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Industry News | 4/9/25

  • SPESA
  • Apr 8
  • 12 min read

Updated: Jul 14

U.S. Fashion Manufacturers Reveal Hopes, Fears over Trump Tariffs
Just Style | April 9, 2025

“U.S. fashion manufacturing equipment suppliers can see opportunities for reshoring apparel and fabric production to the U.S. but there are also concerns about the major tariff barriers being erected by President Donald Trump.” Just Style reports on a few of the important conversations that took place last week at SPESA’s Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference in Austin.


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Autometrix Forms Strategic Partnership with Audaces: Expands Offerings in North America
Press Release | April 9, 2025

SPESA member Autometrix, a leading manufacturer of automated single to low-ply cutting machines, has announced a new partnership with Audaces, a global leader in multi-ply cutting technology. This collaboration marks Autometrix as the exclusive North American distributor for Audaces' Neocut Bravo — the smartest multi-ply cutting machine on the market.


China Announces 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Showdown with Trump. Europe Also Hits Back
CNN Business | April 9, 2025

By the time this newsletter hits your inbox, there’s a good chance there will be totally new tariff information to report, but this is the “latest” update. 


China unveiled retaliatory tariffs of 84% on imports of U.S. goods today, matching additional tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this morning and further inflaming a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.


China was the hardest-hit nation in President Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs, with a levy now totaling at least 104% on all its goods. The two countries have been involved in a game of tit-for-tat on trade, with Beijing standing firmly against each new tariff introduced by Washington.


The trade war widened further on Wednesday after the European Union announced it would begin collecting retaliatory duties on U.S. imports starting Tuesday.


The New York Times is offering live updates here.



Additional Tariff News

The amount of news surrounding President Trump’s tariff announcement and the global reactions is incredibly overwhelming. In addition to the articles included in this week’s newsletter, here is some additional content you may want to check out.

Trump Cuts Funding for 10 Manufacturing Extension Partnership Programs
Manufacturing Dive | April 9, 2025

The U.S. Department of Commerce has stopped funding 10 Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs as part of the Trump administration’s plan to reduce federal spending, according to lawmakers and partner members. The programs support small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers looking to grow or make operational improvements.


New Mexico Governor Signs 2 Laws Banning PFAS
Manufacturing Dive | April 9, 2025

The newly signed laws ban PFAS in most products and designate PFAS-containing firefighting foam as a hazardous waste, a move to more tightly regulate PFAS cleanup. New Mexico is now the third state to ban intentionally added PFAS in all categories of consumer products, but the legislation exempts some “critical applications” in manufacturing, medical and electronics sectors.


Clothing Retailers Delay Orders, Freeze Hiring as Tariffs Hit
Investing.com/Reuters | April 8, 2025

Clothing and accessories retailers across the United States are delaying orders and freezing hiring ahead of tariff hikes on products imported from Vietnam and China. These businesses, much like Nike and Lululemon, face an impossible choice: offset the cost of tariffs by raising prices by some 40% — potentially cratering sales — or absorb the cost increase and further strain already-thin profit margins. Unlike their bigger rivals, smaller clothing and shoemakers lack vast supply chains, making them highly dependent on Vietnam and China, and faced with bigger challenges.


American Giant CEO Says China Tariffs Are 'Overdue' but Warns of Industry Confusion
NPR | April 8, 2025

Bayard Winthrop, founder and CEO of the apparel company American Giant, built his brand on the promise of selling U.S.-made clothing. “His business is the kind that President Trump might say the sweeping global tariffs are meant to help.”


We wanted to include an article that might explain the benefits of the latest tariffs for our industry (as opposed to all the negative effects outlined in 99% of the news coverage). While Winthrop says the Trump administration's tariff approach is too broad and poorly targeted, he does support some of the tariffs and explains how they could help his business.


