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Industry News | 6/17/2026
- Jun 17
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Preserving Trade Deal with Mexico and Canada Is Key to Revival of U.S. Textile Manufacturing
Washington Examiner | June 16, 2026
This op-ed from NCTO’s Kim Glas calls for preserving the USMCA as a key driver of U.S. textile industry growth, arguing that North America's integrated supply chain supports manufacturing jobs, investment, and regional competitiveness. Glas warns that weakening the agreement could jeopardize efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on China.
IAF Launches Manifesto for Smart, Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing
Fibre2Fashion | June 16, 2026
The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has launched a new manifesto calling on apparel brands, retailers, and manufacturers to move beyond lowest-cost sourcing and instead focus on end-to-end productivity, supply chain resilience, and smarter collaboration. The roadmap argues that the industry's biggest inefficiencies stem from overproduction, excess inventory, and poor demand alignment, and outlines a vision for more flexible, productive, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Messe Frankfurt’s Textile Platforms Make Material Progress Tangible
Design Milk | June 16, 2026
This Design Milk feature highlights how Messe Frankfurt is using its textile platforms — Techtextil, Texprocess, and Heimtextil — to connect material innovation, manufacturing technology, and market applications across the global textile industry. The article emphasizes the growing importance of sustainability, AI, digitalization, bio-based materials, and integrated production systems, positioning these trade fairs as key hubs where new ideas move from research and development into real-world commercial applications.
The Infrastructure Gap: Why Fashion’s Tech Stalled on the Factory Floor
Sourcing Journal | June 12, 2026
PDS, a global manufacturing and sourcing powerhouse, has partnered with Future Fashion Assembly, a collaborative showroom and curated digital marketplace to launch a new framework designed to help fashion companies move emerging technologies from pilot projects to real-world implementation. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption by providing brands and manufacturers with a structured approach to evaluating, testing, and scaling solutions across the supply chain.
SPESA NEWS | Registration Opens for 2026 SPESA Executive Conference in San Antonio
Press Release | June 11, 2026
We’re excited to announce that registration is open for the 2026 SPESA Executive Conference. This year’s event will take place October 28-30 in San Antonio, TX. The annual SPESA Executive Conference is a key education and networking event for SPESA members, their customers, and anyone interested in learning more about the current issues, trends, and policies impacting the global sewn products industry. Click here to register for the conference!
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AFFOA Celebrates Opening of New Headquarters with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Bedford, Massachusetts
Press Release | June 11, 2026
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts, marking a significant investment in the future of advanced textiles and U.S. manufacturing innovation. The new facility is designed to strengthen collaboration across industry, government, and academia while accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation functional fabrics and workforce training initiatives.
Jack Technology Collaborates with Siemens To Advance Intelligent Apparel Manufacturing with Industrial AI and Humanoid Robotics
Press Release | June 11, 2026
Jack Technology has partnered with Siemens to advance intelligent apparel manufacturing by integrating AI, digital engineering tools, and automation technologies into production environments. The collaboration aims to improve efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness as the industry continues its shift toward more connected, data-driven manufacturing.
Tariff Refunds May Soon Cover More Entries — But Not Without a Fight
Supply Chain Dive | June 11, 2026
A growing legal battle could expand the scope of U.S. tariff refunds beyond the entries currently covered by Customs and Border Protection's CAPE refund process, potentially allowing more importers to recover duties paid under the now-invalidated IEEPA tariffs. However, the federal government is challenging court orders that would require refunds for certain finalized entries, creating ongoing uncertainty about who will ultimately qualify and how much money businesses may be able to recover.
FEDTEX 2026 Draws Record Crowd as Defense Textile Sector Focuses on Resilience, Innovation
eTextileCommunications | June 11, 2026
FEDTEX 2026 drew record attendance as leaders from the defense textile and advanced materials sectors gathered to discuss strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and innovation. The event highlighted growing interest in advanced textiles, workforce development, and public-private collaboration as the industry works to meet evolving military requirements while reducing vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.
Several SPESA members participated in FEDTEX 2026, including Henderson Sewing Machine Co., SourceAmerica, SEAMS, and AFFOA.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Keeping Products Moving with Swedish Automation at FILTECH 2026
Press Release | June 9, 2026
SPESA member Eton Systems is showcasing its automated material handling solutions at FILTECH 2026, demonstrating how manufacturers can boost efficiency, improve traceability, and reduce labor-intensive processes. The technology has delivered significant productivity gains for filtration producers operating in high-mix manufacturing environments.
Survey: Global Footwear Executives Are Less Optimistic Now Than They Were in Fall 2025
Footwear News | June 9, 2026
A new World Footwear Business Conditions Survey found that footwear executives are growing more cautious about the global business outlook, citing geopolitical instability, trade tensions, and rising costs as key concerns for the industry. While companies remain focused on growth opportunities, respondents identified uncertainty surrounding tariffs and supply chain disruptions as significant risks that could impact business performance in the months ahead.
EU Researchers Aim To Scale Algae-Based Textile Innovation
Sourcing Journal | June 10, 2026
Researchers across Europe are working to scale the use of algae-based materials in textiles, exploring how locally sourced algae can serve as a renewable alternative to conventional fibers, dyes, and textile inputs. The projects aim to reduce the industry's reliance on fossil fuel-based materials while creating more regionalized, circular supply chains that support both sustainability and material innovation.
