SPESA | March 24, 2026

SPESA's annual update on the state of its membership, organization, and the sewn products industry.

The State of Our Union

Last April, we were in Austin for the 2025 SPESA Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference when President Trump declared “Liberation Day” and announced a 10% global tariff on U.S.-bound goods, throwing a wrench into our talking points for the conference and, more importantly, our members’ and their customers’ supply chains. Of course, that move was just one of many loops in the roller coaster of tariffs, trade deals, lawsuits, and Supreme Court decisions that we’ve been riding for the past few years. It’s just at the top of our minds now as we finalize our plans and discussion topics for the 2026 Advancements Conference coming up soon in Columbus. 

While we won’t dive too far into the topic of trade in Columbus (that’s a treat we tend to save for attendees at SPESA’s Executive Conference), there is no doubt the topic will come up in conversations. Across numerous manufacturing sectors, including sewn products, industry leaders have stated that the biggest impacts to supply chains in 2026 will come from tariffs and artificial intelligence (we will talk A LOT about this in Columbus). We can also now add the war in Iran and other possible geopolitical crises to that list.

Before we get into the exciting things SPESA has in store for our members in 2026, we’d like to touch on each of these issues as they relate to the state of the global sewn products industry in 2026.

What’s Happening

Tariffs, Trade & Policy

Despite the recent Supreme Court decision refuting the validity of some of the tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, we know we haven’t reached the end of this saga. In the Business of Fashion-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 Executive Survey, 76% of fashion executives shared they believe higher tariffs and trade disruptions will shape 2026 (More insights from the report available here).

What we are most likely to see this year as a direct result of high tariff rates is 1) an increase in consumer prices and 2) sourcing shifts away from nations directly impacted by challenging tariff policies. The price increases are a result of not only tariff implementation as producers pass along the costs to their customers but also rising inflation across the globe, especially in the United States. The combination of these factors has led to a drop in apparel imports into the buyer-driven U.S. market as consumers have both less expendable income and decreased purchasing power. (Simultaneously, we’ve seen an increase in the second-hand clothing market — a topic not really in SPESA’s wheelhouse but maybe something to think about for a future event!)

The interest in sourcing shifts is certainly not new. It is something we have been talking about long before Trump’s tariffs came around, but has increased in the post-Covid era. The most obvious evidence of this is the fact that in 2025 Vietnam surpassed China and became the largest apparel supplier to the U.S. market for the first time in decades (Dr. Sheng Lu broke down the data for Just Style here). While Asia remains the dominant source of U.S. apparel imports, we have seen significant diversification within Asia as companies are drawn to emerging sourcing locations to mitigate tariff impacts and market uncertainty. There has also been rapid growth in sourcing from several countries in South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

It’s not just a case of shifting from one country to another, but rather spreading supply chains out across multiple countries to hedge your bets. In the latest Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study from the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, a record-high percentage of surveyed companies reported sourcing from more than ten countries in 2025. And looking ahead, nearly 60% of respondents stated they plan to source apparel from more countries through 2027, and another 40% plan to source from more suppliers or vendors during the same period, potentially providing new customer opportunities for SPESA members.

We know trade can be a difficult topic to stay on top of. We encourage SPESA members to subscribe to and read the Behind the Seams newsletter for tariff and trade updates.

Artificial Intelligence & Technology

As in every other industry, we are likely to see an increase in the implementation of AI in the creation, production, and distribution of sewn products, as well as in the general business operations of SPESA members and their customers. 

Interestingly, following the conversation above, a KPMG survey of CEOs found 41% of respondents are deploying artificial intelligence to manage tariff mitigation strategies and optimize trade compliance. In other examples, sewn product brands are likely to use AI tools to optimize inventory levels and logistics; evaluate new suppliers; enhance supply chain sustainability and traceability; and streamline overall operational efficiency. Which is, of course, especially interesting to SPESA as many of our members are the creators and suppliers of these tools.

But SPESA members are also consumers and users of AI, so it affects us on multiple levels. While supply chain strategies may continue to shift unpredictably due to everything else mentioned in this update, the tools available to manufacturers, brands, and suppliers are evolving faster than at any point in decades.

The sewn products industry has long been known for incremental innovation rather than sweeping technological revolutions. But 2026 may prove different. For the first time since the automation wave of the 1980s, there is a sense that meaningful technological progress could arrive quickly and across multiple areas of the value chain simultaneously. PwC estimates automation use will more than double in the manufacturing sector in coming years. 

Technology may not eliminate uncertainty, but we believe it will determine which companies are best positioned to adapt to it.

Geopolitics & Supply Chains

We are not going to get too far into politics (Michael, Maggie, and Marie left D.C. for a reason) other than to say we hope for a swift and peaceful conclusion to the situation in Iran. But we can’t ignore that what is happening in the surrounding region will impact supply chains and how every global industry operates this year. 

For one thing, the Strait of Hormuz, the only maritime gateway to the Persian Gulf, has been effectively closed, leading some to have to divert and delay shipments. The Strait of Hormuz isn’t really a major shipping route for apparel and sewn products in the Western Hemisphere, but as the crisis spreads, so does the concern for impacted trade. So far, we’ve seen reports of increased freight rates, with EU-bound lanes under greater pressure than U.S. routes due to longer sailings and capacity absorption.

