China’s textile and apparel exports rose 17.64 per cent to $50.45 billion in January–February 2026, signalling a strong rebound after 2025’s decline.
Growth was driven by improved global demand, early orders, and competitive pricing.
Both textiles and garments saw gains, while imports also increased, indicating higher raw material demand and a broader recovery across the value chain.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is set for a major expansion. The company will invest Rs 1,580 crore to open 20 new showrooms by March 2026. This will increase its global presence to 445 stores. The expansion will create over 725 jobs. New stores will open across India, including in Gurugram and Bengaluru. This move strengthens its offline retail strategy.

Digital gold purchases in India saw a significant surge in 2025. Younger investors are increasingly opting for small online gold purchases over traditional jewellery. This trend is driven by convenience and accessibility. Regulatory measures are anticipated to further boost this segment. The World Gold Council reported a 69% increase in digital gold transactions.

New import restrictions are now in effect for silver jewellery featuring inexpensive diamonds, with the government limiting these imports until June 30, 2026. This policy revision, moving from free to restricted, aims to curb silver imports from ASEAN nations. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the immediate implementation of these curbs.

War-driven disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz is triggering the most severe supply chain shock for the $82 billion US apparel import market since the pandemic.
Rising oil, freight surcharges and polyester costs are embedding an estimated $1.62 ‘war tax’ into garments.
While Bangladesh faces acute disruption and stranded cargo, Vietnam and nearshore suppliers are gaining sourcing advantage.

The UK’s clothing exports fell 2.22 per cent year on year to £220 million ($291.4 million) in January 2026, amid weak demand in European markets and cost pressures.
Textile fabric exports declined 6.59 per cent, while fibre shipments dropped sharply year on year but showed a slight month-on-month recovery.
UK clothing exports also recorded a decline in 2025.

The UK’s clothing imports declined 4.6 per cent year on year in January 2026, reflecting softer demand at the start of the year.
Fabric imports also eased annually, while fibre imports showed a slight increase.
Despite the monthly decline, the UK’s clothing imports recorded overall growth in 2025, indicating a gradual recovery in apparel trade after sharp declines in 2023.

The US textile and apparel trade showed weakening momentum in 2025, with import volumes declining 5 per cent after strong growth in 2024.
Lower shipments of textiles, yarn and fabrics indicate softer manufacturing demand and inventory adjustments.
While apparel exports rose modestly, the broader decline in textile exports suggests subdued global demand across supply chains.

The Australian Fashion Council and R.M.Williams have launched the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036, a ten-year roadmap to rebuild Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing.
Developed through national industry consultations, it aims to strengthen domestic capability, advanced manufacturing and fibre value chains.

Helios Luxe, Titan Company Limited’s premium watch format, is introducing German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff’s limited-edition mechanical timepieces in India. This move targets India’s growing demand for premium, story-led watches. The accessible luxury segment is seeing significant growth. Helios Luxe plans to expand its store network and global brand portfolio to meet this rising demand.