Latest news with #textileindustry
NHK
22-07-2025
- Business
- NHK
China's clothing factories battle with US tariffs
China's clothing industry has been hit hard by US import tariffs. We follow three Chinese factory owners who are finding ways to deal with the unstable situation.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NCTO Urges House Leaders to Preserve Provision Ending De Minimis in Updated Megabill
Senate Republicans advanced the One Big Beautiful Bill act Tuesday afternoon, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill. The megabill will now return to the House of Representatives for a vote. Senate members made some changes to the bill—including striking the controversial 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation—which means it now requires a new vote from House leaders. More from Sourcing Journal Trump Announces 'Great Deal of Cooperation' With Vietnam, Lowering Tariff Rate China Warns Nations Not to Sign Trade Deals With US at Its Expense Asia-to-North America Air Cargo Demand Plunges 10.7% After De Minimis Suspension The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) lauded Senate leaders Tuesday for choosing to keep a provision focused on ending de minimis in the bill. The section in question would see the U.S. permanently collapsing the de minimis provision by the middle of 2027. Kim Glas, president and CEO of the NCTO, called on House politicians to keep up the Senate's momentum, noting that doing so 'would help rebalance the playing field for the domestic textile industry.' 'We are urging congressional leaders to ensure inclusion of this critical provision in the final version of the reconciliation bill this week, which would bring us one step closer to marking a significant milestone for the U.S. textile industry and a broad coalition of organizations dedicated to advocating for ending this destructive loophole,' she said in a statement. De minimis has long been used to ship low-value goods into the U.S. without duties, enabling easy access to the U.S. consumer for newer e-commerce players like Shein and Temu. Over time—and, in particular because of the rise of China-founded e-tailers' influence over U.S. consumers' shopping habits in recent years—de minimis has amassed a group of critics that include politicians hailing from both sides of the aisle. Some critics have argued that maintaining de minimis has allowed products made with forced labor to enter the U.S., while others have maintained that it creates an easier pathway for fentanyl to come into the country. Other proponents of de minimis reform, like the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) have previously contended that the provision creates an unfair playing field for U.S. companies and manufacturers. Scott Paul, president of AAM, said in 2024 upon the group's decision to join the Coalition to Close the De Minimis Loophole that legislative reform on de minimis would benefit domestic manufacturers. He kept that sentiment up Tuesday, noting that reform on the provision is overdue. 'The de minimis loophole has long been exploited by trade cheats worldwide to circumvent tariffs and import counterfeit and dangerous goods into the United States. Bafflingly, it is our own law that has granted bad actors like Shein and Temu this outrageous advantage over American manufacturers and workers,' Paul said in a statement. 'However, this action, coupled with the White House's de minimis reform efforts, is a critical step toward a permanent policy. America must end de minimis treatment for imports from all countries now.' The New York Times estimated based on an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office that repealing de minimis could yield $39 billion in savings for the U.S. over the course of 10 years. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump collapsed what many have called a trade 'loophole' for goods entering the U.S. from China, forcing importers to pay applicable taxes on the shipments. That action came as part of Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff scourge, and while de minimis remains in place for goods inbound from countries other than China, the administration has made its intentions clear: it plans to scrap de minimis for goods inbound from any country once U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the means to handle the influx of imports such a move would cause. Republicans have stated they want the 'big, beautiful bill' passed and on Trump's desk for final signature by the time Independence Day comes this week. Glas said the NCTO would also like to see House lawmakers adopt the bill expeditiously, with the de minimis-ending provision intact. 'We are…grateful that the Trump administration has already used executive authorities to end de minimis access for Chinese goods—which represent approximately two-thirds of all de minimis shipments—while also laying the groundwork to close de minimis to commercial shipments from all countries,' Glas said. 'We request that the administration utilize its executive authorities to immediately close this damaging loophole for commercial shipments from all countries in the interim until this legislation ultimately takes effect.'