China Targets U.S. Defense Manufacturers with Import Restrictions
Supply Chain Dive | April 8, 2025

China is restricting imports and exports for 11 U.S. defense manufacturers and contractors, part of retaliatory actions following President Donald Trump’s new reciprocal tariffs imposed last week.


First Recycled Textile Dissolving Pulp Facility Opens in China, Expanding Next Gen Opportunities for Global Fashion Brands
Press Release | April 8, 2025

Yibin Grace — a producer of man-made cellulosic fibre products — opened the first recycled textile dissolving pulp facility in China. This marks a significant milestone in the fashion industry’s shift to a more resilient, circular viscose supply chain. Using post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste from supply chain partners, the new pilot facility is expected to produce high quality, low-carbon dissolving pulp, which can be used in a variety of MMCF products.


ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey: March 2025 — Global Textile Industry Struggled but Kept Resilient Optimism
Press Release | April 8, 2025

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released the results of its Global Textile Industry Survey for March 2025. This survey, conducted regularly across all key regions and segments of the textile value chain, revealed a complex picture of a deteriorated business situation, cautious optimism, regional divergence, and ongoing structural challenges.


China Advises Shein Against Shifting Supply Chain, Bloomberg News Reports
MSN/Reuters | April 8, 2025

Fast-fashion retailer Shein and other companies are facing opposition from the Chinese government over plans to diversify supply chains and shift some production out of the country, Bloomberg News reported. Additional coverage here.


UK’s Formula One (F1) Industry: A Crucible of Innovation in Fiber and Fabric Technologies Driven by British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) Members
Press Release | April 8, 2025

If you need a break from tariffs, here is a refreshing look into the role of fiber and fabric production technologies in the development of the UK’s Formula One industry.


This Li & Fung-Backed AI Platform Is Tailor-Made for the Denim Industry
SJ Denim | April 8, 2025

Les Mains Bleues (LMB), a global denim supply chain solutions provider based in Singapore, is launching Trend Engine+, an advanced AI-powered trend forecasting and market intelligence tool that delivers consumer insights to denim brands and merchants. The goal of LMB is to guide “brands to introduce the right products at the right time, ensuring they meet consumer demand and align with current interests.”


Shopify CEO: Teams Can’t Hire Unless They Show AI Is Incapable of Doing the Job
Sourcing Journal | April 8, 2025

Shopify’s CEO, Tobi Lütke, expects his employees to “be absolutely ahead” when it comes to using artificial intelligence in their day-to-day tasks, according to a recent internal memo shared to his X account Monday. In the memo, the Shopify co-founder makes it clear that “using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify.”


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | High-Tech in Action: Dürkopp Adler at Texprocess Americas 2025
Press Release | April 7, 2025

Dürkopp Adler will exhibit at Texprocess Americas in Atlanta (May 6-8, 2025) – at booth no. 3251 within the German Pavilion. Under the motto “Experience Technology,” the company’s experienced sales and service team will present innovative sewing technology live in action, with a spotlight on three standout innovations from its current portfolio: 1) The new 910 - a fully digitized CNC small field sewing unit; 2) The 911Revolve - the world’s first CNC sewing unit with a rotating sewing mechanism; and  3) The M-TYPE GAMMA - a cost-efficient machine series for the entry into professional decorative and assembly seams.


U.S. Fashion Brands Face an ‘Existential Threat’ as Tariff Reality Sets In
Vogue Business | April 7, 2025

Chaos and crisis management ensued in the 48 hours after President Trump announced blanket tariffs on global partners, triggering a trade war and catching fashion in its crosshairs. Vogue Business rounds up opinions of industry leaders to assess the impact.


How Covid-19 Changed U.S. Manufacturing: 5 Years Later
Manufacturing Dive | April 7, 2025

After the chaos of the pandemic, manufacturers learned to lean into supplier relationships and supply chain resiliency to avoid future disruptions. We all lived it, but this article does a good job summarizing some of the key changes that have stuck around since the pandemic.


