Apparels

Cambodia’s apparel exports to South Korea reached $139.766 million during January-August, led by trousers, shorts, T-shirts, jerseys, shirts and innerwear.
Trousers and shorts made up 26.92 per cent of the total.
Exports were 8.36 per cent lower than the same period in 2023, when they reached $152.525 million.
Post-COVID, Cambodia’s exports to South Korea grew to $201.116 million in 2023.

Adidas reported a 10 per cent rise in currency-neutral Q3 2024 revenues, with net income reaching €469 million (~$508.4 million) and operating profit at €598 million (~$648.2 million).
Footwear sales grew 14 per cent, and apparel by 5 per cent. Adidas forecasts 10 per cent revenue growth for 2024 and expects operating profit around €1.2 billion (~$1.3 billion).

From January to August 2024, US apparel imports from Africa fell by 5.02 per cent, totalling $1.91 billion, compared to $2.01 billion in the same period last year.
Trousers and shorts led imports, followed by shirts, jerseys, T-shirts, and innerwear.
Despite Africa’s growing role as a low-cost garment exporter, it accounted for just 3.57 per cent of the US’ $54.1 billion apparel imports.

Cambodia’s apparel exports to ASEAN remain low despite the signing of the RCEP.
From Jan-Aug, these exports totalled $139.882 million, less than 2 per cent of Cambodia’s total apparel exports of $7.539 billion.
While Cambodia’s overall apparel exports have fluctuated since 2021, its fabric imports from ASEAN countries also remain minimal, accounting for just 3.96 per cent of total imports in 2024.

Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has introduced a new membership model to enhance inclusivity and balance supplier input, restructuring to prioritise member type over region.
Key initiatives include the Higg Index updates, a Bangladesh collaboration, and the Manufacturer Climate Action Program, all driving sustainable industry impact.

China’s leather apparel and accessory exports fell 6.12 per cent to $23.989 billion from January to August 2024, down from $25.579 billion in the same period in 2023.
The United States, Japan, and Malaysia were the top three markets, with trunks and suitcases making up a significant portion.
The decline continues from 2023, when annual exports dropped by 1.86 per cent to $37.892 billion.

Sakho introduced its stitchless garment technology at GTE 2024 in Bangalore, showcasing advanced bonding and embroidery machines, including the Martin fusion machine from Italy.
Akesh Kumar, Business Head, noted that while stitchless technology is still emerging in India, it offers significant time and cost benefits for manufacturers.
Sakho also focuses on automation and extensive customer support.

Vietnam’s garment exports to the Middle East reached $244.602 million in January-September 2024, down 25.4 per cent from the previous year.
The Middle East, although Vietnam’s fourth-largest garment market, accounted for only 1.12 per cent of total exports.
North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe remained dominant markets, making up over 95 per cent of exports.

PUMA and CARBIOS, in a consortium, launched the world’s first T-shirt made entirely from textile waste using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology.
Enzymes break down polyester from mixed waste into biorecycled fibres, matching virgin polyester quality.
This innovation advances fibre-to-fibre recycling, promoting a circular economy and reducing the textile industry’s carbon footprint.

This article discusses how Cambodia is becoming a textile powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia’s textile industry contributes 70 per cent to its export earnings.
Despite competitive advantages, textile industry challenges in Cambodia include poor wages and outdated technology.
Focusing on sustainability, MMF textiles and workforce development can strengthen its position.