U.S. Manufacturers Have a Technology Adoption Problem, Experts Say
Manufacturing Dive | June 10, 2026
Industry leaders speaking at New York City Tech Week argued that the U.S. doesn't have a technology problem, it has a technology-adoption problem. While AI, robotics, and automation tools are increasingly available, manufacturers often struggle with workforce readiness, leadership alignment, systems integration, and implementation strategies, leaving the U.S. lagging behind countries with more coordinated automation initiatives.
New Tariffs Could Shift Costs onto Suppliers and Workers, Cascale Says
Sourcing Journal | June 10, 2026
A new analysis from Cascale and Better Buying warns that the latest Section 301 tariffs could place additional financial pressure on garment suppliers and workers if brands respond by demanding lower prices or shifting costs down the supply chain. The organizations are urging brands and retailers to adopt responsible purchasing practices to ensure suppliers remain financially viable and workers are not disproportionately impacted by trade policy changes.
Eileen Fisher Explores Remanufacturing at Scale in California
Sourcing Journal | June 9, 2026
Eileen Fisher is expanding its efforts to remanufacture returned garments into new products, testing how circular fashion programs can operate at greater scale. The initiative aims to extend product lifecycles while advancing the company's broader sustainability and circularity goals.
69% of Manufacturing Facilities Lack Climate Strategies as Heat Risks Rise
Just Style | June 9, 2026
Just Style recently reported on the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)'s 2025 Impact Report that found that most manufacturing facilities are not developing formal plans to manage the impacts of climate change, despite widespread exposure of workers to unsafe levels of indoor heat. In other news, research from the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights found that extreme heat is disrupting garment factories across South and Southeast Asia.
Both the Just Style article and NYU research highlight the importance of brands, manufacturers, and suppliers working collaboratively to invest in heat mitigation, worker protections, and facility-level adaptation strategies.
Support Systems: How the Denim Industry Embraces the Workflow Benefits of AI
Sourcing Journal | June 8, 2026
Denim brands and manufacturers are increasingly adopting AI to streamline product development, sourcing, design, and finishing processes, allowing teams to work faster and make more informed decisions while reducing waste. Companies such as Levi’s and Jeanologia emphasize that AI is not replacing human creativity, but rather serving as a tool to improve efficiency, accelerate workflows, and support more sustainable production practices.
Forever Chemicals Levels Drop After State Laws Phase Out PFAS in Textiles
Press Release | June 8, 2026
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that state-level restrictions on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in textiles are driving significant reductions in their use across apparel and consumer products. Testing of more than 100 products showed that most now comply with PFAS limits in states such as California and New York, demonstrating that manufacturers can successfully transition to safer alternatives while reducing potential environmental and health risks.
Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland-U.S. Ties
Scottish Government | June 7, 2026
Here’s a fun one for y’all (or ye aw?). Scotland is marking 250 years of American independence with something only Scotland could contribute: a brand-new tartan. Designed by Heriot-Watt student Kaci McEwan, the commemorative pattern weaves together the stories of the original 13 colonies, the Fourth of July, and the centuries-long friendship between Scotland and the United States.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | How Data-Driven Precision Is Changing Modern Manufacturing
Sourcing Journal | June 5, 2026
A recent Sourcing Journal article argues "Investing in and moving toward 'Manufacturing 4.0' is not a choice, but a necessity and a survival mandate fueled by volatile supply chains, rising material costs and a tightening net of global sustainability regulations."
Within this transformation, there are two distinct, but intersecting fronts: the digital nervous system of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) environment and the physical precision of the automated cutting room. Alain Tessier, director of product management at SPESA member Aptean, and John Brearley, president, Americas at SPESA member Lectra, are at the forefront of this evolution, providing the tools that allow manufacturers to move from reactive “firefighting” to proactive, data-centric flow management.
China Supply Chain Regulations Could Complicate Sourcing for Global Brands
Just Style | June 5, 2026
China's new supply chain regulations could complicate sourcing and compliance efforts for global brands by creating potential conflicts between Chinese law and international supply chain due diligence requirements. The changes add another layer of risk and complexity for companies managing China-linked supply chains.
AAPN, VESTEX Partner To Launch Source Guatemala To Explore Opportunities in Western Hemisphere
Press Release via eTextileCommunications | June 4, 2026
AAPN and VESTEX have partnered to launch Source Guatemala, a new sourcing initiative designed to showcase Guatemala’s growing role in the Western Hemisphere apparel supply chain. The program will connect brands and retailers with regional manufacturers and suppliers, highlighting opportunities for nearshoring, faster lead times, and greater supply chain resilience.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Aptean Appoints Yama Habibzai as Chief Marketing Officer
Press Release | June 3, 2026
Aptean has appointed Yama Habibzai as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in enterprise software, cloud computing, and technology marketing to support the company’s next phase of growth. In his new role, Habibzai will lead Aptean’s global marketing strategy as the company expands its AI-powered solutions for manufacturers and distributors, helping customers improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
ICYMI | Must-see Trade Shows: How To Make Events Indispensable as Costs Rise
California Apparel News | May 15, 2026
The article explores how trade shows are evolving to remain essential in a higher-cost business environment, with SPESA partners at Messe Frankfurt highlighting the importance of meaningful connections, education, and business development opportunities.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Ownership and Authority with ISAIC's Jen Guarino
The Mechanism Podcast | April 23, 2026
In this episode of The Mechanism Podcast, ISAIC President & CEO Jen Guarino explores the relationship between ownership, authority, and worker empowerment, arguing that stronger manufacturing organizations are built when employees have a meaningful voice in decision-making. The conversation highlights how fostering trust, accountability, and shared responsibility can create more resilient workplaces and support the long-term success of the apparel and textile industry.
