In the 2nd quarter of 2009 global textile production experienced an impressive rebound. Both global yarn and fabric production surged driven by Asia in general and China in particular. Global yarn and fabric stocks continued to fall slightly both reaching long-term lows.

“After two years of substantial problems, the textile industry of India is slowly coming out of the after effects of global economic slowdown. The spinning industry does not have any stock at present and garment exporters have started getting more orders. The attractive exchange rate is helping textile exports since most of our exports are dollar denominated,” said Mr R K Dalmia.

Keeping in mind the growing demand for eco friendly textiles and hence the increase in interest for Oeko-Tex® certification amongst the Indian garment exporters and raw material suppliers along the supply chain, Hohenstein India Pvt Ltd will hold two interactive seminars on 14 and 16 November 2009 in Coimbatore and Mumbai respectively.

In the first half of 2009 and especially after the despatch of the preliminary programme at the beginning of April 2009, it was clearly visible that the last year’s record participation will not be reached.

The global financial melt down and consequent economic recessions in developed economies have clearly been major factor in India’s economic slow down. Every developing country has suffered to a varying degree.

Lenzing has introduced Tencel Sun, a new Tencel fibre that provides superior solar protection especially designed to meet the performance and sustainability demands of the outdoor apparel market.

Scientists in New Zealand have come up with a new concept for sleepwear, which will make going to bed more enjoyable. AgResearch says it has made a breakthrough in textiles that allows a natural product, which is lightweight, has no chemical treatment, helps sleeping, maintains and regulates temperature and looks and feels fantastic.

Dr Seshadri Ramkumar, associate professor of Nonwoven Materials at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University was awarded the prestigious “Scientist of the Year” award for his invention “FIBERTECT” decontamination wipe by the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation (ARCS), Lubbock chapter.

Lawson Software, USA announced that ColorPlus, a premium Indian casual wear brand, has gone live with the Lawson Fashion Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution. Lawson Fashion PLM is a comprehensive product design and development tool for retailers and manufacturers of apparel and accessories.

The decline in spun yarn exports has tapered off quite sharply in August 2009 and has been showing signs of revival since June 2009. For the first time ever since the beginning of the Global slowdown, spun yarn exports in INR terms has posted positive growth, although smaller.

The Union Textile Ministry is making all-out efforts try to woo European investors to achieve the Indian Government's target of $ 6 billion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 2015. A delegation, headed by Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran, recently left for Switzerland, Italy and Turkey on a nine-day tour.

The first ever International Conference on “Steering Mature Business: A Leadership Challenge to Textile Industry” began on October 3 in Ahmedabad, the once so-called ‘Manchester of the East’. There were over 200 plus industry leaders and stakeholders from the textile industry present on the occasion.

The Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme (TUFS) of the Textiles Ministry has disbursed Rs 66,275 crore since its inception on April 1, 1999 till June 30, 2009. The TUFS aims to modernise Indian mills to compete globally.