Euratex joins several other European fashion industry associations as well as those representing other industries and businesses in declaring the EU-Mercosur Agreement will be a "critical element in ensuring the EU's long-term competitiveness". The associations, which include the European Footwear Confederation (CEC), the European Branded Clothing Association (EBCA) and the Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE), state: "In this unprecedented tim ...

Core Insights - The report focuses on the Chinese textile and apparel industry, analyzing macroeconomic factors and sustainability initiatives during a period of transformation [1][2][3] Macroeconomic View - China's GDP is projected to reach approximately $19 trillion by 2024, with the textile and apparel sector contributing 8.7% to total export revenue in 2023, equating to $165 billion in garment exports, which represents 31.6% of the global market share [1][15][18] - The industry provides around 7.8 million jobs, with over 60% of the workforce being women, highlighting its significance in employment [1][18] - The domestic market is robust, with 70-80% of clothing produced in China being consumed locally, supported by a fully integrated supply chain [21] Sustainability Initiatives - The textile industry emits approximately 230 million metric tons of CO2 annually, accounting for 2.8% of China's industrial emissions, prompting various decarbonization initiatives [2][23] - The Chinese government has set ambitious targets to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, aligning with global sustainability goals [10][22] - Initiatives such as the LCAplus platform by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) aim to enhance carbon data transparency and support emissions reduction efforts [2][13] Energy Efficiency and Emissions - The average environmental performance score for Chinese facilities is 49 out of 100, indicating room for improvement, particularly in energy management [33] - In 2023, coal accounted for 60% of electricity generation in China, but the share of renewable energy sources is increasing, with wind and solar reaching 16% [43][44] - Companies are investing in energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading equipment and utilizing renewable energy sources, to reduce emissions and improve productivity [28][45] Competitive Landscape - The "China+1" strategy is leading to some production capacity moving abroad, but China maintains a strong position in high-end and fast-response orders [3] - The export market is diversifying, with growth in emerging markets and benefits from regional trade agreements like RCEP [3] - The industry faces challenges such as reliance on coal, compliance pressures for small factories, and rising labor costs, but also opportunities in renewable energy and smart manufacturing [3][19] Workforce and Social Responsibility - The textile and apparel sector plays a crucial role in social development, lifting millions out of poverty, but challenges remain in ensuring decent working conditions and fair wages [50][51] - Factory wages have increased, with minimum wages varying by region, impacting competitiveness and prompting some factories to upgrade or relocate [51] - Labor laws are evolving, with a push for better work-life balance and compliance with international labor standards, influenced by global market pressures [52][54]

Core Viewpoint - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.45% on August 22, with the electronic and communication sectors leading the gains, increasing by 4.82% and 3.77% respectively [1] Market Performance - A total of 24 industries saw an increase today, with the electronic industry at the top of the gainers list [1] - The banking and textile sectors experienced the largest declines [1] Capital Flow - The net inflow of capital in the two markets reached 25.419 billion yuan, with 12 industries experiencing net inflows [1] - The electronic industry had the highest net inflow of capital, amounting to 15.132 billion yuan, coinciding with its 4.82% increase [1] - Conversely, 19 industries faced net outflows, with the pharmaceutical and biological sector leading with a net outflow of 3.446 billion yuan [1] Electronic Industry Details - Within the electronic industry, there are 467 stocks, of which 357 rose today, and 12 hit the daily limit up, while 100 declined [1] - The electronic industry's capital inflow statistics indicate a strong interest from investors [1]

Group 1 - The core objective is to focus on the '1+2+4+N' target task system to promote high-quality development and efficient governance in Zhoukou, aiming to contribute significantly to the construction of a national regional central port city [1][2] - The city plans to accelerate the development of a strong advanced manufacturing industry by nurturing strategic emerging industries such as biodegradable materials, biomedicine, and intelligent components, while upgrading traditional industries like textiles and special steel [1] - Zhoukou aims to enhance the digital transformation of enterprises, focusing on increasing the intelligence, sustainability, and profitability of the manufacturing sector through a structured approach [1] Group 2 - The construction of a port-type national logistics hub is prioritized, with a focus on developing the Zhoukou Port small collection operation area and dedicated railway lines to enhance modern, professional, and intelligent inland shipping [2] - The city intends to promote cultural prosperity by leveraging its status as a national historical and cultural city, aiming to develop a cultural tourism industry as a pillar of the local economy [2]