The 56th GST Council meeting introduced a simplified regime, collapsing the earlier five-rate system into two primary slabs.
A uniform 5 per cent GST has been fixed for most garments and manmade fibres/yarns.
Some trade bodies have raised concerns over the 18 per cent GST on garments above ₹2,500; the majority, however, feel the reform will boost competitiveness and sectoral growth.

UK’s clothing exports declined 2.7 per cent YoY to £252 million (~$341.32 million) in July 2025 amid weak European demand, inflationary pressures, and rising costs, ONS data shows.
Textile fabric exports edged up slightly YoY but fell month-on-month, while fibre exports dropped sharply YoY.
Q2 clothing exports were down from 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for diversification.

Senco Gold & Diamonds aims to expand into Saudi Arabia’s luxury market. The company participated in the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition. They seek collaborations under Saudi’s Vision 2030. Senco targets the younger Saudi demographic with modern designs. They are also exploring cross-border e-commerce. Domestically, Senco invested significantly, opening new stores. The company targets 20% growth this fiscal year.

Home textile manufacturers are bracing for a 5-10 per cent decline in revenue, apart from reduction in operating profitability, as the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US came into effect on August 27, Crisil Ratings said in a report.

The UK’s clothing imports surged 15.92 per cent YoY to £1.565 billion (~$2.122 billion) in July 2025, reversing 2024’s annual decline.
Imports also rose 20.84 per cent MoM.
Fabric imports gained 5.96 per cent YoY to £515 million, while fibre imports continued to fall.
Q2 2025 clothing imports grew 2.34 per cent YoY but eased slightly from Q1, signalling steady yet moderating demand recovery.

Roots Corporation has posted sales of $50.8 million in Q2 FY25, up 6.3 per cent, with DTC sales rising 12.7 per cent on strong 17.8 per cent comparable growth.
The gross margin improved to 60.7 per cent, while net loss narrowed to $4.4 million.
Adjusted EBITDA loss reduced, free cash flow improved, and net debt fell.
Inventory rose to support seasonal demand. H1 sales reached $90.7 million.

Asian gold markets experienced muted demand this week due to record-high prices. China saw significant discounts as retail purchases slowed, while its central bank continued its gold-buying spree for the tenth month. In India, buyers hesitated despite the approaching festive season, anticipating a price correction.

Swiss watchmakers are creatively responding to US President Trump’s 39% tariff on Swiss goods. Swatch launched a limited-edition watch with a modified dial referencing the tariff, available only in Switzerland, while Raymond Weil released 39 watches of a special edition, already sold out, lowering the price by 39%.

Cantabil Retail India aims for Rs 1,000 crore revenue by FY27, fueled by store expansion in tier II and III cities, increased e-commerce contribution, and operational efficiencies. The company reported a 17% revenue increase in FY25, reaching Rs 721.1 crore, with a 20% rise in profit after tax.

Bestseller’s ONLY has partnered with RE&UP and Deniz to create garments using textile-to-textile recycled polyester and cotton from worn-out clothes and factory waste.
The project reduces virgin polyester usage while maintaining performance and durability, aligning with Bestseller’s focus on scalable, innovative recycling solutions for its popular NOOS and other collections.