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ITMF: Global textile sector improves slightly but challenges remain

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March – yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last. The new survey shows a business situation balance rising to −17 percentage points (pp) from −25pp in March. Business expectations climbed to +16pp (from +5pp), order intake to −9pp (from −25pp), backlogs to 2.5 months and capacity utilization to 74%. Order cancellations stayed contained and inventories lean low. The direction is encouraging, but the levels rest on a thin and fragile cushion. Read More