.png)
Industry News | 9/2/2026
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | CreateMe Strengthens Leadership Team To Accelerate Commercialization of U.S.-Based AI-Powered Apparel Manufacturing
Press Release | September 1, 2026
SPESA member CreateMe Technologies announced three leadership appointments as it moves from technology development and early partnerships toward broader commercialization of its U.S.-based automated apparel manufacturing platform. The new executives bring experience in commercialization, operations, and brand partnerships as CreateMe scales its AI- and robotics-powered manufacturing technology.
Apparel’s Tariff Map Just Changed; Who Gains the Advantage
Fibre2Fashion | September 1, 2026
U.S. apparel imports fell 7.8% in the first half of 2026, but sourcing trends varied widely by country, with Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam gaining ground while China and India saw sharp declines. New Section 301 tariffs could further reshape sourcing decisions, giving Cambodia and other lower-tariff suppliers an advantage while qualifying CAFTA-DR and USMCA goods benefit from exemptions that may strengthen the case for nearshoring.
Global Garment Trade Nears $550 Billion as Synthetic Fibers Gain Share
Fibre2Fashion | September 1, 2026
Global knit and woven garment exports approached $550 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 60% of worldwide textile exports, with China remaining the leading exporter and Bangladesh and Vietnam rising to second and third place. The report highlights the continued shift toward synthetic and man-made fibres, which are capturing a growing share of apparel trade and increasing pressure on cotton to strengthen its quality and competitiveness.
Cooling Overheated Summer Railways with 'Thermal-Blocking Textile' Technology
Newswise | September 1, 2026
We love a creative use of textiles. To combat extreme heat waves intensified by climate change, researchers at the Korea Railroad Research Institute have developed a rail-mounted textile system that reflects solar radiation and can be installed and retrieved automatically. Field demonstrations reduced maximum rail temperatures by as much as 10.9 degrees Celsius, offering a water-free approach to preventing heat-related rail deformation and service disruptions.
Acquisition Strengthens Cyncly's Furniture Manufacturing Portfolio
Furniture News | September 1, 2026
Cyncly has acquired German furniture-manufacturing software provider imos, adding advanced CAD/CAM, automation, and machine-integration capabilities to its portfolio. The combination is intended to create a more connected, AI-ready workflow from product design through manufacturing, helping furniture producers reduce errors, optimize materials, and improve throughput.
AAFA Applauds Congressional Passage of Two-Year Extension of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs
Textile World | September 1, 2026
AAFA welcomed congressional passage of a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Haiti’s HOPE/HELP trade-preference programs. The legislation would maintain duty-free access for eligible products through December 31, 2028, while AAFA continues to advocate for a longer-term renewal that gives brands, retailers, and manufacturers greater sourcing certainty.
U.S. & Canada Trade Tensions Escalate
SPESA Tariff & Trade Update | September 1, 2026
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are escalating following new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Canada announced 15%, 25%, and 50% counter-tariffs on C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports, effective September 8th, targeting products including clothing and carpets.
The growing dispute is raising concerns about higher costs and disruption across deeply integrated North American supply chains, particularly for manufacturers and consumer-goods companies that rely on cross-border sourcing. Canada has also announced additional support for businesses and workers affected by the tariffs as both countries adjust to the changing trade environment.
Check out Canada’s full list of counter tariffs here. You can also read Fibre2Fashion’s coverage on the tariffs here.
For additional coverage on the rapidly changing trade landscape, be sure to check out our past tariff and trade updates here and here.
New Yorkers Have Paid the Most Tariffs on Apparel
Sourcing Journal | September 1, 2026
Using a new state-by-state tariff tracker from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, the article reports that New Yorkers have paid more apparel and fashion tariffs than residents of any other state. The tracker estimates New York’s overall tariff burden since January 2025 at approximately $15 billion, or about $1,856 per household.
This Oregon Apparel Manufacturer Makes Clothes To Last a Lifetime
Alliance for American Manufacturing | September 1, 2026
Portland-based Dehen 1920 has spent more than a century manufacturing high-quality American-made apparel, with a focus on durable wool sweaters, varsity jackets, and outerwear designed to be worn for years rather than seasons. The family-owned company continues to knit, cut, and sew much of its collection in its 20,000-square-foot Oregon factory, combining traditional manufacturing methods with a modern direct-to-consumer business.
London Scientists Win Award for Developing Major Alternative to ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Textiles
FashionNetwork | September 1, 2026
London-based Demeter Bio has received a Royal Society of Chemistry award for developing Fibrepel, a bio-based coating intended to replace PFAS in textiles and packaging. The technology aims to deliver water- and oil-repellent performance without relying on persistent “forever chemicals,” with the award supporting its progression toward commercial production.
Brazil Claims Top Cotton Exporter Spot Over U.S. with Record Revenue
Just Style | September 1, 2026
Brazil exported a record 3.37 million metric tons of cotton between August 2025 and July 2026, surpassing the United States to become the world’s largest cotton exporter. The country’s export volume increased 19% year over year, reflecting continued investment in production, traceability, and access to major textile-manufacturing markets.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Closing the AI Value Gap: How Fashion Can Grow Its Technology ROI
Sourcing Journal (Partner Content) | August 31, 2026
New Aptean research shows that AI adoption across fashion and apparel is accelerating, but many companies are still struggling to fully integrate the technology into core operations and demonstrate measurable returns. The findings point to growing interest in industry-specific AI for areas such as forecasting, supply chain management, and decision-making, while data quality and implementation remain major hurdles.
