilateral economic engagement and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global value chains. AmCham emphasized moving beyond market access toward a broader strategic economic partnership encompassing technology, AI and digital innovation, cloud and cybersecurity, healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and financial-sector modernization.

Looking ahead, AmCham stressed that the priority should be effective execution of reforms and sustained competitiveness, including predictable tax and customs administration, reliable infrastructure and energy, and stronger institutionalized public-private collaboration.

AmCham proposed a Digital Economy Advisory Forum/Task Force and a Public-Private Competitiveness Council, with appropriate representation from Government, business, foreign investors, and AmCham, to identify bottlenecks, support implementation, and strengthen investor confidence.

AmCham reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Government not only as an advocate, but as a strategic partner—providing investor intelligence and practical business feedback, supporting policy collaboration, connecting Bangladesh with U.S. corporate decision-makers, promoting the country’s reforms and investment opportunities internationally, and strengthening business-to-business engagement.

The delegation also invited the Honorable Prime Minister to grace the opening ceremony of the 30th U.S. Trade Show as Chief Guest, jointly hosted by AmCham Bangladesh and the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.

During the fruitful discussion, the Honorable Prime Minister welcomed AmCham’s continued engagement and acknowledged its important role in Bangladesh’s economic development.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh has entered a new phase of economic transformation and offers a favorable investment environment. He affirmed that, following the continuation of important reforms, the Government’s priority is to ensure their effective implementation while strengthening investor confidence through policy predictability, efficient governance, and constructive dialogue with the business community.

He also assured prospective foreign investors of the Government’s full support and expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with AmCham to advance Bangladesh–U.S. economic cooperation and shared prosperity.

Representing the Government, the meeting was also attended by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir; Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology; and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

In addition to the AmCham President, the delegation included Ala Uddin Ahmad, Vice President, AmCham and CEO, MetLife Bangladesh; Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Treasurer, AmCham and Managing Director, Philip Morris Bangladesh Ltd.; Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, EC Member and Country Manager, Excelerate Energy Bangladesh Limited; Mohammad Rashel Al Mamun, EC Member and Country Manager & Managing Director, NATco Bangladesh; Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, EC Member and General Manager, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, Avery Dennison; Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, EC Member and CEO, ShopUp Limited; and Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director, AmCham.

Bangladeshi garment exporters are seeking compensation from US buyers after sharing part of the tariff burden during the 2025 reciprocal tariff hikes. The demand comes as US importers receive refunds on duties they had previously paid.

Many Bangladeshi exporters had reduced prices or offered discounts to help US buyers absorb the additional tariff costs and protect their orders. Exporters now argue that they should receive some benefit from the refunded duties.

Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), also called for compensation. He said amounts deducted from suppliers to offset tariff costs should be returned in some form from the refunded funds.

However, exporters acknowledge that direct refunds may not always be practical. Some are instead seeking higher order volumes, better prices on future orders or other commercial concessions to recover their losses.

A Dhaka-based garment manufacturer said a US buyer had requested a 5% price reduction during the tariff crisis. The factory agreed to a 1% cut, resulting in a loss of around $25,000. Rather than seeking a direct refund, the manufacturer plans to request higher order volumes from the buyer.

Industry sources said the tariff burden was not shared equally among Bangladeshi exporters. Some buyers did not ask suppliers to reduce prices, while others pushed for significant concessions.

A BGMEA leader estimated that exporters may have absorbed an average of around 10% of the additional tariff burden. He noted that exporters operating under Landed Duty Paid (LDP) terms faced greater exposure because suppliers are responsible for import duties and tariffs under such arrangements.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, President, BGMEA said exporters that absorbed a significant portion of the tariff cost could negotiate with buyers to recover the losses through increased business.

He also said exporters that shipped goods under LDP terms may be able to seek tariff refunds through legal channels in the US.

Notably, more than 90% of Bangladesh's US-bound apparel shipments are believed to be made under FOB terms, while LDP shipments account for less than 10%.

US buyer representatives sourcing from Bangladesh have also acknowledged that suppliers should receive compensation if they had absorbed part of the tariff burden.

However, direct payments could face regulatory challenges. One US brand representative suggested that compensation could instead be provided through higher prices on future orders, increased business volumes or concessions on air freight and other costs.