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Centric Software To Spotlight AI-Powered PLM Tools in Upcoming Webinar
Fibre2Fashion | April 4, 2025

“Global manufacturing and retail leaders are turning to cutting-edge digital tools to revolutionize their operations, and Centric Software is leading the charge.” In an upcoming webinar in collaboration with Fibre2Fashion, the SPESA member company will demonstrate how its AI-powered product lifecycle management (PLM) platform is empowering organizations to streamline workflows, cut costs, and respond to market demands with unprecedented speed.


Nike, Deckers and More Shoe Stocks Rally After Trump Shows Willingness To Haggle with Vietnam on Tariffs
Footwear News | April 4, 2025

Despite announcing heavy duties on Vietnam during last week’s tariff deluge, President Trump indicated on his Truth Social platform that he'd be willing to talk with Vietnamese officials about a bilateral trade deal. The president’s amenability to these discussions was enough to buoy a sector of Wall Street’s spirits and rally some stocks that took a beating on Thursday. Footwear firms in particular are particularly exposed to risk, with many athletic shoe brands deeply dependent on the Vietnamese supply chain for sneaker production.


Newsom Says California To Seek Tariff Exemptions from Allies
Bloomberg | April 4, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom said he’s seeking exemptions for California-made products from retaliatory tariffs and wants to open talks with global allies over new trade relationships, casting the state as a buffer against the fallout of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff plan.


Milliken Naming Investment Fuels NC State Research in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center
Wilson College News | April 4, 2025

A $1.5 million investment from the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation will accelerate protective and comfort research and create critical graduate fellowships in the newly named Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center.


NCTO Commends President Trump for Preserving USMCA Qualified Goods, Reciprocal Tariff Plan and Closing the De Minimis Loophole
Press Release | April 3, 2025

The National Council of Textile Organizations, representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber, yarn, and fabrics to finished sewn products, issued a statement from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding President Trump’s reciprocal tariff plan.


Traceability Platform Fairly Made Closes 15 Million Euro Funding Round
Sourcing Journal | April 3, 2025

French fashion traceability platform Fairly Made has closed a 15 million funding round to accelerate its global expansion. The start-up, which was selected at launch to be part of LVMH’s Maison des Startups incubator, uses data to evaluate and score a brand’s entire supply chain. Fairly Made works directly with suppliers to collect the data, as well as any certifications they have. Using its software, brands can trace an item through its entire value chain and assess its sustainability and pinpoint areas of impact.


Myanmar Fashion Sector Calls for Donations After Earthquake
Just Style | April 1, 2025

The Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association and its partner associations are requesting financial assistance following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit the fashion sourcing country on March 28th.


Manufacturing PMI® at 49%; March 2025 Manufacturing ISM® Report on Business: Textile Mills Report Growth
Press Release | April 1, 2025

Economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted in March after two consecutive months of expansion (preceded by 26 straight months of contraction), say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. However, textile mills were one of nine manufacturing industries reporting growth in March.


Bangladesh Halts Yarn Imported via Land Ports — Exporters Call It ‘Suicidal’
Sourcing Journal | April 1, 2025

The Bangladeshi government has halted the import of yarns entering the country via land ports, throwing the nation’s apparel exporters up in arms. The government’s decision follows requests from textile mill owners who suggested yarn should be imported only via seaports. The mills claim that the land ports lack the necessary infrastructure to vet raw materials and properly identify different categories of yarn. However, the country’s garment manufacturers argue the move will be disastrous for apparel exporters.


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | SoulCycle Selects Centric PLM and Centric Planning To Unify Product Development, Merchandise Planning and Allocation To Drive Growth
Press Release | March 31, 2025

SPESA member Centric Software announced that SoulCycle, one of the most globally recognized wellness brands, has selected Centric PLM™ and Centric Planning™ to drive growth and streamline vendor communication. With a growing presence across more than 60 locations in the US and UK, SoulCycle is expanding beyond the studio, offering premium activewear and retail experiences, both in person and online, that resonate with its dedicated community.


