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Intertek Testing Services has been partially suspended from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) due to alleged "serious lapses." This suspension could cause challenges within the value chain for those who are certified by Intertek or have value chain partners certified by Intertek. Supply chain operators may face disruptions in their certification and transaction certificate issuance processes, and they may need to migrate to another GOTS-approved certification body. Increased scrutiny and compliance checks should be expected during this period of suspension. Intertek has 90 days to report its findings and actions to regain compliance. [Extracted from the article]

Ted Baker, a UK clothing brand, is set to close all of its stores in the country due to financial difficulties. The closure of the stores follows the appointment of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited as the administrator of NODL, which licensed the Ted Baker brand. In addition to the UK closures, Ted Baker's European-based stores will also close, resulting in job losses. The brand has also filed for bankruptcy protection in the US and Canada. The Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association has called on Ted Baker and its administrators to pay back what it owes to its member apparel suppliers, but it is unlikely that these debts will be settled. [Extracted from the article]

Macy's Inc. has partnered with the University of Delaware to work with students on sustainability projects. The goal is to source future leaders' perspectives and solutions to help solve sustainability challenges specific to retailers like Macy's. The students have the opportunity to work with Macy's executives, visit facilities, and present their findings to the company's leadership team. Macy's believes that engaging with future fashion industry leaders benefits everyone and helps create a better world. The partnership also aims to address the gaps in sustainability education and provide students with hands-on knowledge and practical experience in solving sustainability issues in the fashion industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in promoting trade relations between the United States and Kenya. AGOA allows Kenya and other African countries duty-free access to the US market for various products, including clothing and textiles. While AGOA has had a positive impact on Kenya's export-processing zones, there has been a decrease in the value of apparel exports to the US. However, Kenya remains the second-largest exporter of textile and apparel products to the US among AGOA-eligible countries. The article also mentions ongoing negotiations between Kenya and the Biden administration for a strategic trade and investment partnership. AGOA is not just about trade, as it also requires countries to demonstrate commitment to good governance, human rights, workers' rights, and combating corruption. [Extracted from the article]

The Turkish apparel industry association, IHKIB, has called on Ted Baker and its parent company, Authentic Brands Group, to compensate Turkish apparel suppliers for their losses following the brand's insolvency. IHKIB expressed concern over the treatment of its members' dues and receivables, stating that they should not be regarded as claims of questionable validity. The association, which represents over 75% of Turkey's apparel exporter companies, is dedicated to safeguarding the hard work of its members and elevating the significance of Turkish apparel exports on the global stage. Ted Baker recently closed 11 UK stores and experienced job losses after entering administration. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the impact of progressive trade policy on US imports from China. The National Council of Textile Organization (NCTO) president and CEO, Kim Glas, highlights China's "predatory trade practices" and their effect on US industries. The World Trade Organization (WTO) acknowledges China's importance in global economic growth and its integration into international supply chains. The article also explores the concept of progressive trade policy, which focuses on using trade as a tool to advance the interests of workers, communities, and the climate. The need to modernize trade tools, such as tariffs, and address issues like the de minimis loophole is also discussed. The goal is to ensure the competitiveness of US industries and capture market share from countries like China. The article concludes by emphasizing the role of US businesses, including fashion companies, in influencing trade relations with China. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of adding social responsibility to the fashion circularity debate. The founder of Give Your Best, a tech for good social enterprise, highlights the issue of clothing poverty and the amount of clothing being thrown away. Give Your Best is a platform where people, brands, and retailers can donate clothes to communities in need. The article emphasizes the need for fashion brands to design clothes with the end of life in mind and mentions the upcoming legislation in Europe that will require brands to cover the costs of textile waste. Give Your Best aims to empower individuals and provide them with choice while keeping fashion goods in the supply chain for longer. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the fashion industry's need to shift towards sustainable raw materials in order to meet growing demand and address climate change issues. Antoine Bois, a sustainability consultant, emphasizes the economic advantage of this shift, stating that fashion brands could see a 6% increase in revenue by transitioning from 90% conventional to 40% sustainable raw materials. However, Bois notes that the industry is not moving fast enough, with only 20% of the demand for sustainable raw materials being met in 2021. He calls for industry-wide collaboration and outlines six principles for fashion brands to adopt in order to shift to sustainable raw materials. The article also highlights the potential of textile-to-textile recycling and the importance of traceability in the supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Cascale are collaborating to promote sustainability in the apparel industry. Cascale will provide training on the audit code of conduct at the factory level to ensure compliance with standards. The aim is to establish unified codes of conduct and standardized protocols for factory audits to streamline the process and enhance sustainability. The meeting also discussed cooperation to improve worker welfare and comply with forthcoming regulations. The collaboration between BGMEA and Cascale aims to bring positive transformations throughout the supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