Exhibitors: Techtextil North America 2026 Delivers Quality Connections, Strong Leads in Raleigh
eTextileCommunications | August 27, 2026
Exhibitors at Techtextil North America 2026, held August 4-6 in Raleigh, reported strong leads, productive conversations, and high-quality connections with decision-makers across the technical textiles and nonwovens industry. The event brought together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators from across the value chain, reinforcing the importance of face-to-face collaboration and creating new business opportunities throughout the sector.
Better Cotton Initiative Partners with Avalo in AI Plant Breeding for Climate-Resilient Cotton
Press Release | August 27, 2026
Better Cotton is partnering with agricultural technology company Avalo to use artificial intelligence in the development of more climate-resilient cotton varieties. The collaboration aims to identify plants that require less water and fertilizer while helping growers access seeds better adapted to local environmental conditions.
Spinnova Announces Public Filing of SEC Registration Statement for Proposed U.S. Initial Public Offering and Dual Listing
Press Release | August 27, 2026
Spinnova has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed initial public offering and listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, in addition to its existing Finnish listing. The company is targeting at least $15 million in gross proceeds to support commercialization, ramp up its demonstration facility, and fund general corporate activities.
Silky Smooth: How Luxury Is Shaping Fiber Choices in Denim
Sourcing Journal | August 27, 2026
Denim producers are experimenting with silk, cashmere, and other premium fibers to create softer, smoother, and more elevated fabrics. By blending these materials with cotton, mills and brands can introduce greater comfort and refinement while maintaining the familiar character and durability associated with denim.
Fashion’s 80% AI Production Gap
Just Style | August 27, 2026
A survey of fashion professionals found that artificial intelligence is having a much greater impact on marketing than on production, creating what the report describes as an 80% adoption gap. Production activities such as technical packages, sampling, documentation, and factory handoffs continue to lag, highlighting the need for better-integrated data and workflow systems.
With Digital Twins and AI Vision, It’s Now All Eyes on the Factory Line
Sourcing Journal | August 27, 2026
Textile manufacturers are exploring artificial intelligence for real-time inspection and defect detection while using digital twins to create virtual replicas of machinery, production lines, and factories. Together, the technologies can help companies test changes, identify problems earlier, reduce downtime, and improve production efficiency without disrupting physical operations.
How Big Box Retailers Are Using Tariff Refunds
Supply Chain Dive | August 26, 2026
Major retailers are using tariff refunds to offset costs and support pricing strategies, with Walmart receiving approximately $2.9 billion and Target receiving nearly $1 billion. Home Depot and Lowe’s are also applying refunds toward cost pressures, demonstrating how the payments could influence retail margins, consumer pricing, and future investments.
New Textile Manufacturing Expo To Launch in Charlotte Next Year Alongside Recycling Event
FashionUnited | August 26, 2026
The new Textiles Manufacturing Expo will debut April 7-8, 2027, at the Charlotte Convention Center alongside Textiles Recycling Expo USA. The combined events will cover the textile lifecycle from fibers, yarns, and manufacturing equipment to chemical processes, software, and recycling. Show producer Applied Market Information (AMI) is a member of The Alphabet Soup Collective.
Vietnam Cements Position as USA’s Top Textiles-Apparel Supplier, EU Is Fifth
FashionNetwork USA | August 26, 2026
Vietnam supplied approximately $8.7 billion in textiles and apparel to the U.S. during the first half of 2026, placing it ahead of China, Bangladesh, and India. While imports from several major sourcing countries declined, Vietnam recorded growth.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AI Sizing and Fit Experts in Conversation for FashionUnited
FashionUnited (Partner Content) | August 25, 2026
Alvanon experts explore how AI shopping tools are changing apparel discovery while also exposing persistent challenges around sizing and fit. They emphasize that brands need consistent sizing standards, accurate product information and better use of returns data to reduce costly fit-related returns and make AI-driven recommendations more reliable.
Circ Expands Access to Recycled Fibers Through Partnership Agreement with Shenghong
Press Release | August 25, 2026
Chinese fiber producer Shenghong will purchase recycled PET chips from Circ and convert them into polyester filament yarn. The agreement creates an industrial-scale pathway for polyester recovered from blended textile waste, helping Circ move its recycled materials closer to broader commercial adoption.
Crowley Launches Central America–Port Houston Ocean Service
Supply Chain Dive | August 25, 2026
Crowley is launching a direct weekly ocean service connecting Guatemala and Honduras with Port Houston, supporting shipments of apparel, fresh produce, retail goods, and industrial products. The route is designed to shorten transit times, reduce reliance on transshipment, and help shippers improve inventory planning between Central America and the United States.
Levi’s Cybersecurity Breach Puts Apparel Industry Risks in Focus
Sourcing Journal | August 25, 2026
Levi Strauss disclosed that an unauthorized party used social engineering to access three employees’ computers and remove company data, although the company did not expect the incident to materially affect operations. The breach underscores the apparel industry’s exposure through employee and third-party access, reinforcing the need for stronger identity verification, monitoring, and data controls.
Cambodia Rolls Out Skills Framework for Textile, Apparel Industries
Fibre2Fashion | August 20, 2026
Cambodia has launched its first sector-specific national skills framework for the textile and apparel industries. The digital platform maps job roles, required competencies, and career pathways, helping employers better align workforce development with the industry’s evolving needs.
ICYMI | U.S. De Minimis Elimination Upheld by Trade Court
Supply Chain Dive | August 14, 2024
A U.S. trade court upheld the elimination of the de minimis exemption, meaning low-value imports under $800 can continue to face the same duties and taxes as higher-value shipments. The decision is a setback for importers and e-commerce companies that relied on de minimis treatment to reduce costs, although the exemption was already scheduled to end under federal law in 2027.
