As a legislation was introduced in both houses of US Congress to renew the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade programme for ten years, AAFA requested President Donald Trump to quickly sign it into law and provide predictability for US brands and retailers still trying to do business in Haiti amid uncertainty.
The renewal is urgently needed to help combat the crisis that continues to unfold in Haiti, it noted.

UK regained its position as the 7th largest market for Egyptian apparel exports in January–October 2024, with shipments worth $85.841 million (3.69 per cent of Egypt’s total apparel exports).
UK was previously the sixth-largest market in 2021 and 2022 but dropped to ninth in 2023.
Trousers and shorts led exports at 55.15 per cent, followed by shirts (15.52 per cent) and T-shirts (13.59 per cent).

India remains a key market for U.S. Polo Assn., experiencing rapid growth and outpacing the U.S. and Turkey. With 450 stores, plans include adding 60-70 stores annually and expanding flagship stores. Adjacent categories like footwear and kidswear are driving diversification. The brand also focuses on omnichannel strategy and plans further global expansion by 2025.

India’s Tamil Nadu state’s Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau recently signed an MoU with Evervan Kothari Footwear Limited to set up non-leather footwear manufacturing projects in Karur and Perambalur districts with an investment of $572.17 million.
The company is a subsidiary of the Phoenix Kothari Group.
The project is expected to generate 50,000 jobs.

To enhance gem and jewellery exports, India has signed MoUs with Thailand’s jewellery trade, targeting 15 per cent of Thailand’s total import. India’s exports saw a 12.11 per cent decline in the first ten months of FY25. The MoUs aim to harmonize gemstone standards, boost trade in coloured gemstones, and foster innovation in silver jewellery.

The 110-year-old property at Flora Fountain was previously leased to Spanish retailer Zara that shut the store earlier this month after nearly eight years of operations.

Gold demand in India saw a slight improvement towards the week’s end as prices fell from record highs, yet remained below normal levels. Discounts in China persisted due to low activity, and India’s imports are predicted to drop significantly by 85 per cent in February. Meanwhile, gold trades in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan show varying premiums and discounts.

PDS, a global fashion solutions company, has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW and awarded the WOW Workplace Award by Jombay.
This recognition highlights PDS’ commitment to a ‘People-first’ culture that values inclusivity, collaboration, and growth.
Leadership applauds employees’ contributions and remains dedicated to fostering an empowering and inspiring workplace.

Nirav Modi, imprisoned in London and awaiting potential asylum, recently appeared in court via video link regarding a USD 8 million bank loan dispute. The UK court has adjourned his application, pending his appeal for access to a working laptop to prepare his defense.

Tata-owned Trent remains unperturbed by growing competition in retail, with no plans to alter its strategy. Trent’s MD P Venkatesalu emphasizes focusing on consumer needs amid intense competition, including the re-entry of Shein via Reliance Retail. Despite demand fluctuations, Trent continues its robust expansion with Zudio, aiming for significant market growth in the future.