Lululemon, the principal sponsor and official outfitter for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympic Games, has received a letter from five Olympians urging the company to commit to clean energy in its supply chain. The athletes express concern about Lululemon's growing carbon footprint and the use of fossil fuels in its production facilities. Additionally, a consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Lululemon, claiming that the company's marketing campaign falsely portrays its products as environmentally friendly when they actually contribute to environmental damage. Lululemon has responded by stating that its impact goals and commitments accurately reflect its actions and that it is taking steps to address its supply chain's climate impact. [Extracted from the article]

A US senator has accused fashion retailer Shein of selling "fraudulent" supply chain technology that could potentially allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access data from US businesses. The senator argues that Shein's move to Singapore and claims of storing US data in the US do not mitigate the risk, as the company is still owned by a Chinese entity. He raises concerns about the CCP using this data to undermine US interests and poses a series of questions to President Biden regarding the national security risk. Shein has not yet responded to these allegations. [Extracted from the article]

India's re-elected government plans to provide funding incentives for the apparel industry through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The scheme aims to lower the financial threshold for garment manufacturers to access funding, as the current threshold is too high for most Indian manufacturers. The government is prioritizing employment generation in the textile and apparel sector, as it is the largest employer after agriculture. Concerns have been raised about high cotton prices in India, which could affect the cost competitiveness of the industry in the long run. The government is also focused on supporting primary producers in the textile sector, including farmers, and is considering incentives for sustainable production. Different state governments are competing to attract apparel manufacturers through better textile sector policies. The government plans to address labor shortages, provide better remuneration for handloom workers, and invest in research and development for carbon fabrics and geotextiles. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses an interview with a sourcing director at Source Fashion, a global responsible garment manufacturing show. The director expresses concerns about the UK government's support for the fashion sector and hopes for increased focus on UK fashion manufacturing. She also discusses the challenges faced by UK garment manufacturers in competing with European ones. The article also mentions current fashion sourcing trends, including interest in Africa and sourcing closer to home. Additionally, it highlights the concerns of fashion buyers and sourcing professionals regarding geopolitics, pricing, and supply chain transparency. The director shares plans for future shows, including expanding into footwear and leather and sectorizing the floorplan. [Extracted from the article]

According to Professor Calvin Wong, CEO and center director at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, AI technology has the potential to replace one-third of textile material inspection jobs by 2034. Wong's AI-based textile material inspection tool, WiseEye, is being commercialized in China and can automate the inspection process for garment manufacturers, increasing reliability and efficiency. However, standardizing the AI system is a challenge due to different fashion brands defining defects differently. Wong also emphasized that their AI-based interactive design assistant, Aida, is meant to supplement fashion designers' creativity rather than replace their jobs. The design tool is already commercially available and has won an iF design award in 2024. [Extracted from the article]

According to a consumer survey conducted in June 2024 by GlobalData, 22% of UK apparel shoppers switched to cheaper brands due to inflation. Only 11.6% traded up to more expensive brands, but this percentage rose to 22.1% among those under 35. Over the past year, 81.5% of shoppers over 55 continued to shop at the same brands and retailers, as they were less impacted by inflation. However, this demographic is underserved in the market and accounts for a lower proportion of apparel spend. The most common reason for trading down to cheaper brands was to save money, cited by 75.8% of consumers. On the other hand, 37.6% of shoppers who purchased from more expensive brands did so because they were looking for better quality and longer-lasting products. The article suggests that as inflation eases, more consumers are expected to stick with their usual brands and retailers. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the recent developments in the US department store landscape, specifically the acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group by investment firm HBC and the potential buyout offer for Macy's by Arkhouse Management Co LP and Brigade Capital Management. While the consolidation of these department stores may not have a significant impact on consumers, it is expected to affect how apparel brands work with department stores in the future. With fewer distribution points, brands may need to find alternative channels to reach customers, potentially leading to reduced assortments and higher prices. The decline of department stores is attributed to their failure to deliver focused shopping experiences and innovative products, making them less relevant to consumers. However, department stores still remain an important channel for apparel brands to reach certain demographics and increase their reach. [Extracted from the article]

