UK’s apparel exports dropped 13.97 per cent to $1.58 billion in H1 2025.
Ireland remained the top market with $232.94 million shipments (14.72 per cent share), up 1.94 per cent YoY.
France, the US, Italy, and the Netherlands followed as key destinations.
The sustained multi-year decline highlights persistent challenges for UK apparel exporters amid global economic uncertainty.

India’s gold demand may rise during the festive season. Investment interest and wedding purchases are key factors. A potential consumption tax cut could boost sales. High gold prices might limit demand. Domestic gold prices have increased significantly. Signs of demand have narrowed price discounts. Jewellers anticipate higher footfalls with marketing efforts. Bullion dealers are increasing purchases for the season.

Apparel and footwear brands will pass on GST benefits to consumers. Prices will drop for items under ₹2,500. Discounts from retailers’ margins may decrease. Higher sales are expected due to lower prices. Unsold inventory should reduce. The GST change impacts different price segments. Retailers anticipate a sales recovery driven by festivals and weddings.

The ‘patchwork approach’ to regulate PFAS across US states, the Utah Bedding, Upholstered Furniture and Quilted Clothing Programme and the implementation of Proposition 65 in California are badlu affecting domestic commerce, AAFA has conveyed to the department of justice.
Small businesses are being particularly hit.
AAFA called for a federal, science-based approach to the regulation of PFAS in textiles.

UK’s NEXT has launched its first exclusive store in Pune, in collaboration with Myntra. This marks a significant step in their partnership. Myntra holds the rights to distribute NEXT products in India. NEXT aims to expand with exclusive stores and shop-in-shops. The brand plans to reach over 50 locations by 2030.

US market share in Indian apparel exports is set to shrink following US tariff hike, with apparel exporters seeing a 6-9 per cent dip in revenues in FY26, ICRA recently projected.
Margins in the sector are likely to contract by 200-300 bps due to discounts or inability to fully pass on tariffs.
Moderation in credit metrics is envisaged for apparel and home textile exporters.

Artistic Milliners has acquired a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles, forming a new multinational under the Cone Denim name.
Cone will run mills in Mexico, China, and the US, plus Artistic’s facilities in Mexico and LA.
Led by Cone president Steve Maggard, the entity will offer end-to-end denim solutions, global reach, and expansion plans, including into North Africa.

Indian textile giant Gokaldas Exports is strategising to increase exports to the EU and UK while expanding African production due to potential profit losses from high U.S. tariffs. The company, heavily reliant on U.S. sales, anticipates a core profit margin decrease and is absorbing costs to maintain client relationships amidst the tariff uncertainty.

Festive season, cultural demand, and GST reforms could boost gold jewellery buying in India even as the yellow metal rates are at record highs, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has said in a report.

Taneira, Tata Group’s ethnic wear brand, anticipates a robust festive season with a projected 30%+ like-to-like growth, fueled by strategic pricing, improved assortments, and a favorable wedding calendar. E-commerce sales have surged by 50%, with ready-to-wear gaining traction among younger consumers.