Page 16 - TEXtalks. July- August 2023

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Stage set for sustainable fibers at

Yarn Expo Autumn 2023

Over the past few years, eco-fiber market growth has been fuelled by rising environmental awareness and
an increased desire for sustainable products. The thriving demand for green textiles, particularly from China,
continues to propel market development in Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world. Following the success of
the spring show, the next edition of Yarn Expo Autumn will help industry players meet new market demand
for eco-friendly yarn and fiber. The fair is set to take place from 28 – 30 August 2023 in Hall 8.2 at the
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with over 500 confirmed exhibitors to cover 27,000 sqm.

The fair’s regular line-up of sustainable exhibitors has been a major drawcard for visitors from China, Asia,
and around the world. Speaking at the 2023 spring edition, Ms. Li Qian, Head of Marketing &
Communication China, Marketing China, Rieter (China) Textile Instruments Co Ltd, said: “Yarn Expo is the
only textile fair that we join, and the most influential for yarn. At this edition, there have been many visitors
and more international buyers.”
Yarn Expo Autumn will be held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition,
CHIC, and PH Value. The four fairs will bring the fiber and yarn, apparel fabrics and accessories, and knitted
garments industries together under one roof, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to
maximize their business opportunities.

Indian cost advantage a challenge to

Bangladesh’s textile and

garment dominance

India by deepening its relationship with the western economies is rapidly diluting the advantage that
Bangladesh enjoyed for years on duty and tax concessions in the United States,
European Union, and Australia.

Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry confronts a massive challenge as India gains a higher cost
advantage, posing a potential threat to capture a larger portion of the global market. The textile players in
Bangladesh apprehend that India is eroding the future competitiveness of Bangladesh as various factors
are favoring India. The deepening relationship between India and the West has put Bangladesh in a
challenging position, limiting its potential to achieve robust competitiveness and break free from the
middle-income trap. Unlike Bangladesh, India has diversified its assets and resources, enabling a
multifaceted approach to economic growth.

India has even narrowed and in some cases has come at par with Bangladesh in labor costs as the labor
costs continue to rise in Bangladesh while remaining stagnant in India. India gains an edge due to its
cheaper labor force compared to Bangladesh, where labor costs have gradually increased. Bangladesh’s
pay structure is comparable to India's, with garment helpers earning around US $ 150 per month and
operators receiving up to US $ 180 per month.

July/August 2023