The Woolmark Company has launched a new sub-brand called Recycled Wool, which aims to promote a more sustainable textile industry. The sub-brand ensures that products contain at least 20% recycled wool and meet the Woolmark Certification Program's quality standards. The initiative aligns with the industry's push for more sustainable practices and supports the reuse and repurposing of wool. The Woolmark Certification Program covers clothing, fabrics, yarns, and home care products, and includes three main logos to indicate the percentage of new wool in the product. [Extracted from the article]

The future of Haiti's apparel sector is uncertain and relies on the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, which allow duty-free access for certain apparel and textile products from Haiti to the US. The sector has been severely disrupted by armed gangs and violence, leading to a decrease in clothing and textile export earnings and the loss of jobs. The renewal of HOPE/HELP is critical for the sector's recovery and to convince buyers to continue investing in Haiti. Efforts are being made by the interim Prime Minister and the Haitian governing group, but challenges remain, including security issues and logistics. [Extracted from the article]

Macy's and Arkhouse Management have not commented on reports of a higher buyout offer of $24.80 per share for Macy's. This comes after an initial offer of $21 per share was rejected in December 2023. The increased offer in March 2024 puts more pressure on Macy's board to consider the offer seriously. Macy's CEO Tony Spring recently unveiled a new strategic initiative for the company, which includes store closures and modernizing operations, in an effort to revitalize the brand. [Extracted from the article]

Supply chain firm Bleckmann has acquired a majority stake in the B2Tex group, which operates under its subsidiaries, Thinktextil and Handtex. With eight logistics centers and multiple client premises mainly in Spain, Bleckmann aims to expand its operations to Southern Europe and attract fashion and lifestyle brands in the region. The acquisition is seen as a significant step in Bleckmann's strategic expansion and will enhance its service offerings and client base. B2Tex CEO David Sanz expressed excitement about working with Bleckmann, stating that the partnership will allow them to scale their business and access Bleckmann's expertise. [Extracted from the article]

Reliance Retail Ventures is reportedly in the final stages of relaunching the fashion brand Shein in India. Shein's products are expected to be sold on Reliance Retail's app and offline stores. The partnership aims to reduce Shein's reliance on China and leverage India's supply chain. Shein was previously banned in India in 2020, but this new partnership will reinstate the brand in one of the world's most populated countries. However, Shein has faced criticism for its labor practices, with human rights groups urging the London Stock Exchange to not facilitate Shein's listing until human rights standards are met. [Extracted from the article]

Esprit Holdings, an apparel brand, has halted initial talks with a potential bidder for its China business due to unfavorable terms and conditions. However, the company has received multiple proposals and offers from other third parties for potential cooperation and investments. Esprit's management is currently evaluating these proposals before making any commitments. The company previously announced plans to exit its loss-making China arm and implement a new business model focused on wholesale and e-commerce in Europe. Esprit has faced financial challenges, including a net loss of HK$1.9bn in 2023 and bankruptcy filings for its European subsidiaries. [Extracted from the article]

HBC has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), which will result in the creation of a new luxury retail company called Saks Global. Saks Global will include Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, with each store continuing to operate under its own brand. The new conglomerate aims to provide a highly personalized and seamless shopping experience for customers, with a focus on innovation and technology. The purchase price will be funded by equity capital, debt facilities, and investment from Amazon. The merger is seen as a way for both chains to increase their negotiating power with luxury brands and reduce costs. However, there are concerns about the relevance of the chains in a market where more luxury players are focusing on direct-to-consumer sales. The deal is subject to approval from the Federal Trade Commission. [Extracted from the article]

The European Commission is expected to propose closing a loophole that exempts cheaper goods from custom duties, which could impact clothing sales from China's Temu and Singapore's Shein. Retailers may pass on the additional import duty costs to consumers through price increases. However, the impact may not be as strong as anticipated, as Shein and Temu's products are likely to remain cheaper than many EU competitors. The plan is seen as an effort to address the influx of "substandard items" from online marketplaces. Shein's business model, which avoids paying duty, could be significantly affected if the loophole is closed. [Extracted from the article]