The issue stems from the US reciprocal tariff regime introduced in April 2025. Bangladesh initially faced an additional tariff of more than 37%, while a 10% tariff was imposed from April 10. The rate was subsequently revised several times before settling at 19%.

Although US importers formally paid the tariffs, some buyers pressured Bangladeshi suppliers to share the additional costs through price reductions and discounts.

The situation has now created a new point of negotiation between Bangladeshi exporters and US buyers, with exporters seeking to recover at least part of the financial burden they carried during the tariff crisis.

The global fashion industry has converged in Las Vegas for MAGIC Las Vegas 2026, taking place from August 10–12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together fashion brands, buyers, sourcing professionals and industry stakeholders from across international markets.

Organised by Informa Markets, MAGIC Las Vegas serves as a major marketplace for trend, young contemporary, modern sportswear, apparel, footwear and accessories. The 2026 Las Vegas edition follows a February event that attracted more than 16,900 attendees, reflecting the scale of the platform within the global fashion calendar.

The event provides fashion businesses with opportunities to discover new brands, products and sourcing partners while creating connections between retailers, brands and suppliers. According to the organisers, the February 2026 Las Vegas edition featured more than 800 brands and participants from more than 80 countries and regions.

Running alongside MAGIC is SOURCING by Informa, which focuses specifically on the global fashion supply chain. Its Las Vegas edition is also being held from August 10–12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers and sourcing professionals across apparel, textiles, footwear, accessories, packaging, fashion technology and sustainable solutions.

The sourcing platform is particularly relevant to apparel-producing countries as international buyers continue to look for new suppliers, diversified sourcing bases and supply-chain solutions. The August edition follows the February 2026 SOURCING event in Las Vegas, which attracted more than 8,400 attendees from over 70 countries and regions, with a significant share of attendees representing buying power.

Bangladeshi buying houses participate

Bangladesh is also represented at the Las Vegas sourcing platform through its buying houses and sourcing companies. Dongyi Sourcing Limited and Fashion Power Group are among the Bangladeshi companies participating in the event, according to company and participant updates.

For Bangladesh's apparel industry, the participation of sourcing and buying-house companies provides an important link between international buyers and the country's manufacturing base. Buying houses can support product development, supplier identification, quality assurance, merchandising and communication between overseas customers and Bangladeshi factories.

Dongyi Sourcing Limited operates as a multinational apparel sourcing and buying organisation, with its global headquarters in Hong Kong and corporate operations in Dhaka. Its participation at the Las Vegas platform adds a Bangladesh-based sourcing presence to an event designed to connect international buyers with apparel supply-chain partners.

The presence of Bangladeshi sourcing companies at MAGIC and SOURCING by Informa comes as Bangladesh continues to seek stronger connections with US buyers and greater visibility in the American market. Earlier discussions between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Sourcing at MAGIC also highlighted the importance of using the Las Vegas platform to promote Bangladesh's apparel capabilities to US buyers, including buyers that do not currently source from the country.

Beyond individual business meetings, MAGIC Las Vegas 2026 offers a broader view of changing fashion demand, product trends and sourcing priorities. For manufacturers, sourcing companies and buying houses, the event provides an opportunity to understand buyer expectations while developing new commercial relationships across the US and international markets.

As Bangladesh's apparel sector works to diversify products, markets and customer relationships, participation in global sourcing platforms such as MAGIC and SOURCING by Informa can contribute to greater international visibility and create opportunities for deeper engagement with global fashion brands and retailers.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA) have agreed to jointly advocate for policy and infrastructure reforms to create a more investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh's economic zones.

A high-level bilateral coordination meeting was held on 10th August at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara to discuss new investment opportunities, infrastructure challenges, and policy bottlenecks affecting investors.

The meeting was led by Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Mijanur Rahman, Vice President (Finance) of BGMEA, also attended the meeting.

The BEZIA delegation was led by M. A. Jabbar, President, Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA) and Managing Director, DBL Group. Other members included Md. Halimuzzaman, Vice President, Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA); Delwar H. Titu, Director, Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA); Dr. Aporup Chowdhury, CEO, Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA); and Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Member, Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA).