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Closing the Loop at Scale: Andreas Dorner on how RE&UP is Powering Circularity in Textiles
In this exclusive interview, Andreas Dorner, General Manager at RE&UP, reveals how the company is pioneering large-scale textile-to-textile circularity with innovative recycling technologies, robust traceability, and strategic partnerships. Dorner discusses the challenges and opportunities of scaling circular solutions, the importance of cost-competitiveness, and the critical role of collaboration and certification in driving the apparel industry toward a truly sustainable future. Andreas Dorner has served the textile industry for over 15 years, with a strong focus on sustainable fibre innovation and circular economy models. As the former Senior Commercial Director of Textiles at Lenzing Group and now General Manager at RE&UP, Andreas brings global expertise and a trusted network across leading textile retailers and brands. He is recognised as a thought leader and innovator in recycling fibres, having pioneered the first Circular WBCF in 2017 and holding multiple fibre innovation patents. Outside of work, Andreas enjoys hiking, sailing, continuous learning, classical music, history, and travelling. He has been married for 26 years and is the father of two daughters. Just Style (JS): Could you outline the core vision that guides RE&UP and how this shapes your strategic goals? Andreas Dorner (AD): At RE&UP, our vision is simple: make post-consumer textile to textile circularity work at scale. That means we have already developed and implemented technologies that transform end-of-life textiles into high-quality, traceable raw materials and are doing it in a way that's commercially viable for the industry. We're building the backbone for circular fashion; we're not here to be a niche solution. Our strategy reflects that! We're scaling fast, investing in technology and collaborating across the value chain to turn textile waste into a valuable resource, not a liability. JS: How does RE&UP's textile recycling technology differ from other solutions in the market? AD: What sets us apart is our ability to recycle existing post-consumer textile waste – we handle blended textiles at scale, particularly coloured polycotton with elastane, which has long been a pain point in recycling. Our proprietary decolourisation and separation technologies allow us to break down these blends and recover both cotton and polyester fibres that perform very similarly to virgin materials. While many recycling methods result in lower-grade outputs, we produce Next-Gen recycled fibres that can be easily implemented into the textile value chain and are traceable. That's a big win for brands needing both performance and transparency. JS: As you aim to expand globally, what are the anticipated challenges in scaling up and your strategies to address them? AD: Scaling this kind of operation isn't just about more machines; it's about building regional ecosystems that can support textile-to-textile recycling. That includes reliable feedstock sources, local infrastructure and navigating patchy regulatory environments. The good news? We're already the largest player in this space and are doubling our production capacity in Turkey and expanding into Europe to reach 200,000 tons and aiming for 1 million tons by 2030 in the long term. We're also actively planning our first plant outside Turkey, with our sights set on Europe. Where possible, we try to avoid the term 'waste' because what we're really doing is reclaiming value from existing materials—and the industry is starting to see that, too. JS: What environmental impacts have RE&UP's reductions in water use and CO₂ emissions had on local communities? AD: The benefits are tangible. By drastically reducing water use and CO₂ emissions compared to virgin fibre production, we're not just hitting environmental KPIs, we're supporting healthier ecosystems and more sustainable local economies. Our benchmark reflects in LCA, and we're working closely with a leading third-party LCA Auditor Company on these assessments, all backed up with data. Early results are very promising and, once consolidated, will offer a robust footprint for our customers to use in their own reporting. JS: How does RE&UP's business model contribute to a circular economy in the textile industry? AD: Our model is built around closing the loop—literally. We turn post-consumer and post-industrial textiles into high-performance fibres that slot straight back into the supply chain. And because our materials are cost-competitive compared to virgin alternatives, brands don't have to choose between circularity and profitability. That's what makes this model scalable. JS: How has RE&UP managed to maintain cost-competitiveness while prioritizing environmental responsibility? AD: Sustainability doesn't have to come with a price penalty. By optimising efficiency and operating at scale, we're able to offer cost-competitive alternatives to virgin fibres. Our materials deliver on both quality and price and that's key if we want circularity to move beyond pilot projects and into the mainstream. JS: In what ways does RE&UP assist brands with compliance to sustainability regulations such as the EPR and the Green Claims Directive? AD: Brands are under pressure to prove their sustainability claims – and rightly so. We help by providing traceable materials backed by third-party certifications like GRS and RCS, along with robust data to support impact reporting. Whether it's preparing for EPR requirements or navigating the Green Claims Directive, we equip brands with real tools, not just good intentions. JS: How important are GRS and RCS certifications to RE&UP, and how do you ensure product traceability? AD: We see GRS and RCS as a starting point, not the end goal. They provide the foundation of credibility but our internal systems go further. We ensure traceability throughout the process, from material intake all the way to the final product. That kind of transparency gives brands the confidence they need, and regulators the proof they demand. JS: With growing consumer demand for sustainability, how has RE&UP's market positioning and customer response evolved? AD: Sustainability has moved from a niche to a non-negotiable. More than ever, brands are coming to us not just because they want to be circular, but because they have to be. What's changed is the urgency and the fact that customers are now asking the hard questions. Our traceable, high-performing fibres help brands answer