Gold prices surpassed ₹85,000 per 10 gm in the physical market for the first time due to increased demand triggered by fears of a global trade war following new tariff plans announced by US President Donald Trump. This price surge has negatively impacted consumer sentiment, leading to a 25-30% drop in demand ahead of the March wedding season.

Under Armour has reported a revenue of $1.4 billion in Q3 FY25, down 6 per cent YoY.
The gross margin of the company rose 240 bps to 47.5 per cent, while SG&A expenses increased 6 per cent to $638 million.
Net income was $1 million with EPS of $0.00.
For 9M FY25, revenue fell 9 per cent to $3.98 billion, with a $113 million operating loss.
The adjusted net income was $35 million.

The OECD’s annual forum on due diligence in the garment and footwear sector, to be held from February 11-12 in Paris, France, will address the implementation of mandatory due diligence.
Key discussions will include purchasing practices, responsible disengagement, stakeholder engagement, sustainability initiatives, and measuring due diligence.

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail has re-launched Shein in India, sparking a fast fashion war and challenging competitors like Trent’s Zudio and Nykaa Fashion. Despite potential competitive pressures, experts suggest that Shein’s online-first model might face challenges in supply chain establishment and unit economics.

Historically, Welspun World has maintained a strong international presence, with textiles alone accounting for 90% of its exports. As a group, nearly 60% of its revenue has been generated from outside India. However, in the backdrop of India’s rapid economic growth and increasing demand, the company is now prioritising domestic expansion.

The UK imported $794.392 million worth of garments between January and October 2024, with over 50 per cent being man-made.
Cambodia supplied $250.989 million in cotton garments, while trousers, shorts, and jerseys led product categories.
Unisex garments dominated, making up 41.16 per cent of total imports.
Knitted garments accounted for 75.35 per cent.

Vietnam’s trade with Singapore hit a record $23.5 billion in 2024.
Apparel imports from Vietnam rose 6.35 per cent to $181.608 million, with Vietnam holding an 8.98 per cent market share.
In 2023, Singapore imported $190.110 million in apparel from Vietnam.
Trousers & shorts led imports, followed by T-shirts and shirts.
Fabric and home textile imports remained negligible.

Nigeria’s Kano state has vowed to strengthen economic ties with Tunisia, focusing on agriculture, infrastructure, and trade, with plans under way to collaborate with the country in garment production and the dye industry.
The state’s governor Abba Yusuf said this during a courtesy visit by the Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria Mohsen Antit during the Tunisia-Nigeria Multi-sectoral Economic Forum.

This strategic move is aligned with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, which fosters increased trade and economic collaboration between the two nations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds said in a statement.

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has requested the government to reduce GST on bullion and precious ornaments from 3 per cent to 1.25 per cent. This adjustment aims to ease the tax burden on consumers, stimulate sales, and support the Indian jewellery industry in alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.