Bangladesh’s apparel industry will find it tough to absorb even a 5-per cent additional tariff on the FOB price as it comes at a time of global economic uncertainty, soaring interest rates and rising energy costs, a think tank study revealed.
The impact will be especially severe for SMEs.
The think tank criticised Dhaka for not contesting the non-disclosure clause in the US-proposed tariff framework.

Record second quarter for Levi Strauss spurs optimism.
Denim leader raises its 2025 revenue expectations, despite new tariffs.
Diversification strategies see business with China greatly diminished.
With rising duties, brands face cost hikes, supply chain shifts, or passing prices onto consumers.
US apparel imports from China hit a 22-year low in May 2025.

According to the agreement, 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK— encompassing over 1,143 crucial textile and clothing items—will now enjoy zero-duty access.
Stakeholders confident the deal between the world’s sixth- and fifth-largest economies will significantly benefit the Indian textile and apparel sector.
The zero-duty regime is expected to take at least a year to come into effect.

Multiples Equity is leading a group of investors. They want to buy a big part of VIP Industries. This deal needs permission from the Competition Commission of India. Dilip Piramal’s family is selling their shares. The sale could be up to 32%. This move will also trigger an open offer. The consortium will acquire 26% share from the open market.

Lenskart’s shareholders have given the green light for an IPO, aiming to raise ₹2,150 crore ($250 million) as part of a larger $1 billion issue. The company is expected to file its DRHP with Sebi soon, joining a wave of new-age firms entering the public markets in 2025.

New Zealand’s apparel imports declined 0.98 per cent to $504.878 million in January–May 2025.
China remained the top supplier with a 60.27 per cent share, while imports from Bangladesh fell 1.19 per cent.
Vietnam posted 12.47 per cent growth, strengthening its position as the third-largest supplier.
Imports from India and Indonesia also grew.

EUME, the premium luggage brand, is set to expand its offline presence after securing Rs 25 crore in Series A funding. The company plans to launch 8-10 exclusive brand outlets this year, prioritizing key cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.

Bangladesh has approved a proposal for raising tariffs on both goods and vessels at the Chittagong seaport, in some cases up to 10 times or above.
The proposal aims at ‘improving the quality of services and efficiency’ at the port.
Port-use tariffs have not been raised since 1986.
A section of port users perceives this decision ‘illogical’ as it will be tough for exporters to absorb this additional cost.

Spykar plans expansion after a year of consolidation. The denim brand will increase its exclusive stores by over 30 percent. Spykar aims to reach 400 stores across 200 cities by FY26. The brand is also focusing on product diversification. It includes athleisure and innerwear. Spykar is collaborating with Vidyut Jammwal.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement is set to boost India’s textile sector. The agreement grants duty-free access to the UK market. This levels the playing field against competitors. India aims to significantly increase its textile exports to the UK. Local textile clusters are preparing for an export surge. The FTA is expected to foster bilateral cooperation and innovation.