Bangladesh Textile Journal

24/08/2025

Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) has demanded an immediate ban on raw jute exports and the strict enforcement of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010, amid growing challenges for the country’s once-thriving jute sector. The call came at the association’s 464th board meeting, chaired by BJSA Chairman Tapas Pramanik, held at its Dhaka office on earlier this week.

BJSA leaders expressed concern that despite declining global demand for jute goods, raw jute exports are worsening the crisis by pushing up domestic prices, making it difficult for local mill owners to secure raw materials at competitive rates. The problem, they said, is being compounded by middlemen hoarding jute during the harvest season, creating an artificial shortage.

Adding to the strain, the suspension of exports through Indian land ports and anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute goods in key markets have hurt competitiveness, the meeting noted. The association stressed that since the government has identified leather goods, jute products, agricultural items, and pharmaceuticals as priority sectors following Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from least developed country (LDC) status, urgent measures are needed to strengthen the jute industry.

Key recommendations made at the meeting include:

· Declaring jute goods as agro-processed products to qualify for greater export benefits.
· Expanding export incentives for jute and jute goods.
· Ensuring fair pricing, timely payments, and stable supply of jute sacks through the Jute Directorate’s oversight committee.
· Strict enforcement of the Jute Packaging Act 2010 to stabilize demand.

The BJSA and Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA) also agreed to jointly appeal to the government for a resolution of export barriers at land ports. Leaders at the meeting unanimously supported a complete ban on raw jute exports, arguing that such a step would revive the domestic jute sector, boost production capacity, and help regain lost ground in global markets.

Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) has demanded an immediate ban on raw jute exports and the strict enforcement of the Mandatory Jute Packaging

24/08/2025

---‘CottonConnect’, Bangladesh partner to boost sustainable cotton---

‘CottonConnect’ has signed a MoU with Bangladesh’s Cotton Development Board (CDB) to advance sustainable cotton production, improve fiber quality, and build a transparent, traceable supply chain.

The partnership will focus on sustainable farming, regenerative practices, climate resilience, and technological innovation. It aims to empower farmers, enhance market diversification, and directly connect growers with brands and consumers.

The initiative emphasizes research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to raise productivity and environmental stewardship. ‘CottonConnect’ CEO Alison Ward said the collaboration will align Bangladesh’s cotton sector with global sustainability standards while strengthening its link to the garment industry.

CDB Executive Director Md Rezaul Amin stressed that the partnership will deliver better livelihoods, ecological benefits, and stronger global recognition for Bangladeshi cotton.

Photo Courtesy by : Knitting Industry

24/08/2025

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry has strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, with three new factories receiving LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). With this addition, the country now hosts 261 LEED-certified green garment factories — the highest in the world. Among them, 109 hold the prestigious Platinum rating, 133 are Gold, and 15 are Silver.

The newly certified factories — Faisal Spinning Mills Limited Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3 — are located in Madhabpur, Habiganj. Each facility was assessed under the LEED BD+C: New Construction v4 system, earning 58 points and securing Silver-level certification. Industry leaders hailed the achievement as another step in branding Bangladesh as a hub for eco-friendly apparel production. They noted that global buyers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable sourcing, and Bangladesh’s progress in green industrialization gives it a competitive edge in the international market.

According to BGMEA, the push towards green factories not only strengthens export competitiveness but also helps reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon emissions. Bangladesh’s rapid adoption of green factory practices has already positioned it as a model for other manufacturing nations, with stakeholders expecting the number of LEED-certified factories to cross 300 in the near future.

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry has strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, with three new factories receiving

24/08/2025

ICE cotton futures climbed to a one-week high, supported by a weaker US dollar, strong short covering, and firmer crude oil prices.

December 2025 contract settled at 68.01 cents/lb, up 0.59 cent, after touching a session high of 68.30 cents, the strongest since Aug 13. It marked the contract’s third straight weekly gain. Other near-term contracts rose 32–64 points, while long-dated May and July 2028 contracts eased.

The US dollar index slipped to a one-week low after Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled a possible September rate cut, making US cotton more attractive to overseas buyers. Crude oil gains also lent support, as higher oil prices raise polyester costs, indirectly boosting cotton demand.

Trading volume jumped to 36,086 contracts from 26,215 the day before, while ICE deliverable cotton stocks fell to 15,474 packages (from 16,006), indicating tightening supply. Technical outlook turned bullish, with key resistance at 68–69.50 cents. CBOT soybeans also hit a two-month high on strong export demand.

ICE cotton futures climbed to a one-week high, supported by a weaker US dollar, strong short covering, and firmer crude oil prices. December 2025 contract

20/08/2025

Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports to the European Union grew 17.87% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching €10.29 billion, according to Eurostat.

