US President Donald Trump recently issued a proclamation suspending application of duty-free treatment for all apparel items from Rwanda under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Rwanda, however, remains eligible for non-apparel benefits under AGOA. “We regret this outcome and hope it is temporary,” said Deputy US Trade Representative (USTR) CJ Mahoney. The presidential action suspends AGOA benefits for a class of imports that totalled $1.5 million in 2017, and which accounts fo

Ethiopia’s decision to start production of high-yielding genetically-modified (GM) cotton has thrown a challenge to rivals such as Kenya and Madagascar that are banking on textile manufacturing to drive economic transformation, say analysts. The country in June this year approved cultivation of two hybrid types of Bt cotton, JKCH 1050 and JKCH 1047. Ethiopian Government officials hope the step will achieve higher yields than conventional varieties and save the country huge import bills of

Archroma, leader in colour and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, will showcase its innovative denim solutions for manufacturers and brands at DenimsandJeans India 2018 during August 1-2, in Bangalore, India. Archroma’s expert team will present coatings and washing solutions aiming at bringing denim creativity to a new dimension. Just two months after the DenimsandJeans Vietnam show, Archroma will again showcase its unique combination of technologies for denim effects and c

India’s Uttar Pradesh state is gearing up to host a mega ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) Summit on August 10, to be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind, to boost traditional industries under its ambitious ODOP scheme. The event is likely to offer a major push to micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs) that form the state’s industrial backbone. According to the state’s MSME minister Satyadev Pachauri, ODOP would integrate 20 million workers with MSMEs, a top Indian business daily

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, Shoppers Stop Limited (SSL) has recorded a rise in the EBITDA by 37 per cent from 35.44 crore to 48.63 crore. The growth was primarily due to reduction in operating expenses. PAT grew by 363 per cent in the first quarter of from a loss of ₹3.72 crore to a profit of 9.77 crore (without including comprehensive income). The revenue growth would have been ideally flat or marginally positive, however due to the reclassification post implementation of Acco

Uzbek textile firm Arnasoy Gold Tex, which has an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate, is planning to manufacture products under the Zara Home Collection and Tac Home brands in the country. Specialists of these brands have been reportedly involved in the project for five years. A factory will be opened in 2019 for the same that will offer jobs to more than 700. The company is also planning to sign contracts with Nike and Adidas for production of sportswear, according to an Azeri news agency

Southern Gujarat Chambers of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI) is organising the first edition of Yarn Expo from August 4-6, 2018 at the Surat International Exhibition & Convention Centre (SIECC), Sarsana, Surat. The expo will see participation of around 80 exhibitors, displaying a wide variety of yarns. A Fashion Show and a Seminar will also be held concurrently. Well-known domestic yarn manufacturers like Reliance Industries, Bhilosa Industries, Wellknown Polyesters, Perfect Filament, Sha

The Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the RMG and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh (Compact) has urged the Government of Bangladesh to ensure that the Accord operations in Bangladesh continue until the Remediation Coordination Cell (RCC) is deemed ready by the multi-stakeholder Transition Monitoring Committee. The Compact partners viz. the Government of Bangladesh, Government of Canada, Government of the US, the European Commission, and the Internationa

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) in India’s Uttar Pradesh state is planning to set up a textile park near the upcoming Jewar airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, according to the authority, which recently held meetings with Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC) and agreed to allot a 200-acre plot to 100 textile businesses. The textile park is expected to be ready in three years. Gautam Budh Nagar district is known for readymade garments (RMG). Land for

A new US textile maker Vidalia Denim has secured its initial funding to produce yarns and fabrics for the North American market. Located in Vidalia, Louisiana, the heart of the cotton-producing region of the Mississippi Delta, the factory will employ more than 300 full-time workers and over half of the mill's energy needs will be met from renewable sources. Utilizing next generation indigo dye technology, the company will use less water and manage its power usage more efficiently than any