The meeting reviewed the progress of plot allocations in five government economic zones prioritized for full operationalization in the first phase of the government's short-term plan. M. A. Jabbar said many entrepreneurs have already paid significant amounts for plot allocations. However, slow infrastructure development and limited utility availability have weakened investor confidence.

According to the discussion, around 39,000 acres of land have been allocated across the five designated zones. Only 27 industrial units are currently in production, highlighting the gap between land allocation and actual industrial activity. Both organizations agreed to jointly raise several issues with senior government authorities. These include shortages of gas and industrial water, as well as service charges imposed before factories become fully operational.

The associations called for a complete waiver of service charges imposed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) on utility bills until uninterrupted utility supply is ensured. They also called for equal sector-specific cash incentives for economic zone-based investors to maintain parity with non-zone establishments.

Another major demand was the removal of VAT on lease tariffs. The associations argued that investors should not face 15% VAT at both the master lease-holder and sub-lease-holder levels, which they consider a form of double taxation.

The meeting also called for simplifying deemed export procedures. Local bond-license holders should be allowed to conduct deemed export activities without EXP and EP forms, reducing administrative delays and compliance burdens.

Other priorities included making 99-year lease mutations bankable and ensuring that the One-Stop Service (OSS) becomes fully functional.

M. A. Jabbar also noted that BGMEA has 41 unit investors in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (National Special Economic Zone) in Mirsarai, Chattogram. This presence provides a strong basis for closer cooperation between the two organizations on policies affecting the RMG sector.

To strengthen institutional cooperation, M. A. Jabbar invited BGMEA to nominate a representative to BEZIA's Board of Directors.

Mahmud Hasan Khan welcomed the proposal and agreed to nominate a qualified BGMEA representative shortly. Both organizations expressed optimism that stronger joint advocacy will help accelerate infrastructure development, improve utility services, and remove policy barriers. They said these measures are important to support sustainable industrialization and attract new investment to Bangladesh's economic zones.

Renaissance Designs Ltd., Bangladesh, and BY Studio, South Korea, have jointly embarked on a strategic partnership to provide comprehensive and reliable garments sourcing solutions for international apparel businesses.

The collaboration brings together the strengths, experience, and market capabilities of both organizations to establish a strong sourcing platform connecting international buyers with Bangladesh’s globally recognized apparel manufacturing industry.

Through this partnership, Renaissance Designs Ltd. and BY Studio will focus on delivering end-to-end sourcing support, including product development, supplier selection, factory coordination, quality assurance, production follow-up, compliance support, and shipment coordination.

The partnership is designed to create greater value for customers by combining Bangladesh’s strong manufacturing capabilities and competitive sourcing advantages with BY Studio’s market understanding and business network in South Korea.

“Our objective is to build a long-term, transparent, and value-driven sourcing partnership that delivers quality, reliability, innovation, and competitive solutions to our customers.”

The collaboration will initially focus on apparel sourcing and product development, with opportunities to expand into new product categories, markets, and value-added sourcing services in the future.

Renaissance Designs Ltd. will serve as a one-point sourcing and service hub in Bangladesh, working closely with selected manufacturers and suppliers to ensure efficient execution from product concept to final shipment.

Both companies believe that the partnership will create a strong foundation for long-term international business relationships, supporting customers with dependable sourcing solutions while promoting responsible, sustainable, and professionally managed apparel supply chains.

Renaissance Designs Ltd. is a Bangladesh-based garments sourcing and service organization, providing comprehensive sourcing support to international customers. The company works closely with manufacturers, suppliers, and business partners to deliver product development, sourcing, production coordination, quality management, and supply-chain support.

BY Studio, based in South Korea, is a business and design-oriented organization with a focus on developing international business opportunities and connecting customers with reliable sourcing and manufacturing solutions.

China has barred domestic organizations and individuals from doing business or cooperating with seven US entities. Six of them are linked to cotton tracing, supply chain mapping, labor risk assessment, and human rights work. The move could make supply-chain verification far more difficult for textile and apparel companies operating in China.

The decision came after the United States added 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List on July 31. Effective August 3, this marked the largest single expansion of the list to date, bringing the total to 187 entities.

Under the UFLPA, US importers must prove that goods connected to Xinjiang are not produced using forced labor. Goods linked to listed entities face a legal presumption of forced labor and are stopped at the US border.