Bob's Stores, a retail chain with 21 locations in the northeastern United States, has announced that it will be closing all of its stores due to financial difficulties. The company has been unable to secure the necessary funds to continue operations, despite making efforts to restructure. As part of the closure, Bob's Stores is holding a going out of business sale with discounts of 30-70%. The company has expressed regret over the situation and gratitude to its customers, employees, vendors, and suppliers for their support over the years. The closure is expected to be completed by July 14, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Sainsbury's Q1 results showed a decline in its clothing and non-food segments, despite efforts to improve these areas through its Next Level Strategy. The supermarket attributed the decline to weaker seasonal general merchandise sales and unseasonal weather. However, Sainsbury's overall sales performance for the quarter was up, with grocery sales performing well. Analysts suggest that Sainsbury's needs to introduce new product categories to compete with non-food specialists and reverse the decline in non-food sales. [Extracted from the article]

UK fashion retailers who knowingly or suspiciously import goods made through forced Uyghur labor could face prosecution under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This landmark case, brought by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), aims to disrupt supply chains complicit in the ongoing genocide of Uyghur and other Turkic peoples in China. GLAN and WUC hope that this decision will prompt a full investigation into imports from the Uyghur region and a commitment from the UK's National Crime Agency to prevent tainted goods from entering the market. The European Parliament has also approved legislation to prohibit the sale of goods manufactured using forced labor within the EU from 2027. [Extracted from the article]

Delta Apparel, a US clothing company, is facing delisting from the stock exchange and has filed for bankruptcy. The company's shares have fallen significantly, and it has entered into an agreement to sell its Salt Life brand. The bankruptcy filing was prompted by a decline in demand for its products and increased costs of raw materials. The company is seeking to sell its assets through a competitive bidding process. [Extracted from the article]

Just Style, a responsible fashion sourcing show, will be moderating a panel at the upcoming Source Fashion event in London. The panel, titled "Creating with the end in mind – how can fashion achieve true circularity?", will discuss the need for consumers and fashion brands to reconsider their involvement in the circular supply chain. The three-day exhibition will also feature seminars on industry innovation, trends, legislation, education, and certification. The event aims to provide a platform for discussions on the future of fashion, sustainability, and better business practices. Additionally, the exhibition has partnered with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to promote trade with developing nations. [Extracted from the article]

The first US presidential debate has added to the uncertainty in the apparel sector. The debate focused more on drama than substance, leaving many Americans unsure of the winner. The debate has also raised questions about the potential Democratic nominees and their ability to compete against Trump. In terms of policy, both candidates view China as a strategic competitor and threat to national security, which could lead to a more contentious relationship. The status quo on tariffs is likely to remain, which the American Apparel & Footwear Association criticizes as regressive and misogynistic. Climate change and sustainability are important issues for the apparel industry, with Biden emphasizing these concerns while Trump focuses on reducing regulations. Regardless of the next president, the apparel sector will face ongoing challenges from the US economy, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions. It is predicted that Trump is more likely to win the election, which could bring both positive and negative impacts for the apparel sector. On the positive side, tax cuts and low taxes could boost discretionary spending, but aggressive tariffs could increase the cost of apparel. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges faced by global fashion retailers in the second half of 2024. Nike expressed concerns about ongoing headwinds, particularly in China and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa market. Esprit announced plans to divest its loss-making Greater China business. H&M warned of a potential drop in sales due to unstable weather conditions and external factors affecting purchasing costs and sales revenues. UK retailers Next and M&S have successfully navigated these challenges by offering third-party brands and focusing on strong designs. The article emphasizes the importance of learning from competitors' success stories and preparing for future challenges. [Extracted from the article]

The Cotton Campaign, an organization working to end forced labor in Central Asian cotton production, has criticized the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) for their commercial visit to Turkmenistan. The campaign is urging all associations, textile machinery manufacturers, brands, and supply chain actors to stop investing in Turkmenistan's textile industry due to alleged forced labor in the country's cotton production. The ACIMIT has highlighted the growth potential of the Turkmen market for the Italian textile machinery industry. The Cotton Campaign claims that all cotton in Turkmenistan is produced by the state using forced labor. The campaign also questions the credibility of the EU's position on human rights in Turkmenistan due to the Italian Trade Agency's facilitation of business engagement between Italian machine manufacturers and Turkmenistan's textile industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges faced by innovators in the fashion industry who are developing next-generation materials. Victoria Matacynzski, co-founder of Nanoloom, explains that the traditional fashion supply chain limits the potential of her graphene nanomaterials. She also highlights the expectation of investors for new materials to be cost-competitive with traditional options. Other experts argue that performance metrics for new materials need to be redefined, considering factors such as skin feel and end-of-life options. The article emphasizes the need for standardized education and collaboration throughout the supply chain to promote the adoption of sustainable next-gen materials. [Extracted from the article]

