Losing sheen Demand for silver bars falls 20% this month despite massive dealer discounts

Bangladesh’s garment industry is increasingly adopting automation and technology.
A study showed productivity grew 4.19 per cent annually during 2014–23, with automation-intensive segments like cutting, knitting and wet processing posting the strongest gains.
As technology adoption accelerates, policymakers now face the challenge of managing labour displacement.

As Indonesian garments face a 19 per cent US tariff under ART, with no exemptions for textiles, raising fears of being priced out of a key market, Jakarta eyes the EAEU trade deal to diversify exports.
Already 6–8 per cent costlier than regional rivals, Indonesia risks losing orders to competitors enjoying a duty advantage in the US market.

Vietnam’s 7.2 per cent minimum wage rise is tightening margins across its labour-intensive garment sector, accelerating pressure to boost productivity and move up the value chain.
While exports remain strong, factories face a squeeze between higher statutory costs and buyer price resistance.
This makes automation, FOB/ODM models and compliance-driven repositioning critical to staying competitive.

UK clothing exports rose 2.73 per cent year on year to £301 million (~$403.07 million) in November, supported by a month-on-month rebound.
However, textile fabric and fibre exports declined, reflecting weak European manufacturing demand and cautious buying.
Quarterly and annual data underline broader pressure on UK textile and apparel exports amid subdued consumer demand and post-Brexit frictions.

The Philippines will provide ‘flexible financing’ to domestic garment manufacturers for automation, machinery and production equipment to make them more competitive in the global market.
Incentives under the DTI’s Board of Investments will support mechanised and digital garment production, while the Philippine Economic Zone Authority will offer a comprehensive package for export-oriented garment firms.

The US House has passed the AGOA Extension Act, extending till December 31, 2028, duty-free access to the US for most exports from sub-Saharan Africa.
The bill also extends till December 31, 2031, customs user fees and merchandise processing fees.
The Haiti Economic Lift Programme Extension Act was also passed, extending till December 31, 2028, the special duty-free rules for apparel imported from Haiti.

LA’s garment industry enters 2026 amid disruption and cautious revival.
Immigration raids, rising costs and sustainability rules continue to strain factories, while tariffs and supply-chain risks are driving limited reshoring.
Any rebound is likely to be selective, centred on specialised and higher-value production rather than a return to mass manufacturing.

India’s apparel market is set for major growth. It is expected to reach Rs 16 lakh crore by 2029-30. Rising incomes and online shopping are key drivers. Value fashion brands are expanding rapidly. E-commerce will also see significant growth. Recent GST changes will boost affordability for many shoppers.

India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US saw a significant 44.42% drop to US$ 3.86 billion in April-December 2025, driven by tariff pressures and weak demand. Despite this, overall exports remained stable at US$ 20.75 billion, bolstered by strong growth in markets like the UAE and Australia, highlighting successful diversification strategies.