#Associations

2021-12-22

ITC Partnership with IAF to boost exports of garment manufacturers

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support associations of garment manufacturers as well as garment apparel manufacturing companies in addressing emerging challenges related to competitiveness.

In addition, the cooperation will support these institutions in understanding the governance structure of the global apparel value chain and industrial relations between brands and retailers and supplying garment manufacturers.

IAF will advise garment manufacturers on rules of origin requirements, address new buyer requirements in markets, reduce the environmental footprint of garment manufacturing and empower women’s work along the supply chain. ITC and IAF will co-create trainings in this regard.

Digitalization will also play an essential role in this agreement. Amid the pandemic, digitalization has become a crucial topic for the textile and clothing industry: brands, retailers and larger suppliers are expected to modernize their production and adapt to the latest trends.

Therefore, ITC plans several activities to address digitalization for GTEX/MENATEX partners and how to engage in a more collaborative relationship with brands and retailers using digital technologies.

Matthias Knappe, head of the Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit at the International Trade Centre, says: “The garment sector is an ever-changing industry that requires companies to closely follow global trends and requirements to be internationally competitive and continuously export. ITC wants to ensure that its partners and beneficiary companies in developing countries have the best support to meet the environmental and human rights requirements of global buyers.”

Matthijs Crietee, Secretary-General of the International Apparel Federation, confirms the importance of this partnership: “ITC, through its GTEX and MENATEX programmes, shares with IAF a strong focus on apparel industry associations, recognizing that through the support of these organizations many companies can be supported with the continuous improvement of their competitiveness. IAF welcomes the opportunity to have its knowledge and network join forces with ITC’s knowledge and network to provide optimal support to the industry associations and their member companies involved.”

This initiative is implemented under the International Trade Centre’s Global Textiles and Clothing Programme (GTEX) in North Africa, Middle East (MENATEX), Central Asia and Madagascar.

IAF Position on tariffs

The International Apparel Federation (IAF) represents the apparel manufacturing community across more than 40 countries—a global industry comprising hundreds of thousands of companies and millions of employees. Apparel and textiles are among the most globalized industries, historically foundational to industrial development around the world.

IAF and ITMF unite global fashion and textile leaders

The joint ITMF Annual Conference and IAF World Fashion Convention was held on September 8-10 in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This year’s convention, co-organized by the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), and hosted by Uztextileprom, the Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association, and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Uzbekistan highlighted the crucial interdependence of our sectors.

Partnership ITC and IAF: Full supply chain profitability

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) announce a partnership to stimulate innovation towards “full supply chain profitability” for apparel manufacturers and brands. The first phase of collaboration is research to be previewed at the 38th IAF World Fashion Convention, Philadelphia, October 23-24. Applying learning in autos and electronics, a joint study articulates how material suppliers and garment manufacturers create ‘smart flexibility’ by postponing production commitments closer to actual demand, unlocking capital from unneeded inventory and excess production. Smart Flexibility is a new approach that uses a mix of process and data tools enabling suppliers to create additional value for brands and manufacturers alike that supersedes the benefits of lowest cost global sourcing.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.