MMI Textiles Acquires Jason Mills Significantly Bolstering Product Offering Of High-Performance Knits

CLEVELAND — December 10, 2024 — MMI Textiles Inc. —a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military, tactical, medical, commercial, and apparel expertise — has acquired New Jersey-based manufacturer of knit textiles Jason Mills LLC. Effective January 2, 2025, the acquisition instantly expands the MMI Textiles’ product line, accelerating a key strategic growth initiative for the company.

“We have had the privilege of working with Jason Mills for many years and have tremendous respect for their approach to business, which aligns seamlessly with the culture we’ve built at MMI Textiles,” said Amy Bircher Bruyn, founder, and CEO of MMI Textiles. “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow and strengthen our position in the textile industry. We are eager to integrate their expertise, resources, and innovation to better serve our customers and address the evolving needs of the market.”

Founded in 1976, Jason Mills is known for its high-performance knits and operates in several major markets, including recreational trade, occupational safety, aeronautical, automotive and marine, healthcare, filtration, and industrial textiles.

“We are proud to announce that Jason Mills has been acquired by MMI Textiles in Ohio,” said Michael Lavroff, CEO and president of Jason Mills. “Since 1976, Jason Mills has been providing quality fabrics to industries as diverse as healthcare, occupational safety, aeronautical and in recent years to the indoor golf simulator market — and we will continue to provide innovative solutions, quality materials and outstanding customer service to the industries it serves well into the future.”

Together Jason Mills and MMI Textiles will continue to deliver unmatched service to customers, industry innovation and seamless collaboration with all of the company’s partners.

Dan Pezold, president of PezTex Consulting, whose firm assisted MMI Textiles in the valuation, structuring and negotiation of the acquisition noteed: “Jason Mills is a great addition to the MMI Textiles portfolio and further expands its product lines, market segments and customer list. MMI Textiles is growing rapidly and continues to develop into a world-class leader in the textile space.”

PezTex is seeking additional acquisition opportunities in the textile industry for MMI Textiles.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: MMI Textiles Inc.

Cocona Labs Establishes Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise In India

BOULDER, Colo. — December 11, 2024 — Cocona Labs, creator of 37.5 Technology and global supplier of sustainable thermoregulation material science, has announced the successful establishment of its Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in Gurugram, Haryana, India, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its presence in this fast-growing and strategically situated market.

The India WFOE will provide enhanced in-country capabilities to support Cocona Labs’ customers, partners and growing business operations in the region.

“Cocona has been investing heavily in India for the past several years, both to capture domestic growth opportunities in its dynamic economy and as a hedge against geopolitical pressure on brands currently sourcing out of China,” said CEO Jeff Bowman. “This new WFOE will enable us to better serve our customers and partners, while creating a more streamlined approach for brands sourcing 37.5 Technology materials from India.”

The company’s decision to establish a WFOE in India reflects its commitment to driving innovation, strengthening supply chain efficiencies and delivering its sustainable thermoregulating technology to new markets.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Cocona Labs / 37.5 Technology

Heytex Group Core Business Now Part Of Freudenberg 

WEINHEIM, Germany — December 11, 2024 — The antitrust authorities in Germany, Austria and Poland have approved the acquisition of Heytex core business by Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding GmbH, the parent company of Mehler Texnologies. Heytex core business with three production locations (in Germany and China) and all headquarter-related functions will therefore become part of the newly-formed specialist for coated technical textiles.

Heytex Group core business now part of Freudenberg Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

“We are delighted that Heytex has become part of Freudenberg Performance Materials. This lays the foundation for the two strong brands Mehler Texnologies and Heytex to grow together for the benefit of customers,” Dr. Andreas Raps, CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials and Member of the Freudenberg Group Executive Council, commented. He went on to say: “Mehler Texnologies and Heytex will make up the newly-formed Coated Technical Textiles Division at Freudenberg Performance Materials. Hans-Dieter Kohake, former CEO of the Heytex Group, will contribute Heytex’s expertise to the management team. As Senior Vice President, Dr. Henk R. Randau will lead the business going forward.”