Knitwear shipments surged 21.1% to €6.03 billion, while woven garment exports rose 13.6% to €4.26 billion. The growth reflects stronger EU demand for apparel, despite intensifying competition from major Asian suppliers.

China, Cambodia, and India recorded higher growth rates of 22.3%, 30.4%, and 15.4%, respectively, in apparel exports to the EU during the same period. Overall, the EU’s garment imports climbed to €43.39 billion, up from €38.64 billion in H1 2024.

Industry leaders noted that Bangladesh could have achieved higher growth if not for internal bottlenecks, including factory closures and banking challenges. Fazlul Hoque, former BKMEA president, warned that China and India are shifting focus to the EU to offset losses in the US market following new tariff measures, which could intensify competition for Bangladesh.

Turkey was the only major exporter to the EU to see a decline, with apparel shipments down 7% to €4.27 billion. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s exports to the US also performed strongly, rising 25.13% to $4.25 billion in H1 2025.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports to the European Union grew 17.87% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching €10.29 billion, according to

20/08/2025

Bangladesh should seize the opportunity of its current warm relations with the United States to sign bilateral trade deals, said Md Hafizur Rahman, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

“The US is one of Bangladesh’s largest garment export markets, and the benefit of lower tariffs should be fully utilized,” Rahman said during a meeting with Paul G Frost, commercial counsellor at the US embassy in Dhaka, at the FBCCI office.

He thanked the Trump administration for easing reciprocal tariffs for Bangladesh and stressed the importance of converting the trade momentum into long-term agreements.

During the meeting, Frost encouraged Bangladeshi businesses to strengthen bilateral networks and expand trade links with their US counterparts, assuring continued US support to deepen economic cooperation.

Bangladesh should seize the opportunity of its current warm relations with the United States to sign bilateral trade deals, said Md Hafizur Rahman,

20/08/2025

A delegation of Chinese investors recently visited Cambodia to study its investment climate, with a strong focus on opportunities in the textile and garment sector, as well as the plantation wood industry. The visit highlighted Chinese interest in moving beyond garment assembly into upstream segments such as fabric and yarn production, which remain underdeveloped in Cambodia.

During the meeting, Lim Visal, deputy secretary general of the Cambodia Investment Board (CIB) under the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), briefed the investors on Cambodia’s investment incentives, regulatory framework, and trade facilitation policies. He emphasized compliance with Cambodian laws and urged investors to prioritize the recruitment of local workers, particularly those returning from Thailand.

Cambodia’s textile and garment sector, a backbone of its export economy, has been evolving with the support of strategic Chinese investments, favorable government initiatives, and growing regional trade integration. According to MRTS Consulting’s Cambodia Market Entry division, Chinese participation has already brought technology transfer, improved production efficiency, and enhanced supply chain linkages, positioning Cambodia as a competitive manufacturing hub within ASEAN.

Industry experts note that Cambodia’s access to regional free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and preferential trade terms with key markets, makes the country increasingly attractive for Chinese investors seeking to diversify production bases amid global trade shifts.

The CDC has assured Chinese investors of its continued support in facilitating new projects, while encouraging them to align with Cambodia’s long-term industrial development strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, skill development, and higher value-added manufacturing.

A delegation of Chinese investors recently visited Cambodia to study its investment climate, with a strong focus on opportunities in the textile and

19/08/2025

Thai experts urged the government to adopt a long-term innovation-driven strategy to offset the impact of new US tariffs, which now stand at 19%—lower than the initially proposed 36%, but still a concern for exporters.

Key points:

· Experts stressed that Thailand must diversify trade partners, especially strengthening ties with China and ASEAN, while preparing for risks in sensitive sectors such as agriculture.
· Calls were made to invest in clean energy, AI, and electric vehicles to enhance competitiveness and resilience.
· The Thai government is planning stimulus measures—accelerating infrastructure investment, tax incentives, and tourism support—backed by a 10 billion baht Competitiveness Fund for vulnerable industries.
· Regional cooperation was highlighted, with experts urging deeper integration under ASEAN, RCEP, and potentially BRICS Plus, to expand markets and elevate Thailand’s global standing.

Analysts say the tariff challenge could be an opportunity for Thailand to reshape its economy, modernize industries, and boost long-term competitiveness.

Thai experts urged the government to adopt a long-term innovation-driven strategy to offset the impact of new US tariffs, which now stand at 19%—lower

19/08/2025

The Indian government has temporarily removed the 11% customs duty on raw cotton imports from 19th August to 30 September 2025. The move aims to:

· Address domestic shortages as India’s cotton output fell to 30.7 million bales in FY25, down from 33.7 million in FY23.
· Stabilize cotton and yarn prices ahead of the festive season.
· Ease trade tensions with the US, where exporters stand to benefit after Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods.

