Industry News | 1/4/23
Updated: Jan 16, 2023
Haiti Apparel Reaps Benefits of U.S. Preference Programmes
By Just Style | January 4, 2023
A report from the U.S. International Trade Commision found that U.S. preference programmes have played “an important role” in the trade relationship between the U.S. and Haiti and the development of Haiti’s apparel sector. U.S. apparel imports from Haiti quadrupled, increasing from U.S. $231m in 2001 to $994m in 2021, with T-shirts accounting for a large proportion of the increase.
New York Joins California in Requiring Carpet Recycling, Banning PFAS
By Sourcing Journal | January 3, 2023
Manufacturers will soon be required to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of carpets sold in New York according to legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new legislation also bans per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from carpeting sold in New York starting in January 2025.
Strengthening America’s Manufacturing Base
By MIT News | January 3, 2023
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu recently spoke at MIT about the Department of Defense’s role in strengthening U.S. manufacturing. Specifically, she discussed funding startups, training a manufacturing workforce, strengthening U.S. supply chains, preparing for climate change, preventing intellectual property theft, supporting “leap-ahead” technologies, and rebuilding America’s semiconductor industry.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Eastman Machine Automated Cutting Equipment Increases HanseYacht Efficiencies by 85%
By Composites World | December 28, 2022
After investing in automated cutting equipment from Eastman Machine Co., HanseYachts increased efficiency by almost 85%. HanseYachts’ first conveyorized cutting system was specifically purchased to replace the manual cutting of glass fiber.
Women in Manufacturing: What Companies Are Doing to Recruit, Retain Half the Population
By Manufacturing Dive | January 3, 2023
If the percentage of women in manufacturing were raised to 35%, it would bring 800,000 workers into the industry, enough to fill nearly all of the open roles in the market. Recognizing this, many companies are weighing how to better recruit and retain women, with some offering on-campus childcare, and others investing more heavily in mentoring and leadership programs.
Vietnam's Textile-Garment Exports May Touch $48 Billion in 2023
By Fibre2Fashion | January 2, 2023
The Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (VINATEX) predicted its 2022 consolidated revenue to be more than $826.84m which is 8% higher than the target. Experts are optimistic about 2023 with the Asia-Pacific region projected to be the fastest-growing this year, a drop in logistics expenses, and China easing the zero-COVID policy, among other factors.
‘OK, Mexico, Save Me’: After China, This Is Where Globalization May Lead
By The New York Times | January 1, 2023
As American companies seek to limit their exposure to the pitfalls of making goods in China, some are moving production to Mexico. During the first 10 months of last year, Mexico exported $382 billion of goods to the U.S., an increase of more than 20% over the same period in 2021. More on the future of China as a sourcing base can be found here.
China Dominance Wanes as Sourcing Sands Shift
By Sourcing Journal | December 29, 2022
CAFTA-DR countries, which include Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, are on pace to register their best year since the CAFTA-DR trade agreement was first signed in 2007. Kim Glas, president & CEO of NCTO says “It comes as no surprise that one of the biggest apparel sourcing winners this year is the Western Hemisphere.”
MoT Invites Industry to Explore Opportunities in Technical Textiles
By Apparel Resources | December 29, 2022
India’s Ministry of Textiles has invited research proposals for funding in design, development and manufacturing of machinery, tools, equipment, and testing instruments under the National Technical Textiles Mission. The initiative is designed to position India as the global leader in technical textiles manufacturing.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT \ JUKI Renews DDL-9000C Series Optional Products
By Apparel Resources | December 24, 2022
Juki Corporation has renewed DDL-9000C Series optional products that further improve productivity and sewing quality. The renewal updates reduce the possibility of twisting and untwisting thread that occurs due to thread flapping.
U.S. Denim Mills Develops Rapid Clean Manufacturing Technology (Guest Editorial)
By Rivet | December 29, 2022
U.S. Denim Mills has developed another eco-efficient alternative technology, Rapid Clean, which enhances operational efficiency and reduces resource depletion, cost, and waste — all while maximizing consumer satisfaction. Rapid Clean is a sustainable manufacturing technique designed to replace some of the most water-intensive and pollutant fabric finishing processes.
Supply Chain 2022: From Scarcity to Surplus
By Sourcing Journal | December 28, 2022
The scales tipped in new directions across the supply chain in 2022 as market dynamics shifted in response to the pullback in consumer spending on goods, inflation, and, now, concerns of a recession. Sourcing Journal breaks down the key factors that defined supply chains in 2022, including: falling rates, rent growth, and inventory glut.
Sustainability Runs High in Decisions, Policymaking Across EU in 2022
By Fibre2Fashion | December 27, 2022
Sustainability ran high in decisions, actions, and policymaking across the EU this year. A few prime examples: the European Fashion Alliance and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel were launched; the £2-million Circular Textiles Fund in Scotland was unveiled; and EURATEX planned fibre-to-fibre recycling for 2.5 million tons of textile waste by 2030.
Under Armour Picks Marriott Exec Stephanie Linnartz to be New CEO after Seven-Month Search
By CNBC | December 21, 2022
Linnartz, who has been with Marriott since 1997, was one of 60 candidates considered for the role. While athletic apparel is a big leap from the hospitality business, she was selected for her digital prowess and success in transforming the hotel chain’s online presence, Under Armour founder and Executive Chairman Kevin Plank told CNBC.
The Year Ahead: Can New Production Models Help Fashion Overcome Supply Chain Woes?
By Business of Fashion | December 20, 2022
Key insights from this BoF report: more than half of fashion executives believe supply chain disruptions will be a top factor impacting growth of the global economy in 2023; nearly two-thirds of fashion executives are considering creating new manufacturing hubs dedicated to serving U.S. and European demand; and, about 60% of fashion executives are considering forming strategic partnerships with their suppliers.
Fashion Manufacturer Leaves China for Texas
By Dallas Express | December 15, 2022
Fashion accessories maker Barrington Gifts aims to transition its China-based manufacturing to Texas and Mexico. The Dallas-based company noted its nearshoring decision was made in part to avoid the list-4 tariff of 25% on goods from China imposed in 2019. A deeper dive into the company’s challenging move is available in The Dallas Morning News.