OUR COVER STORY FEATURES CMAI’S EXCLUSIVE CONSUMER SURVEY, OFFERING DEEP INSIGHTS INTO EVOLVING MARKET BEHAVIOURS— VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE FOR BRANDS, MANUFACTURERS, AND RETAILERS STRIVING TO STAY COMPETITIVE IN A SHIFTING MARKET
Dear Readers
As we continue to navigate the dynamic apparel landscape, I’m pleased to present this edition of Apparel, spotlighting key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping our industry.
Our cover story features CMAI’s exclusive consumer survey, offering deep insights into evolving market behaviours— valuable knowledge for brands, manufacturers, and retailers striving to stay competitive in a shifting market.
These insights arrive as we gear up for the 81st National Garment Fair (NGF), returning in a two-phase format: Kids wear (23–25 June 2025) and Menswear & Womenswear (14–16 July 2025), at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. This structure allows for broader participation and a sharper focus, ensuring a richer experience for all. Meanwhile, our feature on North India’s ready-made sector explores sourcing hurdles, shifting demand, and the e-commerce effect.
On the global front, US ‘reciprocal’ tariffs pose new concerns. In a guest column, Matthijs Crietee of the International Apparel Federation offers thoughtful perspectives on these developments and potential responses. Amid these challenges, the India–UK Free Trade Agreement brings optimism— offering tariff-free access for 99% of Indian exports and potentially doubling apparel shipments to the UK. This is expected to unlock fresh investment, build capacity, and strengthen global ties.
We also spotlight Ludhiana’s adaptive spirit, where manufacturers are navigating shorter winters, high costs, and import pressures by embracing automation and sustainability. In parallel, CMAI’s MoU with the Chhattisgarh government paves the way for a new Textile & Apparel Facilitation Centre in Raipur, empowering MSMEs and aligning with the state’s development goals.
Looking ahead, we profile the Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), a creative force transforming raw talent into professional brilliance through hands-on training and global linkages. This edition also features expert insights on AI-led transformation, sourcing standards, innerwear trends, automation, and denim.
The recently concluded 5th successful edition of the FAB Show held in April echoed a strong buying momentum, with 250+ exhibitors and 12,000+ visitors converging to embrace innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in textiles and accessories.
I hope you find these perspectives valuable as we continue to drive progress and resilience together.
Warm regards,
SANTOSH KATARIYA