With this merger, Mehler Texnologies and Heytex are expanding their technology platform and their global market presence, and increasing their R&D capacities. This will generate additional leverage for the development of innovative solutions for their joint customers.

Heytex operates worldwide and is a perfect match for Freudenberg Performance Materials, because its success is based on foundations such as innovation, customer orientation and outstanding quality. The Bramsche, Neugersdorf and Zhangjiagang sites will play a key role in the future direction of the technical textiles business at Freudenberg Performance Materials due to their good investment status and the expected synergies.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Notox Surfboards Harness European Flax To Conquer The World’s Biggest Waves In Nazaré

PARIS — December 11, 2024 — The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp proudly announces that Libeco, a key member of the Alliance, is enabling cutting-edge performance in extreme surf conditions with its flax reinforcements, as showcased in collaboration with Notox Surfboards. Libeco’s flax materials will power professional big wave surfer Clément Roseyro’s quest to conquer Nazaré’s legendary waves this winter.

Notox, an artisan producer of eco-friendly surfboards based in the Basque Country, has unveiled a line of tow-in surfboards custom-built for Clément Roseyro. Designed specifically for the Nazaré Big Waves Challenge in Portugal, these boards incorporate a mix of carefully chosen sustainable materials including:

  • Flax fibre woven reinforcements from Libeco for optimal strength, vibration damping, and control at high speeds.
  • Upcycled carbon fibre fabrics from Airbus, repurposing aerospace-grade materials for peak performance.
  • GreenPoxy 56 bio-resin from Sicomin for reduced environmental impact.
  • Agave cores for lightweight durability.

The Notox boards are heavier and more robust than conventional surfboards, with a denser foam core

and reinforced stringer to withstand the extreme forces of 15m+ waves. This careful engineering ensures superior strength, stability, and momentum in Nazaré’s heavy surf conditions.

“The new tow-in boards for Clément are a fusion of high-performance composite technology and sustainable design,” comments Pierre Pomiers, CEO of Notox. “Crafted by master shaper Benoit Rameix and featuring artwork by Luc Rolland, these boards represent the latest in eco-conscious innovation. We are thrilled to offer Clément the safest and most sustainable ride possible in Nazaré’s waves.”

The Notox boards also carry the prestigious Sustainable Surf Gold Level ECOBOARD certification, the highest standard for eco-friendly boards. Combining top-tier technical performance with significantly reduced environmental impact, they will be the only certified ECOBOARDs at this season’s Nazaré big wave events.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp

55 Years Of Collaboration: Parkdale And Trützschler’s Ongoing Partnership

NEUBULACH, Germany — December 11, 2024 — Parkdale is a top global provider of spun yarns, and a top partner for Trützschler too. The collaboration stretches back more than 50 years and is now gathering momentum for the future, driven by a shared focus on continuous improvement for quality, innovation and sustainability. The latest step forward for this long customer relationship? Our SUPERTIP card clothing wire.

From left to right: Stefan Engel, CEO ATR, Ivan Lami, vice president, Card Wire Sales ATR, Greg Duncan, vice president, Spinning Machine Sales ATR, and Charles Heilig, president and CEO of Parkdale.

For over 108 years, Parkdale has proven to be a reliable full-service yarn supplier. Operation began at its first facility in Gastonia, N.C., producing 425 tons of thread yarn per year. Since then, it has grown into the largest consumer of cotton in the United States. Parkdale produces more than 8,000 tons per week at 21 manufacturing sites in the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America. It supplies many industries worldwide with spun yarns consisting of fiber blends including cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon and acrylic.

Today, Parkdale is a global partner for innovative yarns that supply a wide variety of industries.

Trützschler entered the US market in 1969 and almost immediately engaged in close cooperation with Parkdale. Together, the two companies have successfully identified and adapted to several big transformations within the textile industry. Those achievements are evidence of our shared focus on exploring new technologies and continuously improving production processes. As the latest step forward in this pioneering partnership, Parkdale recently ordered 34 carding machines equipped with SUPERTIP wires from Trützschler on the licker-in, cylinder and doffer roller.