India imports cotton mainly from the US, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, and African nations. Imports surged to 2.71 million bales in FY25, up sharply from previous years.

Industry bodies such as CITI welcomed the step, though they noted its temporary nature. Experts describe it as a “calibrated gesture” to maintain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations.

The decision comes amid rising geopolitical strains: the US postponed its latest trade talks with India, while China has increased duties on US cotton, making India a key alternative market.

19/08/2025

Government has decided to rename the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) as the Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF) to sharpen its identity as a month-long, consumer-focused local fair.

To address criticism over its lack of international appeal, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) will launch a new B2B event — Sourcing Bangladesh 2025 — in November. This 3–4 day international sourcing fair will target global buyers, promote exports, and support business matchmaking.

Officials said the move is part of a broader export diversification strategy, with the EPB also approving the 2025–26 fair calendar and partial 2026–27 calendar for Bangladesh’s participation in international expos.

Government has decided to rename the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) as the Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF) to sharpen its identity as a month-long,

18/08/2025

We are pleased to announce the beginning of a strategic and forward-looking partnership between TEXTILCOLOR AG, Switzerland, and Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia.

As part of this collaboration, Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd. will take on the role of official distributor, production site, and agent for TEXTILCOLOR AG in the key markets of Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan.

This alliance brings together the innovation-driven excellence of TEXTILCOLOR AG and the strong regional expertise of Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd. The goal of this partnership is to enhance service quality, streamline product availability, and strengthen technical support for customers in these dynamic and fast-growing textile regions.

By combining Swiss precision with Southeast Asian agility, we are confident this partnership will deliver exceptional value, responsiveness, and reliability to the industry. We look forward to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial collaboration.

About TEXTILCOLOR AG

TEXTILCOLOR AG stands for the development, manufacture, and distribution of textile auxiliaries, textile dyes, pigments, and optical brighteners. Based in Sevelen, Switzerland, TEXTILCOLOR AG supports its customers with in-depth know-how and technical consulting across all stages of textile production and finishing.

With decades of experience in application technology, product development, and product safety – and a presence in over 50 countries – TEXTILCOLOR AG is a trusted partner for sustainable and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the global textile industry.

About Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd.

Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd. has established itself as one of the leading companies for textile auxiliaries in Malaysia. The company specializes in high-performance textile chemicals for weaving, pre-treatment, dyeing, printing, finishing, optical brighteners, injection printing, and textile coating.

Thanks to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service, Chemdyes has built a strong reputation in the regional textile industry. Their local expertise and modern infrastructure make them an ideal partner for expanding the reach of TEXTILCOLOR AG’s premium product range and technical support across Southeast Asia and beyond.

We are pleased to announce the beginning of a strategic and forward-looking partnership between TEXTILCOLOR AG, Switzerland, and Chemdyes Sdn. Bhd.,

18/08/2025

China’s textile and garment sector has shown resilient growth in the first seven months of 2025, with total exports of $170.7 billion, according to latest customs data. From January to July 2025, overall exports grew by 2.4% year-on-year, reflecting the sector’s ability to adapt to shifting global demand despite ongoing challenges in major markets.

Textiles (yarn, fabrics, home textiles, and accessories) rose 5.1% to $96.3 billion, supported by strong orders from Asia and Africa and continued demand for technical and functional fabrics. Garments (apparel and clothing accessories), however, fell 1.8% to $74.4 billion, largely due to weaker consumer demand in the United States and parts of Europe, where inflation and slower retail sales continue to weigh on imports.

In July 2025 alone, exports stood at $25.6 billion, showing stability compared to the previous month, though garment shipments remained under pressure. Meanwhile, China’s textile imports — mainly high-grade yarns, specialty fabrics, and raw materials — dropped sharply by 11.7% to $6.2 billion, as domestic production capacity expanded and local suppliers substituted imports with competitive alternatives.

Industry observers note that while garment exports face headwinds in Western markets, China is benefiting from:

· Diversification of export destinations, with stronger trade ties in ASEAN, Middle East, and Africa.
· Growing demand for man-made fibers and technical textiles linked to sportswear, automotive, and healthcare sectors.
· Expansion of China’s Belt and Road trade corridors, boosting regional textile trade.

Analysts also highlight that Chinese exporters are investing heavily in sustainability, digitalization, and automation to maintain competitiveness as global buyers push for lower emissions and higher compliance standards. Despite global economic uncertainties, China is expected to close 2025 with stable growth in its textile and apparel trade, though garments may remain under pressure unless Western consumer spending rebounds.

China’s textile and garment sector has shown resilient growth in the first seven months of 2025, with total exports of $170.7 billion, according to latest