Highlights from the IAF Spring Meeting Conference in Porto
Beyond Compliance: How Smarter Supply Chains Create Stronger, More Profitable Partnerships
On May 22, 2025, the International Apparel Federation (IAF), in partnership with ATP – Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal, hosted its annual Spring Meeting Conference in Porto. With a packed room of industry leaders, the afternoon featured powerful keynote insights, global panel discussions, and dynamic exchanges focused on the apparel industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
Keynote Presentations: Innovation at the Core
The conference opened with a series of thought-provoking presentations:
Cem Altan, President of IAF, addressed the global impact of the US tariff crisis on the apparel industry, emphasizing the harm caused by trade uncertainty and calling for stronger, long-term buyer-supplier partnerships. He highlighted IAF’s initiatives like STTI and a new manufacturer-led decarbonization program, urging the industry to shift away from cost-driven practices toward value creation and resilience.
Mário Jorge Machado, President of EURATEX, celebrated Portugal’s leadership in innovation, showcasing national strengths in sustainable and technologically advanced manufacturing.
Lutz Walter, Secretary General of Textile ETP, delivered a deep dive into digital and manufacturing technology innovation, emphasizing the urgent need for the textile and apparel industry to embrace transformation in order to stay competitive. He highlighted key challenges such as regulatory demands, digitalization gaps, and workforce shortages, while showcasing opportunities through AI, robotics, virtual design, and integrated data-driven supply chains.
Global Trade Panel: US Tariffs and the Great Disruption of the Global Trading Order
A high-level panel moderated by IAF Secretary General Matthijs Crietee explored the global implications of U.S. tariffs and the disruption of the international trade order, with insights from leaders representing Türkiye, Belgium, India, China, Brazil, and Chinese Taipei. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for a unified industry voice and stronger global policy dialogue to safeguard the interests of apparel manufacturers in an increasingly volatile trade environment.
Panelists:
Cem Altan IAF President, TCMA Vice President, Türkiye
Dirk Vantyghem Director General Euratex, Belgium
Sanjay Jain Group CEO PDS Ltd, India
Cao Jiachang IAF Vice President, President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles, China
Fernando Pimentel IAF Vice President, President of Abit, Brazil
Justin Huang President Taiwan Textile Federation, Chinese Taipei
Smarter Collaboration, Stronger Business
The second panel addressed the critical question: Can brands and manufacturers truly thrive together? With candid insights from Brad Ballentine (MAS ACME) , Laura Koedijk (Studio Anneloes) and Hélder Rosendo, the session emphasized the importance of transparency, trust, and shared incentives in fostering resilient, long-term partnerships
On May 23, the second day featured IAF Board and committee meetings, concluding with an exclusive factory visit to Riopele, one of Portugal’s leading textile manufacturers. Participants witnessed how innovation, sustainability, and local production can thrive together in a competitive global market.
A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, panelists, and participants for making the IAF Spring Conference another meaningful step forward for our global apparel community.