Taking clothings to the next level

SUPERTIP wires are the newest innovations in Trützschler’s range of clothings. Parkdale selected these wires because they achieve big contributions to quality and precision. Specifically, the customer values the outstanding durability of SUPERTIP wires. All SUPERTIP offer a service lifetime that is up to 30-percent longer than conventional solutions, which cuts maintenance requirements by up to 25 percent. In this way, Parkdale can now minimize service disruptions and ensure smoother processes — with lower costs.

Parkdale uses a variety of SUPERTIP wires for its uniquely diverse range of applications and process parameters. In total, more than 300 versions of the SUPERTIP clothings are available — and our teams are constantly expanding that portfolio. This wide range of innovations makes certain that we always have the perfect wire for each customer’s unique needs. It also eliminates the need to grind newly fitted clothings, which further extends intervals between maintenance tasks.

“Parkdale has trusted the Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC) team to be a full-service provider for our card clothing needs. They have exceeded our expectations for quality and performance throughout our entire manufacturing network, spanning throughout the Americas. TCC continually works with our team members, looking for innovative strategies to delight our customers,” says Charles Heilig, President and CEO of Parkdale Textile Division.

Parts and people are always available

Parkdale’s recent order for SUPERTIP card clothings is an important milestone in a partnership that now extends for over half a century. The customer can rely on fast availability of parts including stationary and revolving flats, licker-ins and more. And our technical specialists are always ready to visit Parkdale’s sites and conduct full-service maintenance in line with the highest standards.

“We’re incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with this well-known industry leader,” says Greg Duncan, vice president Spinning Machine Sales American Trützschler (ATR). “Our companies have collaborated for more than five decades. Personally, I’ve worked with Parkdale for over thirty years. I know how much Parkdale values the full maintenance service that our mechanics, engineers and technologists provide — as well as our pioneering solutions for card clothing.”

Benefits of SUPERTIP

SUPERTIP stands for enormous durability, great versatility and the highest precision. These benefits have been achieved through a new, unique manufacturing process that builds on TCC’s long technological expertise in the market.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Trützschler Card Clothing GmbH

From Pre-Treatment To Finishing: Textile Chemicals & Dyes At Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 For The First Time As A Separate Product Area

FRANKFURT, Germany — December 11, 2024 — From fiber production to coating: For the first time, Techtextil bundles the range of exhibitors in the field of Textile Chemicals & Dyes in an independent product area from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt. The leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens is creating a central hub for suppliers and users. It thus emphasizes the increasing demand and relevance of Textile Chemicals & Dyes for the global textile industry.

Techtextil 2026 concentrates Textile Chemicals & Dyes in a separate product segment for the first time. It thus emphasizes the broad range of applications and the growing economic importance of these products. The leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens is responding to the growing demand from users and the requirements of suppliers for a centralized and concentrated industry platform for textile chemicals and dyes. Techtextil is creating new synergies with this future bundling. Textile Chemicals & Dyes will be located in the same hall as Fibers and Yarns and Performance Apparel Textiles. Preliminary stages, suppliers and users will come together in the immediate proximity of each other. This makes it easier for them to communicate specific requirements and needs and find solutions more quickly.

‘Textile Chemicals & Dyes are becoming increasingly important for the production of technical and performance textiles. At the same time, the demands on suppliers and users are increasing, for example with regard to environmental regulations or supply chains. At Techtextil, we will bring the players even closer together in future. In this way, we enable dialogue, comparability and raise even more awareness for this promising sector,’ says Sabine Scharrer, director, Brand Management Technical Textiles & Textile Processing at Messe Frankfurt.

Their growing importance is underlined by a 2021 analysis by the market research firm MarketsandMarkets. According to the study, the global market for textile chemicals is expected to grow to a volume of $33.1 billion by 2026. The study cites a number of factors as drivers of this growth, including the increasing demand for chemicals for the rapidly growing technical textiles market.

Techtextil is the most important international platform for technical textiles, nonwovens, functional apparel textiles and textile technologies. Textile Chemicals & Dyes are an important part of this portfolio and are relevant for all application areas such as outdoor and protective clothing, industry, automotive, aerospace, medical technology, filtration and construction.