China’s Countermeasures

China stated its latest action was a direct response to the new US restrictions. The Chinese Commerce Ministry placed six US entities under business restrictions for supporting what Beijing described as measures targeting Xinjiang.

The Six Verification & Traceability Entities:

Applied DNA Sciences: Provides technology used to verify the origin of materials.

Altana Technologies: Supply-chain mapping company providing tools to identify links across complex global networks.

Responsible Business Alliance (RBA): Focuses on responsible sourcing and labor-risk standards.

Verité Group: Specializes in labor-risk assessments and human-rights research.

Stratum Reservoir: Involved in material verification and resource analysis.

Human Rights in China: Conducts research and advocacy on human rights conditions.

China separately targeted Compliance Testing LLC, a US testing and certification firm, citing its support for recent US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) measures affecting Chinese tech companies.

Industry & Regulatory Impact

For the textile and apparel sector, these restrictions carry significant weight because cotton origin checks and supply-chain mapping have become essential under forced-labor enforcement. Brands and retailers sourcing from China require reliable, verifiable data on where raw materials originate and which suppliers handle them.

The new restrictions limit the ability of China-based suppliers to work with these key US-linked verification organizations:

• Compliance Dilemma: Creates immediate operational challenges for brands that rely on independent audits to clear US import requirements.
• Growing Tensions: Adds another layer to expanding trade and regulatory frictions. While Washington expands restrictions on Chinese companies over forced-labor concerns, Beijing is increasingly deploying targeted measures against US verification firms.
• Rising Costs: For global apparel brands, the issue now extends beyond tariffs or market access, and it centers on access to supply-chain data. As enforcement tightens, restricted material tracing will inevitably drive up compliance costs and complicate global sourcing decisions.

Today’s spinning mills face growing demands for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Groz-Beckert’s range of products answers all concerns on those problems.

Groz-Beckert’s CMF and XX CMF cylinder wires

Meeting even the most demanding requirements in the Spinning industry, the CMF and XX CMF cylinder wires are characterized in particular by their special tooth shape and show their potential when processing cotton and man-made fibers for the production of open-end, air-jet and ring yarns.

Thanks to its special and patented tooth geometry, the card clothing does not have to be re-sharpened, thus, avoiding costly grinding processes and the associated production stops. In the case of revolving flat cards with an automatic grinding system, maintenance of the clothing, and also replacement of the grinding stone, is no longer necessary. This results in lower maintenance costs and savings due to the reduced downtime of the revolving flat card.

Building on the innovative tooth geometry of the standard CMF cylinder wire, the XX CMF cylinder wire distinguishes itself through its unique front working angle and tip design, specifically for processing 100% cotton fibers. Field tests with the XX CMF cylinder wire confirmed superior results over time. Customers have reported a production increase of 25 to 40% and reduced energy consumption per unit output, which in turn helps their machines to run more efficiently.

Some have also reported achieving USTER® 2023 5% level standards using the Groz-Beckert XX CMF cylinder wire product.

In addition, in cotton carding applications, a higher neps removal efficiency (NRE) was achieved on the revolving flat card, with a clear positive effect on the yarn quality.

CMF and XX CMF cylinder wires are available in both Duratech and Ultra steel grades. Duratech is a micro-alloyed steel grade with a high wear resistance, whereas Ultra offers the longest service life and is particularly recommended for state-of-the-art revolving flat cards and highest production outputs.

Groz-Beckert SmartTop™ and SmartTop™ Pro

Specially developed for carding machines that uses flat tops with magnetic flat bars - flat tops, in conjunction with the cylinder, play a vital role in the carding process within the spinning industry. On certain modern carding machines, such as the TC 11, TC 15, TC 19, TC19i, TC26i, and TC30i models, magnetic flat bars are used. These magnetic flat bars require a different type of flat tops other than conventional flat tops with clips. Groz-Beckert’s solution for these card models is SmartTop™ and SmartTop™ Pro.

SmartTop™ and SmartTop™ Pro integrates advanced flat top design and manufacturing technologies specifically for magnetic flat bar applications, delivering a comprehensive product portfolio. This solution is designed for a wide range of applications and offers enhanced carding performance, providing significant operational benefits.