The price of oil has increased, which will impact everyone in terms of logistics, but also is likely to increase production prices for companies that work with plastic, polyester, and other oil-derived products. And obviously anyone operating directly in the region will be greatly impacted. As the conflict continues, the apparel industry seems to have shifted to loss mitigation.

A new report from the British Standards Institution has offered suggestions on how companies can navigate the volatile situation based on how long it continues. But in every scenario, supply chain leadership and resilience will be key as the industry faces what many have said is the most significant supply chain event since the pandemic.

What Happens Next

Perhaps our “give me the bad news first” strategy wasn’t the best way to excite the industry for what SPESA has planned for you this year. But we’d like to remind our members of what SPESA’s former Board Chairman Mark Hatton told us at the end of last year:

For the past couple years, SPESA’s unofficial — and sometimes official — word of the year has been “uncertainty.” But it doesn’t really fit anymore. Because the only predictable thing about our industry now is that it's unpredictable. We know things are going to change and be unstable, and it is our job to prioritize resiliency rather than set any kind of expectations of a return to stability. 

It is no longer an issue of adapting supply chains, but of creating supply chains that are intrinsically adaptable. With everything going on in the world, and especially with China becoming a less reliable sourcing option, manufacturers are discovering that they must build their own unique supply chains, rather than inherit them or copy a proven model. That means cultivating supplier relationships, mapping production capabilities, and designing sourcing strategies that reflect their own priorities rather than the industry’s historical defaults.

This shift comes with greater responsibility. When supply chains are customized, they also become more complex. Companies must invest more time, resources, and expertise into understanding where their products are made and how those systems operate. But it also provides benefits. By rebuilding supply chains intentionally, companies gain the ability to design networks that better reflect their values, cost structures, and risk tolerance.

It also means that industry networking, collaboration, and the benefits of groups like SPESA are at an all-time high as companies and individuals are tasked in reshaping global relationships and building new networks. Manufacturers, brands, technology providers, and suppliers are rediscovering the value of direct relationships: sharing insights, identifying opportunities, and exchanging best practices. These relationships are not just about social connection; they are about knowledge transfer. As companies navigate new sourcing models, adopt emerging technologies, and rethink production strategies, the ability to learn from peers across the industry becomes increasingly valuable. 

And that’s where SPESA comes in. All of our events and activities in 2026 will focus on providing the sewn products industry with the three things we believe will help companies be resilient to whatever may come next: technology, supply chain ownership, and renewed collaboration. The companies that thrive during chaos* will be the ones willing to embrace uncertainty, invest in technology, build intentional supply chains, and strengthen the human networks that sustain the industry. (We spoke more about this recently in our new ongoing segment in California Apparel News.)

*Michael dubbed the word of the year for 2026 to be “chaos” in case you’re interested. 

Upcoming Events

Speaking of human connection, we are excited to share the events we have planned for our members and the industry in 2026.

Advancements Conference

Last year’s Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference started with a tariff announcement and ended with our Board chairman on a mechanical bull (a story for another day). This year’s event — April 13-14 in Columbus, Ohio — will feature two networking receptions sandwiching a full day of education and an AI-heavy agenda. Speakers will highlight unique AI tools and their uses in specific sectors of the industry like footwear and leather while larger group discussions touch on how the utilization of existing industry resources and new innovations tie into overarching industry goals like scalability and circularity. 

If you haven’t done so yet, please click here to register now! 

Executive Conference

The 2026 SPESA Executive Conference will take place in one of Marie’s favorite places: San Antonio, TX! Building on the connections we made in Austin last year, we are excited to reunite with the growing brands and manufacturers that make up the Texas fashion industry and develop a multifaceted event that brings the industry together.

Save the date: October 28-30, 2026. And stay tuned for more info!

Alphabet Soup Shindig

Following the incredibly successful events in Raleigh in 2024 and Atlanta in 2025 — and with great thanks to Maggie for making them all happen — SPESA will once again be hosting the Alphabet Soup Shindig in Raleigh August 4th during the 2026 edition of Techtextil North America. (Registration info coming soon!)

The Alphabet Soup Collective is a collaboration of associations representing the global sewn products, textile, and apparel industries which have joined forces to support industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all of their respective memberships.

Texprocess Americas

This may be an off-year for Texprocess Americas, but it is never far from our minds. The SPESA team, our members, and our show partner, Messe Frankfurt North America, are all hard at work to make sure next year’s show (May 11-13, 2027, in Atlanta) is the best yet!

If you haven’t yet booked your booth space for 2027, please email Alexis to get the ball rolling! 

In the meantime, for those of you planning to attend Texprocess in Germany next month, be sure to stop by the SPESA booth in Hall 8 to say hallo to Ambar and Maggie. 