Whether for nonwovens, coated textiles or functional clothing textiles – chemicals and dyes are indispensable for textile production. In various pre-treatment, dyeing and finishing processes, they determine the visual appearance of fibres, yarns, nonwovens and textile surfaces. More importantly, they give them important functions. Textile chemicals give outdoor rain jackets their water-repellent impregnation, work clothes their performance and ensure crease-free and soft bed linen despite frequent washing. Moreover, they sterilise medical textiles for safe use in operating theatres, protect erosion protection fleeces in road construction from UV radiation and make industrial textile filters oil and water repellent. They also ensure the flame protection of firefighter suits and improve the durability of airbags so that they function reliably for the life of the car.

Techtextil Frankfurt 2026 will be held from April 21 through 24, 2026.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

ANDRITZ Introduces New Pilot Line For Dry Molded Fiber Production

GRAZ, Austria — December 11, 2024 — International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production.

Coffee cup lids are one example of products made with DMF technology. Photo – ANDRITZ

Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines.

The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.

Andreas Lukas, Senior Vice President of ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile, states: “Wood pulp processing has been a core competence of ANDRITZ for a long time. Our new pilot line is an important step in advancing our solutions for responsible convenience packaging from wood pulp. By combining ANDRITZ Dan-Web’s airlaid forming capabilities with PulPac’s molding technology, we are striving for the highest capacity, product quality and flexibility in this field.”

The launch of the new DMF pilot line underscores ANDRITZ’s commitment to invest in the development of environmentally friendly solutions that support the green transition.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Source: ANDRITZ

Textile Supply Chain Trends Of 2024 And Predictions For 2025

By Rohit Dev Sethi

The textile supply chain in 2024 was defined by a focus on technology integration, sustainability, and shifts in sourcing strategies. As the industry moves into 2025, these trends are expected to evolve, with new approaches that reshape how textiles are produced, sourced, and delivered. Here, we examine the key trends that defined 2024 and provide a forecast for what lies ahead in 2025.

1. Emphasis on Sustainable and Circular Practices

2024 Recap: Sustainability has been a major focal point for the textile industry, and 2024 solidified its importance. Brands responded to consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products by adopting circular business models. Companies began rethinking their production and supply chain processes to prioritize the reduction of waste, increased use of recyclable materials, and more efficient resource usage. Circularity was driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand, with nations like the EU enforcing strict environmental regulations for textile waste management and recycling practices.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, circularity and sustainability will remain integral. The industry is likely to see an increase in collaborations between brands and recycling firms to optimize post-consumer waste management. Moreover, the focus will expand to cover more regenerative agriculture practices, pushing the shift toward eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Greater transparency around supply chain emissions is expected, with brands embracing carbon footprint certifications to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

2. Digital Transformation and Automation

2024 Recap: The integration of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain had a substantial impact on the textile supply chain in 2024. AI-powered predictive analytics helped companies forecast demand, reducing excess inventory and minimizing losses. IoT-enabled devices provided real-time data on production processes, allowing firms to monitor quality and reduce inefficiencies.

Blockchain, in particular, was significant for traceability, allowing brands to track a garment’s journey from raw material to retail. This increased transparency helped build consumer trust and supported compliance with regulatory requirements for sourcing and labor conditions.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, digital transformation will continue to advance. AI and machine learning models will become more sophisticated, allowing for even better demand forecasting and customization. Robotics and automation are expected to increase, especially in garment manufacturing, to address labor shortages and reduce production costs. Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—will see greater adoption, enabling firms to simulate and optimize supply chain scenarios in real-time.

Additionally, blockchain’s role in supply chain transparency will expand. More brands are likely to adopt this technology, as consumers continue to demand ethical sourcing and traceable products.

3. Nearshoring and Reshoring of Production

2024 Recap: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in recent years led brands to explore nearshoring and reshoring options in 2024. Many companies found that sourcing closer to home reduced lead times, improved reliability, and allowed for greater control over production. Nearshoring, particularly in the Americas and within the EU, allowed brands to respond more quickly to consumer demands and changing fashion trends.

