#Associations

2024-10-17

The business situation has slightly improved in September but remains dire

The ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) for September indicates an improved business situation, marking the best conditions since September 2022, with progress largely driven by recoveries in South America and Africa. Despite this, other regions showed no significant advancements.

Results of the 28th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

Business expectations remain positive, with optimism stable around +25pp since November 2023, although the overall business situation has yet to catch up. Order intake remains negative but has been steadily improving for 10 months, particularly in South America and Africa.

Source: 8th-27th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (27th: 15-30.07.2024) © 2024 ITMF

Order backlogs show a slight positive trend, with an average global backlog of 2.2 months in September 2024, up from 1.9 months in March 2024. Capacity utilization reached 75% in September, rising since July and recovering from a low of 68% in November 2023. Weak demand has been the primary concern since 2022, affecting 66% of survey participants in September 2024. However, order cancellations have dropped to their lowest recorded level, with 63% reporting no cancellations, especially in South America.

Inventory levels remain average along the textile value chain, with 55% of companies reporting average levels in September. In the USA, apparel inventories at retail and wholesale level have been rising, suggesting that the bottom may have been reached.

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SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.