Levi Strauss & Co. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2024, with net revenue of $1.4 billion, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. The company's Direct to Consumer (DTC) net revenues also saw growth, increasing by 8% on a reported basis and 11% on a constant-currency basis. Levi Strauss attributed its success to its DTC-first strategy, which has led to increased market share gains and accelerated, profitable growth. The company's focus on women's and denim lifestyle has also contributed to its outsized growth. Revenues from ecommerce grew by 19%, and DTC comprised 47% of total net revenues in the second quarter. The company's other brands also experienced growth, with net revenues increasing by 10% on both a reported and constant currency basis. Levi Strauss & Co. expects its reported net revenues to be up 1% to 3% year-over-year, and adjusted diluted EPS to be between $1.17 to $1.27 for the year 2024. [Extracted from the article]

H&M reported its best Q2 profit in years, with net sales increasing by 3% and operating income rising to SEK7.1bn. The company's gross profit also increased by 11% compared to the previous year. However, H&M's sales for June are expected to decrease by 6% in local currencies, leading to a drop in the company's share price. Despite its improved financial performance, H&M still lags behind its main competitor, Inditex. The company plans to invest in its brand, customer offering, and shopping experience to achieve long-term and sustainable growth. H&M also aims to enhance its digital experience and simplify its pricing structure to win back market share. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the sustainability efforts of the fashion industry in Turkey, particularly in terms of waste management and recycling. The president of IHKIB's sustainability committee, Kaya, emphasizes the importance of starting at the end of the supply chain and focusing on waste management. He also highlights the need for digital product passports and clear country of origin labeling to track items and facilitate recycling. Kaya believes that the fashion industry should redefine profit to include the preservation of both the planet and people. Additionally, he mentions the challenges of unsold garments being destroyed in other parts of the world and suggests that Turkey's nearshoring location can help reduce waste. Kaya is working on initiatives such as reducing audit fatigue for ESG-certified suppliers, promoting digitalization in sampling, and developing a Turkish Apparel Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing social sustainability alongside environmental sustainability, such as providing workers with meals and transportation. Overall, Kaya aims to showcase Turkey's unique manufacturing offerings and promote its well-made and ESG-compliant apparel. [Extracted from the article]

Guatemala's apparel suppliers are taking the initiative to prioritize sustainability without waiting for fashion brands to dictate their actions. American Apparel & Footwear Association's senior director of sustainability, Chelsea Murtha, was encouraged by the sustainability focus at Guatemala's apparel sourcing show, where suppliers and members of the Guatemalan government showed interest and asked questions. Guatemala's nearsourcing strategy, focusing on the US and CAFTA-DR members, improves sustainability in its fashion supply chain. While there is room for growth in investments in yarns and fabrics, Guatemala benefits from its proximity to the US and free trade agreements. The country also has the potential to play a significant role in the US' shift to recycled textiles, creating new industries and jobs. However, there is a need for further diversification of Guatemala's product offerings to meet the demands of fashion brands. The government's support and the development of fashion education and talent will be crucial for the country's sustainable apparel sourcing success. [Extracted from the article]

Isotopic testing on goods from Vietnam has revealed traces of banned Chinese cotton in 19% of merchandise sold by US and global retailers in the past year. This raises concerns about the use of forced labor in Xinjiang, as many Vietnam-based manufacturers are owned by Chinese investors. Differentiating between cotton products from diverse sources is challenging, as they may have been blended by suppliers from various countries during transportation. The Vietnamese garment sector is a major supplier to big fashion brands, and there is interest in preventing shipments from getting stuck at US ports. Supply chain mapping tools and certification standards can help trace the origin of cotton used in products, but there is still no foolproof solution. [Extracted from the article]

A project funded by the European Union and led by McKinsey & Company and the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporter Association (IHKIB) aims to increase the competitiveness of Turkey's apparel suppliers through digital transformation. The project includes a development roadmap to assess the sector's digital maturity and identify areas for improvement. Services offered include training, consultancy, and the use of state-of-the-art digital technology equipment. The project targets small to medium-sized apparel suppliers and aims to help them reduce costs, comply with industry standards, and increase their knowledge of digital solutions. [Extracted from the article]