This shift was especially relevant given the challenges of global logistics and rising freight costs, as it reduced the industry’s reliance on traditionally low-cost regions like China and Southeast Asia.

2025 Outlook: Nearshoring is set to become even more prominent in 2025. As companies increasingly seek stable and resilient supply chains, regions like Eastern Europe and North Africa will grow in importance for the EU market, while Mexico and Central America will be pivotal for North America. This shift will not only help reduce transportation emissions but also allow brands to market their products as “locally made,” a trend that resonates with consumers who prefer locally sourced products.

Furthermore, the development of automated manufacturing processes will make it financially viable to produce goods closer to end markets, further driving the nearshoring trend.

4. Enhanced Focus on Traceability and Transparency

2024 Recap: Consumers in 2024 became more aware of the social and environmental impacts of their purchases, which pressured brands to enhance supply chain transparency. Traceability technologies enabled brands to verify the origins of their raw materials and ensure ethical labor practices across the supply chain. Certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX became common, as brands sought to build credibility in sustainability.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, the focus on traceability will continue to expand. More consumers will demand proof of ethical sourcing, and brands will respond by making product origins easily accessible. Technologies like RFID tags and blockchain will be key in offering a “material passport,” allowing customers to track the journey of their purchases from farm to store. Compliance with traceability standards will become non-negotiable, especially in the EU and North America, as more legislation around ethical sourcing is expected.

5. Shift Toward Digital-First and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Models

2024 Recap: 2024 witnessed a notable shift in how consumers interacted with brands. Many brands turned to digital-first and DTC models to connect more intimately with customers and gather real-time feedback. This model allowed companies to reduce dependence on third-party retailers, enabling quicker response to trends and consumer demands. It also provided brands with valuable insights into consumer behavior, allowing for more targeted product development and marketing.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, the DTC model will gain further traction, especially for niche and sustainable brands that wish to establish a direct relationship with their customers. E-commerce platforms are expected to incorporate augmented reality (AR) and virtual try-ons to create immersive shopping experiences. Additionally, the role of data analytics in DTC will grow, as brands use it to personalize offerings and improve customer retention.

6. Rise of Slow Fashion and Customization

2024 Recap: Fast fashion saw a decline in 2024, as more consumers gravitated towards slow fashion and customization. Customers began to prioritize quality over quantity, leading brands to adopt made-to-order models and encourage mindful purchasing. Slow fashion aligns well with sustainability goals, as it reduces overproduction and waste.

2025 Outlook: In 2025, slow fashion is expected to become more mainstream, with customization options becoming a key differentiator for brands. Mass customization technologies will allow brands to offer a variety of options in styles, colors, and sizes, creating a personalized experience that meets individual needs. This trend will help reduce excess inventory and align with consumer demands for unique and ethical products.

7. Focus on Workforce Well-being and Skill Development

2024 Recap: Labor practices and workforce well-being became significant topics in 2024, with an increasing number of companies investing in fair wages, safe working conditions, and skill development programs for their employees. This shift was partially driven by consumer awareness and stricter labor laws that demanded ethical practices across the supply chain.

2025 Outlook: The focus on workforce well-being will intensify in 2025. As automation becomes more prevalent, companies will invest in reskilling their workforce to keep up with new technologies. Additionally, brands will prioritize fair treatment, and benefits for factory workers as part of their commitment to ethical practices. A focus on human rights will enhance the brand’s image, fostering trust among consumers.

Conclusion

The textile supply chain in 2024 was marked by innovation, sustainability, and resilience. As 2025 approaches, these trends will deepen, driven by advancing technology, changing consumer values, and global shifts in trade and sourcing. Brands that embrace these trends proactively will not only enhance their resilience but also appeal to an increasingly conscientious consumer base. By focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, ethical practices, and transparency, the textile supply chain will evolve to meet the challenges and expectations of the future, setting a new standard for responsible fashion.