What SmartTop™ and SmartTop™ Pro delivers

Customers can expect faster maintenance, reduced damage to the flat bars, easier reclothing, and outstanding performance across all carding applications. These benefits translate into lower maintenance costs, shorter machine downtime, greater operational flexibility, and improved overall cost-effectiveness.

How advanced silicone chemistry is enabling superior comfort, processing efficiency, sustainability and value-added performance for Bangladesh's export-oriented knitwear sector.

Bangladesh has established itself as one of the world's leading knitwear manufacturing hubs, exporting more than USD 20 billion worth of knit garments annually to global apparel brands. As international buyers continue to demand greater comfort, durability, functionality and sustainable production, textile finishing has become an increasingly important differentiator in product quality and value addition.

Silicone chemistry sits at the heart of this transformation. Once used primarily to impart softness, advanced silicone polymers now enhance stretch recovery, sewability, wrinkle recovery, abrasion resistance, surface smoothness and pilling resistance while preserving the natural drape and comfort expected from premium knitted fabrics.

Choosing the Right Silicone System

For Bangladesh's export-oriented mills, hydrophilic block silicones have become the preferred choice for towels, sportswear, athleisure and performance apparel. Unlike conventional amino silicones, they deliver exceptional softness without compromising absorbency while providing excellent shade stability and low yellowing performance. These characteristics are becoming increasingly critical for meeting the demanding quality specifications of global apparel brands.

Selecting the right finish requires careful consideration of polymer architecture, particle size, emulsion stability and process compatibility. Micro emulsion silicones provide excellent penetration and inner softness, while macro emulsion systems deliver superior surface smoothness and fabric fullness. Bath stability, shear resistance and long-term storage stability are equally important, particularly for finishing chemicals exposed to extended transportation and tropical storage conditions in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's knitwear industry relies on a broad portfolio of silicone technologies to achieve different performance objectives. For example, micro silicone emulsions such as Ultrafab LSS are widely used to deliver premium softness, while macro silicone systems including Ultrafab NMW provide excellent surface smoothness and fullness. Specialised hydrophilic silicone finishes such as Ultrafab FB8535 combine absorbency with rich inner softness, while organic softeners including Catapaste are preferred where a rich waxy hand and enhanced fabric strength are required.

Meeting the Next Generation of Brand Requirements

The future of knit finishing extends well beyond softness. Global brands increasingly expect multifunctional fabrics incorporating moisture management, cooling, odour control, easy care performance and bio-based chemistries. At the same time, compliance with ZDHC, OEKO TEX ECO PASSPORT, GOTS and bluesign has become essential. This is driving the adoption of low-cyclic, PFAS-free and environmentally responsible silicone technologies that improve processing efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Another important advancement is the digital measurement of fabric hand. Modern tactile evaluation systems objectively quantify softness and surface characteristics, enabling mills to standardise quality, optimise finishing processes and communicate measurable fabric performance to international buyers.

As Bangladesh continues its transition towards higher value knitwear manufacturing, investment in advanced silicone chemistry, sustainable finishing technologies and objective quality measurement will be critical to maintaining global competitiveness.

Resil Textile Chemistries, together with N9 World Technologies, is supporting this transformation through innovative silicone technologies, bespoke formulations, responsive local technical support in Bangladesh and globally recognised sustainability credentials. Together, these capabilities are enabling manufacturers to deliver differentiated fabrics with confidence.

Türkiye’s textile and apparel industry is facing fresh pressure after the United States imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from the country. The new tariff took effect on July 25 and has triggered strong concern among Turkish industry leaders.

The new duty could weaken Türkiye’s competitiveness in the US apparel market. The Istanbul Chamber of Industry called the decision unfair. Erdal Bahcivan, chairman, said Türkiye does not have the large trade surplus with the US that typically leads to such measures. He argued that the tariff does not reflect the principles of reciprocal trade.

Giyassed­din Eyyupkoca, chairman of the Laleli Industrialists and Businesspeople Association, also expressed disappointment. He said the decision comes at a difficult time for Turkish exporters, who are already dealing with economic volatility and rising costs.