European Nonwoven Industry Returns to Pre-Covid Level with 3 Million Tonnes Produced in 2024
Press Release | March 31, 2025

EDANA, the global association and voice for nonwovens and related industries has published its annual overview of the high-level figures from the EDANA Statistics Report on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2024. According to the latest data, in 2024, compared to data from 2023, nonwovens production in Greater Europe increased in volume by 2.6% to 2,976, 400 tonnes, and by 2.9% in surface area resulting in 85.1 billion square meters of nonwovens being manufactured. However, differing trends were observed at the national level when comparing production between Greater European countries, and also when assessing the various production processes of nonwovens and market segments.


FTC Considers Petition for Digital Labels on Apparel
Fashion Dive | March 31, 2025

The American Apparel and Footwear Association is petitioning for online garment care instructions, with the support of brands including Ralph Lauren and Patagonia.


SPESA President: Texprocess Americas 2025 Will Help Navigate New U.S. Tariffs
Just Style | March 28, 2025

Speaking with Just Style, SPESA president Michael McDonald jokes there are only three guarantees in life: “Death, taxes and supply chain disruptions.” In this exclusive interview, Michael explains how Texprocess Americas 2025 will bring supply chain, technology, and tariff experts together to help the fashion sector "prepare for the unpreparable."


National Council of Textile Organizations: State of the U.S. Textile Industry
Press Release | March 27, 2025

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Charles Heilig delivered the trade association’s State of the Industry overview at NCTO’s 21st Annual Meeting on March 27th.

Heilig’s speech outlined:

  1. The U.S. textile industry’s major challenges and achievements accomplished last year;

  2. U.S. textile supply chain, economic, trade data; and

  3. NCTO’s 2024 and 2025 policy priorities for domestic textile manufacturers.


Aquafil Breaks New Ground in Textile Recycling by Chemically Separating Elastic Fibers from Nylon
Press Release | March 25, 2025

After more than 10 years of relentless research and innovation, Aquafil has unveiled a breakthrough in textile recycling: the world’s first demonstration plant capable of chemically separating elastic fibers from nylon.


Vidalia Mills Auction Rescheduled
Sourcing Journal | March 22, 2025

The sheriff’s sale for Vidalia Mills has been moved from April 9th to May 14th, according to the law firm working on the sale. The sale will include 81.87 acres of land which was purchased from the town in 2017 for $12 million, the 900,000-square foot former Fruit of the Loom distribution center that Vidalia Mills retrofitted for its manufacturing facility, and numerous pieces of equipment.


India’s Fashion Sector Unveils Sustainable Supply Chain Directory
Just Style | March 21, 2025

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has introduced a website and a sustainable supply chain directory to help India's fashion industry conduct responsible and sustainable sourcing.


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | A&E Expands Global Footprint with New Manufacturing Facility in Chattogram, Bangladesh
Press Release | March 20, 2025

Global thread leader American & Efird announced the opening of its 24th manufacturing operation in Chattogram, Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in A&E’s strategic expansion. The new state-of-the-art facility strengthens its global manufacturing network, enhancing its capacity to meet the increasing demand for innovative thread solutions in Bangladesh and across South Asia.


SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | iFabric Corp Announces Strategic Investment in BlueCherry ERP System to Accelerate Growth and Realize Operational Efficiencies
Press Release | March 17, 2025

iFabric Corp recently announced its selection of the cutting-edge BlueCherry Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system from SPESA member CGS, Inc. This strategic investment of CAD $500,000 over two years, will cover a one-time license fee as well as the full implementation of the system, which is targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2025.


ICYMI | 2025 SPESA State of the Union Address
SPESA | March 31, 2025

Lucky #7. This is the seventh State of the Union address our team has written to share our plans for the upcoming year with our members. And we’ve still got a lot to say.


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