#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2016-09-21

European and Japanese textiles industries hand in hand for the conclusion of the EU-Japan FTA

The Textile & Clothing (T&C) industry is a growing industry on worldwide basis. Operating in a very competitive environment, the EU and Japan are still taking leading roles in developing high technology and quality of fibres and fabrics as well as in creating high value added apparels and fashion.

Both the EU and Japan are key export markets for their respective T&C Industry. In the case of the EU industry, Japan is the 7th T&C export market reaching almost 1.9 bill.€. For the Japanese industry, the EU is the 3^rd export market reaching almost 0.7 bill.€.

Euratex, the European Textile and Apparel Confederation, and JTF, Japanese Textile Federation, maintain excellent relationship and complementarity activities. The trade structure of T&C between the EU and Japan is complementary. Under those circumstances, both industries believe that a trade deal would expand the trade and investment in T&C between the two parties and promote further business development. It would also build platforms in various types of R&D cooperation, thereby creating new innovations and business opportunities.

Over the last years, both associations have had deep discussions on the way to reach an agreement that will benefit companies from both parties.

They recently agreed on major issues, as for tariffs elimination and rules of origin. Mr. Piolat, President of Euratex, emphasized the importance of the Joint Statement by stating that:

“Our Japanese colleagues believe, like we do, that the rules should be adapted to the structure of our industries and that we both are best judges of what works for our industries. I am therefore very happy that we can share this Joint Statement and I urge the negotiators both sides to take it into due consideration”.

PERFORMANCE DAYS: Focus topic shifts to the beginning of the value chain

Following the last Focus Topic in October 2025, which placed Textile-to-Textile Recycling at its core, PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to drive the conversation around circularity – this time with an expanded and more upstream perspective. The upcoming Focus Topic, “Textile to Textile: The Role of Collectors and Sorters,” presented during the spring edition on March 18–19, will spotlight one of the most essential yet often overlooked components of a functioning circular textile system: the efficient collection and sorting of post-consumer textiles.

ROICA: Where distinction and intention shape the future of apparel industry at Milano Unica

At Milano Unica, held at Fiera Milano (Rho) in Milan from January 20–22, nine select European partners unveil collections shaped by ROICA™—the premium stretch fiber by Asahi Kasei. ROICA™ does not stand alone on the show floor, but its presence is quietly interlaced into each creation, chosen by those who seek distinction and depth in modern textiles. Through these dedicated collaborations, ROICA™ continues to sup-port the apparel industry with advanced stretch, comfort, and environmental care, offering something unique for brands who value true craftsmanship and thoughtful innovation.

How Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2026 reflects shifts in global textile and apparel sourcing

From 2 to 4 February 2026, the 58th edition of the show will bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors from 33 countries at Paris–Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. As a true sourcing platform, the event stands out for its diversity, clear structure and operational efficiency, giving international buyers direct access to an offer tailored to their needs.

MUNICH FABRIC START: Between Attitude and Sensuality

The future begins where we reimagine it. After seasons of restraint, Spring.Summer 27 marks a conscious counter-trend: optimism, sensuality, and creative freedom are replacing pragmatism and neutrality. Physical presence and individuality are regaining importance – as a response to uncertainty, exhaustion, and algorithmic predictability. The overarching theme of PLEASURE stands for fashion as an emotional space, as an expression of attitude and cultural reflection. Colours, surfaces, and materials become vehicles for self-confidence and joie de vivre.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

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.