US apparel CPI rose 0.1 per cent month on month in August after two declines and was 3.7 per cent higher year on year, with recent CPI levels the highest since 1999, Cotton Incorporated said.
Cotton-dominant apparel import costs rose to $3.77 per square metre equivalent, excluding tariffs.
Real apparel spending grew 1.3 per cent month on month and 3.9 per cent year on year.

Margin improvement across its business segments also supported the rating assessment. The textile segment’s EBIT margin increased to 5.1 per cent in FY26 from 2.9 per cent in FY24, while the digital infrastructure segment’s EBIT margin rose to 10.1 per cent from 9.9 per cent over the same period. The company has been increasing its focus on digital infrastructure and selectively pursuing contracts with better margins.

Gold prices showed little movement as early Asian trading commenced, with many awaiting US inflation data this week. Spot gold remained steady after reaching a one-week high on Friday, while US gold futures saw a slight increase. Key data to be released includes the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index reports on Wednesday and Thursday. Rising interest rates have impacted gold’s attractiveness as an investment, amid ongoing economic concerns.

EZE Perfumes has opened its first outlet in Northeast India at City Center Mall in Guwahati. The launch marks a significant personal milestone for founder Kanishka Jain, as it connects her professional journey to her home city. With over 75 years of perfumery experience, the brand aims to reach consumers in the region. Assamese actress Nishita Goswami attended the event and endorsed the brand’s fragrances.

Albania’s apparel imports rose 19.90 per cent to $278.181 million in January–July 2026, while exports slipped 0.14 per cent to $387.080 million, narrowing the trade surplus by about 30 per cent.
China drove import growth, lifting its share to 23.92 per cent; Italy remained the top supplier.
Exports relied on Italy, Greece and Germany, with Germany down 26.80 per cent.

“These steps will strengthen industry credibility, safeguard livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development across the country,” Rokde said.

An Oxfam UK report has claimed that social media is fuelling fast fashion, placing digital influence in focus for the apparel and fashion sector.
It found that 32 per cent of the average UK wardrobe has not been worn in the past year, while four in 10 people have worn an item of clothing just once.
The water used to produce those barely worn garments would fill about 88 billion single-use water bottles.

Cambodia and Indonesia supplied $5.60 billion of US apparel imports in January-July 2026, overtaking China’s $5.28 billion as the US market contracted.
TexPro data shows imports fell 8.30 per cent to $44.06 billion, with China and India driving most of the net decline.
Gains came mainly from stronger category positions, but value pressure and textile dependencies remain risks.

Lululemon has created a new Senior Leadership Team structure, appointing Maggie Gauger as president & chief product officer and Joseph Godsey as chief operating officer, effective October 26, 2026.
The company is also seeking brand, communications, technology and strategy chiefs, while Nikki Neuburger and Ted Dagnese will depart on November 6.

AAFA has asked the US Trade Representative to include Facebook, Instagram, Alibaba.com, AliExpress and DHGate in its 2026 Notorious Markets report on counterfeiting and piracy.
The US apparel and footwear association said its products remain among US Customs’ top 10 seized commodities in FY25.
It said 41 per cent of 39 counterfeit goods tested in 2026 failed safety standards.