those questions with confidence. JS: What are the next steps for RE&UP in terms of innovation and environmental stewardship, and what role do you see for the company in the future of sustainable textiles? AD: We're focused on turning circularity into infrastructure. That means scaling our technology, opening new facilities and collaborating with like-minded players across the value chain. We also co-founded the T2T Alliance, alongside other leading textile-to-textile recyclers, to advocate for better policy and more ambitious standards across Europe. It's not just about doing the right thing as a business; it's about helping shape the future rules of the game. JS: How is RE&UP engaging consumers and brands to raise awareness about textile recycling and circular fashion? AD: Our focus has always been B2B, but consumer awareness is essential. We work closely with our brand partners to bring transparency to the forefront, helping them tell the story of where materials come from and why that matters. We also speak up at industry events, contribute to policy discussions, and share what we're learning along the way. Education is part of the business model. JS: Why do you think consumer behaviour plays a crucial role in driving sustainability in fashion? AD: Because brands listen to their customers. When consumers demand transparency and circularity, it drives real change. But we also believe it's our job to make those sustainable choices easier—to remove the friction. That's why we focus on performance. If our fibres don't match virgin quality, they won't make it into the collections that people actually buy. We're here to make the sustainable option the default, not the compromise. JS: Are there any notable partnerships or collaborations that have helped accelerate RE&UP's mission? AD: Yes—and one we're especially proud of is our ongoing partnership with PUMA, where we've been working together to integrate our Next-Gen fibres into performance-driven collections. It's a perfect example of how sustainability and innovation can coexist without compromise. On a systems level, we're also engaging with governments, recyclers, and NGOs to build an ecosystem that enables true circularity—not just one-off pilots. JS: Andreas, thank you for sharing your expertise and the inspiring work RE&UP is doing to advance circularity in the textile industry. Your insights into the challenges and opportunities of scaling sustainable solutions offer valuable guidance for brands and stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape. We appreciate your openness and commitment to driving real change, and we look forward to seeing how RE&UP continues to shape the future of circular fashion. "Closing the Loop at Scale: Andreas Dorner on how RE&UP is Powering Circularity in Textiles " was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Bangladesh's biggest port, garment industry shut down by strike
Operations at Bangladesh's biggest port were suspended on Sunday as a strike by customs officials brought shipping activity to a halt. The shutdown at Chittagong Port is part of an ongoing dispute between tax authority employees and the government, which is trying to overhaul the body. 'The port typically handles around 7,000 to 8,000 containers daily ... But since this morning, there has been no movement in offloading or onboarding of goods,' said Mohammed Omar Faruq, secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority. 'This is having a huge impact on the country's economic situation,' he said. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment manufacturer, while textile and garment production accounts for about 80 per cent of the country's exports. Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the halt in port operations would cost the industry US$222 million.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Army tailor struggling to support 'difficult' UK textile industry
A bespoke military tailor based at Sandhurst Academy, says UK supply chains in the textile industry are becoming "increasingly difficult".Samuel Brothers, established in 1830 in London, has previously had locations in Oxford Street, Clerkenwell Green and later in Aldershot, and now has a shop in Frimley Green as well as with those in the army, the company makes ceremonial dress and uniforms for the police and fire it making the end product more expensive, managing director Lee Dawson said the company supported the UK textile industry including for the cloth, braids, cotton, buttons and threads that make up the uniforms. "It's not for everybody and it does make the product more expensive," he said, adding that a suit would cost from £1,000."But if we don't support the supply chain in the UK, it disappears."If it disappears then, after nearly 200 years of doing what we've been doing, we will just disappear, and become a victim like so many other businesses and supply chains."He said over the last 20 to 30 years he had seen a demise in the industry which was "becoming increasingly difficult".The company is a royal warrant holder to the King, which Mr Dawson said was a privilege."It's all about excellence and promoting UK business, and promoting excellence and standards within textile industry," he said. Harriet Ramshaw, tailor and workroom manager at the company, previously trained at Sandhurst having joined the army in 2010 as a qualified toured Afghanistan in 2013, later training as a specialist surgical nurse and was deployed to Sierra Leona to support the Ebola army career ended in 2021, when she left for family matters and trained "under the wing" of Mr was "very much a change" from her nursing career, she said the role was "very varied", going from being based in the company shop measuring cadets or travelling to fit uniforms for other services."I get to see people when they first come in, a little bit nervous potentially about getting measured up for a uniform."But then I also get to see them at the end of the day wearing their uniform and looking really proud to be serving in the armed forces, fire service or police." Speaking ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Mr Dawson said it was important to recognise not just the soldiers but the service community, veterans charities and businesses which supported the forces."It's not just about our serving armed forces," he said. "It's about families who support our soldiers and officers who spend months away during very difficult and challenging times, and it's also about veterans and recognising and appreciating commitment they have made."
