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Textiles Recycling Expo issues call for speakers

Textiles Recycling Expo USA is inviting industry experts, innovators and researchers to submit speaker proposals for its 2027 conference, which takes place from 7th – 8th April at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina.

With organisers now building the programme for the second edition, the conference programme is expanding its focus to explore the role of re-use and repair, and the responsibilities the US textiles industry has to countries in the global south

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H&M to restructure sustainability focus in Spain

H&M is restructuring its sustainability management in Spain in a wider effort to embed environmental and social responsibility across all functions and departments of the business.

As part of the reorganisation, Nuria Ramírez, who has served as sustainability director for the Spanish market for more than a decade, is leaving the Swedish retailer.

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AI shopping assistants deprioritising American-made goods, says AAM

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) has asked the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether AI-powered shopping assistants used by major online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, make it harder for consumers to find American-made goods while directing them toward imported alternatives.

AAM president Scott Paul said: “Consumers should not have to outsmart an algorithm to find American-made products.

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Vietnam reports textile export gains despite weakened demand

The Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS) says the sector recorded export turnover of $22.2 billion in the first half of 2026, a 1.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The sector maintained a trade surplus of nearly $10 billion, despite weak global demand and intensifying competition.

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Cambodian workers demand higher minimum wage reforms

Cambodia’s garment, footwear and travel-goods workers have opened formal talks for a higher 2027 minimum wage, arguing the current $210 monthly floor no longer covers basic living costs amid rising food and fuel prices.

The National Minimum Wage Council held its first meeting to begin setting next year’s rate for the sectors that employ nearly one million workers

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More than 400 Bangladesh RMG factories have closed since 2023; gas crisis continues

BGMEA data says more than 400 ready-made garment (RMG) factories closed in Bangladesh between July 2023 and June 2026.

Of the closures, 282 were BGMEA member factories, and 120 were BKMEA members.

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Lululemon sales decline

Lululemon has reported declining sales and profit in its second-quarter (Q2) financial results.

Net revenue fell 4% year on year to $2.416 billion, with comparable sales down 9%.

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Cone Denim to exit Chinese operations in strategic transformation

Cone Denim has announced a strategic transformation that includes exiting its Chinese manufacturing operations by the end of the year.

Following a review of its manufacturing footprint and customer sourcing needs, the company will focus on its Mexico platform, operating mills in Parras and Yecapixtla.

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New Jersey bans intentionally added PFAS in most clothing

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a law that prohibits the sale, manufacture and distribution of most apparel containing intentionally added PFAS.

Violations fall under New Jersey’s Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act and may result in administrative orders, civil action or penalties of $1,000 to $20,000 per violation.

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Indonesia strengthens controls on textile imports

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has strengthened controls on textile imports, saying the measures balance domestic supply and demand while protecting local manufacturers.

Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif said the policy is not intended to hinder business but to ensure imported volumes match actual domestic market needs.

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