The European Union (EU) has approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which will have a significant impact on the global fashion supply chain. Just Style's digital magazine explores how fashion companies, both large and small, need to prepare for these new EU rules. The EU has also approved a ban on forced labor goods from 2027, a right to repair directive, and a revised Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR). The magazine also includes a supplement dedicated to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in the apparel industry, including mandatory ESG reporting and net-zero strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that it will begin taxing all clothing imports with an import duty of 45% plus VAT, effectively closing the de minimis loophole. This means that small quantities of items will be taxed at the same rate as large quantities, aiming to prevent tax loopholes and unfair advantages for online fashion retailers based overseas. Local businesses and fashion retailers have supported these measures, believing that they will create a level playing field. In the US, there is also a bipartisan effort to close the de minimis imports loophole, although a recent study suggests that this could disproportionately affect low-income families. Shein, a popular fashion retailer, has expressed a desire to work with US congress on de minimis policy reform. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a report by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that rates countries based on their respect for workers' rights. The report found that a majority of countries violated the right to strike and denied workers the right to bargain collectively. It also lists the worst countries for workers in 2024, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Guatemala, Egypt, Philippines, Tunisia, Ecuador, Belarus, and Eswatini. The article highlights specific issues faced by workers in each of these countries, such as arbitrary arrests, violence, and anti-union policies. [Extracted from the article]

WHP Global has launched a new retail operating platform joint venture called Phoenix, in collaboration with Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties, and Centennial Real Estate. Phoenix will acquire Express, Inc. and operate all direct-to-consumer commerce in the US for Express and its retail brand Bonobos. The goal of this venture is to preserve over 450 physical stores and nearly 7,000 jobs, as well as the retailers' e-commerce operations. Express, Inc. had previously filed for bankruptcy due to declining sales and increasing losses. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights the need for global collaboration and extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies to address the global problem of fashion and textile waste. The report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive circular economy approach and the need for funding to cover the cost of managing all discarded textiles. It also calls for increased collection volumes, reuse rates, recycling rates, and reduction in waste volumes as key objectives for EPR policies. The report suggests that voluntary industry action, such as designing products with circular principles and embracing circular business models, can complement mandatory policies and accelerate progress. [Extracted from the article]

SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) will be hosting its annual executive conference in Canada from October 8-10, 2024. The conference aims to bring together industry professionals to discuss the current landscape of sewn product manufacturing, explore how new technologies are driving industry change, and provide networking opportunities. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and educational sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the manufacturing landscape in Quebec and across Canada, as well as support the development of a next-generation workforce. The conference will take place in Montréal, a city with a rich history in the sewn products industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the potential of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as an alternative sourcing destination for US fashion companies. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program allows eligible apparel exports from SSA countries to enter the US duty-free, making it an attractive option for US fashion companies. However, the study found that US apparel imports from SSA countries have stagnated over the past decade, with SSA countries accounting for only 1.8% of US apparel imports in 2023. The study suggests that SSA countries are being used for niche and smaller orders, and face challenges in terms of limited product range and materials compared to Asia. The article emphasizes the need for SSA countries to expand their capacity and variety of textile materials to enhance their competitiveness as an apparel-sourcing destination. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before its expiration in 2025. AGOA is a trade agreement that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for over 1,800 products. Failure to renew AGOA could lead to a decrease in orders and investments in Africa, impacting both African and US economies. There is bipartisan support for an early renewal of AGOA, with a bill introduced to extend it to 2041. The article also mentions the potential impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement on AGOA and the possibility of including Ethiopia in AGOA again. The renewal of AGOA is seen as crucial to maintain partnerships and promote economic growth in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia's viscose fiber sector is experiencing significant growth due to global demand and environmental concerns. The government has implemented incentives and regulations to support the industry, attracting investment and making Indonesia the world's second-largest viscose producer. However, the industry faces challenges, including competition from established producers and accusations of unsustainable practices. Proponents argue that viscose is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to cotton and polyester, highlighting its lower water consumption and recyclability. Indonesia aims to solidify its position as a leading viscose exporter and is working to address challenges such as India's import restrictions. [Extracted from the article]