Editor’s Note: Rohit Dev Sethi is managing director of India-based ColossusTex

December 10, 2024

SPINNOVA® Fibre Producer Woodspin And PUMA Sign Multi-Year Letter Of Intent

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — December 10, 2024 — Woodspin Oy, the producer and seller of the sustainable wood-based SPINNOVA® fibre and the global sports brand PUMA SE have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to secure access to fibre volumes for several years. Woodspin is a joint venture company of Spinnova and Suzano.

The LOI is a non-binding agreement for booking volumes of wood-based SPINNOVA® fibre from Woodspin.

Spinnova and PUMA will collaborate to develop products from SPINNOVA® fibre for future collections, particularly in products of PUMA’s Sportstyle category.

“We are very excited to announce an LOI for SPINNOVA® fibre with a major global brand like PUMA. This marks an important step in building the market and industrial adoption of SPINNOVA® fibre, which is needed to scale the fibre and Spinnova’s technology,” comments Shahriare Mahmood, Spinnova’s Chief Product and Sustainability Officer.

”This partnership with PUMA showcases the potential of sustainably sourced and renewable raw material to transform the fashion industry by inspiring and empowering people to make more sustainable choices,” says Jari Aittakari, Woodspin’s Sales Director.

“Spinnova’s innovative fibre technology represents a new gateway into the world of manmade cellulosic fibre (MMCF) production, using water instead of chemicals to help produce these fibres,” says Howard Williams, Director Global Innovation Apparel & Accessories at PUMA.

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC

NCTO Statement On Launch Of U.S. Section 301 Investigation Into Nicaragua’s Acts, Policies, And Practices Related To Human Rights, Labor Rights, And Rule Of Law

WASHINGTON — December 10, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the Biden administration’s initiation of a Section 301 investigation into Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to human rights, labor rights, and rule of law.

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas issued the following statement:

“The U.S. textile industry strongly condemns the actions of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo as detailed by the Biden administration in announcing the launch of a Section 301 investigation today.  We support upholding the fundamental principles of human rights, labor rights, and rule of law enshrined in all free trade agreements with the United States, and we appreciate that there should be repercussions for the Ortega-Murillo regime targeted towards eliciting meaningful reforms to adhere to these principles.

While we acknowledge that there should be consequences for violations of these principles by the Ortego-Murillo regime, we ask that any response by the Biden administration be carefully calibrated.  The U.S. trading relationship with Nicaragua does not exist in a vacuum given the interconnected nature of the U.S.-Central American textile and apparel supply chain.  Nicaragua is part of the U.S.-CAFTA-DR agreement, and these partner countries are part of a critically intertwined regional textile and apparel production chain supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic development in this sector.

Specifically, the U.S. textile industry exported nearly $350 million of textile and apparel products directly to Nicaragua last year, making it the third largest export destination in the CAFTA-DR region.  Furthermore, many in the U.S. textile industry export yarns and fabrics to other countries in the region such as Honduras and Guatemala for fabric formation and/or finishing before being shipped to Nicaragua for final assembly.

Additionally, there is $1.1 billion in two-way textile and apparel trade primarily between the Northern Triangle countries and Nicaragua to make apparel for the U.S. market.  These intra-regional shipments, combined with U.S. exports to Nicaragua, represent an estimated $1.5 billion in overall trade of textile inputs within the coproduction chain among the U.S., Nicaragua, and the rest of the CAFTA-DR region.

Any U.S. penalty actions against Nicaragua should be leveled at those directly responsible for the abuses and not in a manner that harms working people.  Notably, the textile and apparel sector is the largest employer of women in Nicaragua.  Furthermore, placing 301 tariffs on textile and apparel trade with Nicaragua would in effect reward China by bolstering their competitive position relative to the CAFTA-DR region.

Destabilizing the U.S.-CAFTA-DR production platform would have serious implications for U.S. and regional workers, migration, economic development, and pending and future investment.  We stand ready to assist the U.S. Trade Representative’s office as it conducts its investigation and will further engage in the public comment process to promote a policy response that advances and balances shared values of fairness, opportunity, and economic stability in the Americas.”

Posted: December 10, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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