Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has signed a land usufruct agreement with Jiangsu Guotai to build a $10 million ready-made garment (RMG) factory in Qantara West, creating 2,000 jobs.
With 80 per cent of production destined for Europe and the US, the region is set to become a major exporter.
SCZone has also launched five new projects.

US tariffs on Chinese cotton T-shirts (HS-610910) are reshaping trade, with Nicaragua, Bangladesh, and Honduras gaining ground.
Nicaragua leads with $620 million exports and tariff-free access, while Bangladesh offers cost-effective options despite a 16.5 per cent tariff.
China’s competitiveness is eroding as tariffs rise to 36.5 per cent, pushing its UVR higher.

Nobero, a Fashleisure brand under TMRW House of Brands, plans to open 25 exclusive stores across India by FY26. The brand launched its first physical store in Hyderabad to penetrate India’s casualwear market. The move is part of TMRW’s broader strategy to enhance both online and offline presence, targeting over 125 stores by FY26.

A 4% rise in gold prices in March led to a 25% drop in retail gold sales at jewelers and a 60% fall in Zaveri Bazaar. Indian families with upcoming weddings are stressed by higher prices, opting for lighter, lower-carat jewelry. Demand may pick up during Akshay Tritiya in April, but lightweight jewelry remains the preferred choice.

India and New Zealand have initiated negotiations for a free trade agreement to boost trade and investment.
New Zealand imported $112.395 million worth of Indian textiles and apparel in 2024, a 6.6 per cent increase from 2023.
India remains a key supplier but lags behind China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The FTA may provide tax-free access, enhancing India’s market share in New Zealand.

US tariff hikes on Chinese cotton jerseys and pullovers (HS-611020) are reshaping global trade dynamics.
Bangladesh, with the lowest UVR ($14.86/kg) and highest RCA (27.36), is poised to gain market share as buyers seek cost-effective alternatives.
While China’s UVR will rise due to tariffs, its economies of scale will help retain competitiveness. Cambodia and Vietnam may also benefit.

F21 OpCo, LLC, the operator of Forever 21 stores in the US, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware.
The company plans an orderly wind down while exploring potential asset sales.
Stores and the website will remain open during proceedings.
International locations are unaffected.
Legal and financial advisors have been engaged to navigate restructuring and potential sales.

US tariffs on China are unlikely to create new export opportunities for Bangladesh, Centre for Policy Dialogue distinguished fellow Mustafizur Rahman recently said.
He cautioned the country’s export prospects may be ‘constrained’ and turn ‘stagnant’.
A key reason is China’s garment exports to the US largely consist of man-made fibre garments, whereas Bangladesh mainly exports cotton-based items.

US apparel imports from Europe fell by 12.37 per cent in 2024, dropping to $3.031 billion, while total US apparel imports rose by 2.65 per cent to $83.705 billion, as per TexPro.
Asia-Pacific’s share grew to 72.83 per cent, while Europe’s fell to 4.33 per cent.
Italy remained the only European country in the top ten suppliers, but its exports to the US declined by 3.12 per cent.

Bengaluru-based fashion quick-commerce startup Slikk Club raised $3.2 million in a Lightspeed-led round. The funds will expand dark stores, introduce new categories, and support citywide and tier-1, tier-2 expansion.