#Associations

US-tariffs are disrupting the global textile and apparel value chains resulting in higher prices in the U.S.

The U.S. administration's decision to unilaterally impose sweeping tariff increases on imported goods represents a significant challenge to the existing global trading system, which has long been structured around multilateral (WTO), regional, and bilateral (FTA) trade agreements.

Mr. K. V. Srinivasan, President of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF, www.itmf.org), emphasized that "these substantial tariff hikes will have a major impact on textile imports, particularly apparel, into the U.S." 

Currently, approximately 95% of apparel sold in the U.S. is imported, with the majority sourced from China (about 30%), Vietnam (13%), India (8%), Bangladesh (6%), and Indonesia (5.5%). To put this into perspective, these countries, which previously faced tariffs of 11-12%, will now see rates surge to 38-65%. In response, U.S. apparel importers are seeking alternative sourcing options in countries with lower tariffs. However, many of these alternatives have higher production costs and often lack the required product ranges or production capacities.

Reshoring apparel manufacturing to the U.S. would also pose significant challenges. Labor costs are substantially higher, and many essential textiles for apparel production would still need to be imported—now at increased costs. Additionally, the U.S. faces a shortage of skilled workers in the apparel sector. Whether through higher tariffs on imports or costly domestic production, the outcome will be increased apparel prices, ultimately contributing to higher inflation.

Mr. Srinivasan further stated: "The trade policy pursued by the U.S. administration will disrupt textile and apparel supply chains, increasing uncertainty, and driving up prices. Rather than implementing unilateral tariff hikes across all product categories, it would be far more beneficial for the global textile and apparel industry if governments engaged in negotiations and collaborative policymaking."




More News from International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

#Associations

Winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2025

The winners of the ITMF Start-up Awards 2025 will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2025 which will be held from 24 - 25 October in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and will be co-hosted by the Indonesia Textile Industry Association (API).

#Associations

Tracing production costs and carbon footprint in the primary textile industry

The new edition of the International Production Cost Comparison (IPCC) from ITMF has been published. The report benchmarks manufacturing costs for a range of textile products along the primary textile value chain, disaggregated by key cost components at each production stage.

#Associations

RSWM Ltd. joins ITMF as Corporate Member

RSWM Ltd., the flagship company of LNJ Bhilwara Group (India), is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of synthetic, cotton, and blended spun yarns as well as knitted and denim fabric in India. The company exports a wide range of yarns and fabrics as well as denim products to over 70 countries across the globe.

#Associations

Global textile machinery shipments show mixed performance in 2024

In 2024, global shipments of new short-staple spindles and open-end rotors decreased by -40% and -39%, respectively (year-on-year). Deliveries of long-staple spindles increased by +62%. The number of draw-texturing spindles improved by +77% and shipped shuttle-less looms grew by +32%. Shipments of large circular knitting machines deteriorated by -15% and shipped flat knitting machines registered a 16%-increase. The sum of all deliveries in the finishing segment slightly rose by +6%.

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#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

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#EU Textile Strategy

CEMATEX strengthens EU representation and advocacy for the European textile machinery industry

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#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

The Italian Textile Machinery industry on display at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025

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#Nonwovens

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

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#ITM 2026

The Address of innovation and investment in textile technologies: ITM 2026

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#Knitting & Hosiery

STOLL in focus:

At the beginning of this year, KARL MAYER announced that it would be shifting its focus back to its core areas of warp knitting, warp preparation and technical textiles. As part of this strategic realignment, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand will be discontinued. The Reutlingen plant will close down on 31 October 2025. Production in China will end in December 2025. This was an extremely difficult decision for KARL MAYER.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

RECOVER™ Central America wins Textile Exchange’s Climate and Nature Impact Award for Textile-To-Textile Partnership

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#Heimtextil 2026

Heimtextil 2026 strengthens the global home textile industry with trends, designs and AI technologies

With an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, inspiring trends and AI-driven innovations, Heimtextil 2026 reacts to the current market situation – and offers the industry a reliable constant in challenging times. Under the motto ‘Lead the Change’, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design shows how challenges can be turned into opportunities. From 13 to 16 January, more than 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries will provide a comprehensive market overview with new collections and textile solutions. As a knowledge hub, Heimtextil delivers new strategies and concrete solutions for future business success.

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