EU products face a lower rate of around 16.5%. This gap could reduce Türkiye’s competitive advantage against major Asian suppliers such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Rising costs deepen industry pressure

The tariff comes as Türkiye’s textile and apparel sector is already facing a major domestic slowdown. High inflation and rising manufacturing costs have put pressure on factories and employment.

Türkiye's textile and apparel sector continues to face severe contraction. SGK data show that 1,011 textile companies and 4,766 apparel companies closed between December 2024 and May 2026, resulting in 121,772 job losses. Over the past three years, employment losses across the two sectors have exceeded 300,000.

The additional US tariff could further increase pressure on exporters. Companies may have to absorb part of the duty, raise prices, or accept lower margins to remain competitive in the US market.

US market remains strategically important

Türkiye remains a major global textile producer despite these challenges. The country ranked fifth globally in textiles in 2025, with a 3.3% share of a market valued at nearly $350 billion. Türkiye exported $26.2 billion worth of textiles and clothing in 2025. The US accounted for around $1.4 billion of these exports.

Although the US is not Türkiye’s largest export market, its large annual import demand makes it strategically important for Turkish textile and apparel companies. Higher tariffs could therefore affect both current exports and future expansion plans.

Türkiye seeks tariff revision

The Turkish government is now working to address the issue. Officials from the Trade and Foreign Ministries are reportedly holding discussions with their US counterparts.

Türkiye is seeking a reduction or revision of the tariff and wants its exporters to receive treatment closer to that of European competitors.

The outcome of these discussions will be important for the Turkish textile and apparel industry. With rising production costs, factory closures and job losses already weakening the sector, exporters are seeking greater stability and a more competitive position in the US market.

The Future Denim Makers Lab has brought sustainability, circularity, and personal storytelling into denim design.

The initiative debuted at Kingpins New York and featured six emerging designers. They redesigned the Signature Rebelle Coverall from US denim brand Oak & Acorn.

Miko Underwood, founder of Oak & Acorn and designer, led the project with support from Kingpins Show and Artmill. The participating designers included Marist University students Oli Pasquariello, Maya Bialas and Jenna Jaffe, along with emerging designers Jachuku Howard, Sidney Foster and Shamitris Kirby.

The designers explored themes such as labor, circularity, repair and family history. Their work showed how traditional denim can be redesigned with a stronger focus on sustainability and personal stories.

Pasquariello’s design, “Their Jeans, My Dreams,” was inspired by her Polish immigrant family’s history as miners and factory workers. Bialas drew inspiration from her family’s organic farming background in New York’s Hudson Valley and experimented with the natural dyeing process of cyanotype.

Underwood said the project aimed to help designers think beyond style and create future denim pieces with meaning and purpose. The program also gave emerging designers direct access to denim mills, industry professionals and educational opportunities at Kingpins.

Underwood highlighted the need for more denim-focused education in US design programs. She pointed to Jean School in Amsterdam and LaundRe in London as examples of hands-on denim education.

The next edition of the Future Denim Makers Lab is planned for Kingpins Los Angeles in January 2027. Underwood is exploring opportunities to give participants hands-on experience in denim laundries.

H&M Group, IndustriALL Global Union, and Swedish trade union IF Metall have renewed their Global Framework Agreement (GFA). The agreement aims to strengthen labor rights and protections for more than one million garment workers across H&M’s global supply chain.

The renewed agreement covers around 1,000 supplier factories and expands protections first introduced in 2015. It now includes all core International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, including Convention 190 on preventing violence and harassment at work. It also strengthens due diligence in line with OECD Guidelines and introduces stronger measures against gender-based violence.

The updated GFA establishes national monitoring committees, a global steering committee, and a joint industrial relations development committee to improve implementation. It also introduces a binding dispute resolution mechanism led by an independent mediator.

The agreement continues to support freedom of association, collective bargaining, safe workplaces, and regular training for factory management and union representatives. It also recognizes industry initiatives such as ACT, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety, the Ready-Made Garment Sustainability Council (RSC), and Bangladesh’s Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).

Atle Hoie, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, said the renewed agreement strengthens union organizing, workplace protections, and industrial relations needed for a more sustainable textile and garment industry.

H&M said it will continue using its influence with suppliers to promote labor and trade union rights while protecting workers’ representatives from discrimination.