Membership & Benefits

Last year, SPESA brought in a new team member, Ambar, to focus on growing and supporting our membership. As one of her first tasks she sent out a survey to help establish a baseline of what our current members think about their membership and how they might want to see us evolve in the future. As a result of that survey, we learned that almost all of the members who responded see SPESA as a stable organization (phew!) and think we should continue to focus our membership outreach in the technology and machinery sectors. While we absolutely welcome suppliers from other sectors of the industry to join, it is encouraging to be reassured that SPESA’s niche mission is still relevant to so many.

When we asked where SPESA’s efforts could be improved, SPESA members said:

1. Increased visibility/promotion for members

2. More targeted educational programs

3. Stronger industry advocacy or representation.

The first two are now our two main priorities for 2026. Our Advancements Conference and the Behind the Seams newsletter (more on that below) are both designed with the dual purpose of educating the industry and promoting our members. We will continue to build on efforts within both of those as well as promoting members on social media and through whatever other avenues we can find. In regards to targeted educational programs, we are exploring reintroducing webinars or other virtual education platforms. We will also explore doing two different tracks of education at the SPESA Executive Conference in the fall, allowing suppliers and their customers to still benefit from joint networking during the conference but providing supplier-specific education as well.

In regards to #3 on our list above, we’re still working on it to be honest. SPESA has always struggled with that balance of not being lobbyists but wanting to make sure our members’ voices are heard by decision-makers. But establishing the Alphabet Soup Collective was an important step to ensure we are always part of the conversations taking place within the industry. And we will continue to work with industry leaders to raise SPESA’s profile on the global stage (sometimes literally: we’re making Michael speak at all of the conferences).

Membership Changes

One thing we have talked about a lot over the past couple years, and Ambar has helped us nail down a plan for it work, is adjusting SPESA’s membership levels and benefits to best align with the specific needs of our members, including differentiating between members who exhibit at Texprocess Americas — and thus receive a discount on booth space — and those who do not. We want to make sure that the benefits you receive from your SPESA membership are ones that you, specifically, need to help grow your business and connections in the industry. 

We will share an update on this front very soon with an explanation of the new membership levels and an opportunity to answer any questions you may have. We hope that this tailored approach will be the first of many steps in SPESA’s future growth.

Newsletter Changes & Opportunities

You may have noticed that Behind the Seams has moved from a standalone website to instead be part of spesa.org. This move was made in large part at the suggestion of SPESA’s new Board Chairwoman, marketing guru, and SEO expert, Daniella Ambrogi. It is also part of our efforts to build brand recognition for SPESA as not only the brain behind BTS but a leading voice behind the industry.

With a subscriber pool of 13,000, Behind the Seams is the #1 way for SPESA members to take advantage of the FREE marketing resources that your membership provides you. Twice a month, we search the internet for news about our members and post it at the top of the page. But there are always going to be things we miss. We are begging members to PLEASE send us your news, press releases, and product launches so that we can include them in the newsletter and share them with your potential customers. In addition, as part of your membership, every SPESA member receives one free month of advertising in Behind the Seams. If you haven’t yet claimed yours, please email Ambar and Marie to do so! And if you’re feeling REALLY ambitious, please take a look at the paid advertising opportunities available to you to push your company’s public profile to the next level.

New Tactics

To close out the 2025 SPESA Executive Conference in Chicago, we tried something new. Conference attendees were invited to participate in a game simulation focused on building resilience in the industry. The main goal was to provide attendees an opportunity to step out of the classroom, network in a creative way, and take what they learned during the conference discussions and put it to use and thought right away. 

Overall, attendees provided positive feedback on the activity and said they would be interested in doing it again. So, we’re going to, most likely as part of the 2026 Executive Conference in San Antonio. This initiative is something that can help us reach a lot of our goals: creating tailored educational opportunities, building on SPESA’s reputation within the industry (no one else is doing this), and bringing our community together to address our common challenges. We are always excited to try new things and build upon the ones with the greatest potential.

Leadership & Gratitude

Also in Chicago, the SPESA membership voted to approve the members of SPESA’s Board of Directors and new leadership: Daniella Ambrogi serving as Chairwoman of the Board; Michael Rabin, Sales Director of the Americas at Morgan Tecnica Spa, as Vice Chairman; and Eric Schlossman, Vice President at Consew, as Secretary & Treasurer. (For anyone who missed it, the minutes from the 2025 SPESA Business Meeting at which Board elections took place are available here.)

We are thrilled for the opportunity to learn from all three of these experienced leaders and to follow Daniella’s expert lead in securing SPESA’s recognition as an industry leader. Thank you Daniella for taking on this challenge. We can’t wait to see what the next two years have in store for us!

Of course, this means we have to say a soft farewell (we’re not actually letting him go anywhere) to our former Chairman, Mark Hatton. Probably the most engaged Chairman the current SPESA team has ever had, we are forever grateful to Mark for his leadership, his industry knowledge, his musical suggestions, and his willingness to jump in wholeheartedly to whatever shenanigans we throw his way (ahem, mechanical bull).

And, as always, we want to thank you, our members, for your continued support of SPESA and everything you do to strengthen the sewn products industry. We literally would not exist without you and we wouldn’t want to.