H&M’s third-quarter profit significantly exceeded expectations, driven by strong demand for its autumn collections. Despite this positive performance, the company anticipates increased costs in the current quarter due to tariffs on imports. While sales grew in local currencies, reported sales declined, and markdowns are expected to rise in the fourth quarter.

The gem and jewellery industry is urging the finance minister to allow export-oriented units in SEZs, like Mumbai’s SEEPZ, to manufacture for the domestic market due to steep US tariffs impacting exports. Industry representatives requested a six-month moratorium on interest payments for loans financing US exports.

The government restricts silver and precious metal jewellery imports until March 31, 2026. This action addresses a surge in imports from Thailand and other Asean countries. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade made the announcement. Rules for non-basmati rice exports are also changed. Contracts must now be registered with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Bafleh Jewellery, a major Middle Eastern importer of Indian jewelry, is adapting to soaring gold prices by shifting towards lighter designs and lower-karat gold. While import values have increased, volumes have decreased due to rising bullion costs.

China’s sportswear exports fell 4.73 per cent to $364.9 million in January–July 2025, hit by weak demand in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
Persistent decline since 2022 reflects global slowdown and sourcing diversification.
Exports to North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East grew, driven by resilient US demand and rising athleisure trends in emerging regions, according to TexPro.

The environmental lessons gained from COVID-19 risk being swept under the carpet.
Billions of discarded masks are breaking down into microplastics and toxic chemicals.
FFPs shed up to four times more microplastics than alternatives.
At the peak, an estimated 129 billion masks were thrown away every month.
Sustainable, science-driven solutions vital to prevent repeating the same mistakes.

Adidas Basketball and Anthony Edwards have launched the Anthony Edwards 2, his second signature shoe built for explosive speed, fearless play, and confidence.
Featuring a Propulsion Plate, Articulated Fangs, and LIGHTBOOST + Lightstrike cushioning, it debuts in the “With Love” colourway, honouring Edwards’ mother and grandmother, with more colourways set to release throughout the season.

Jaquet Droz sees India as a promising market for its luxury watches. CEO Alain Delamuraz focuses on direct connections with collectors. The brand creates unique pieces, exceeding 100,000 Euros, tailored to individual preferences. Delamuraz aims to understand Indian culture to create relevant art pieces.

JUST IN TIME, an omnichannel watch retailer, secured Rs 80 crore from Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi. The company plans to use the funds for pan-India expansion. It will also strengthen its omnichannel presence. Rajesh Chheda, Founder, said this will help scale their presence. JUST IN TIME aims to redefine the watch retail experience.

New Balance has opened its expanded Central Maine factory in Skowhegan, adding a 120,000 sq. ft. single-story facility and renovating 20,000 sq. ft. of the original building as part of a $65 million investment.
The site now employs 400 associates, strengthens US footwear production, and supports community projects including a $75,000 donation to Main Street Skowhegan.