Gold prices dropped significantly on Friday. This decline occurred as the US dollar strengthened. Concerns about rising oil prices and inflation grew following reports of additional US troops being sent to the Middle East. This situation also fueled expectations of higher interest rates. Other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also saw price decreases.

Canada’s apparel imports rose 6.8 per cent to $11.64 billion in 2025, driven by higher volumes even as unit prices declined, signalling pricing pressure.
China remained the top supplier despite losing share, while Vietnam and Bangladesh gained.
The trend reflects demand recovery, supplier diversification, and intensified global sourcing competition.

PNG Jewellers achieved a significant milestone, crossing ₹10,000 crore in revenue for FY2025-26. Festive sales during Gudi Padwa saw a strong 38% year-on-year growth. Gold remained a key driver, with diamonds and silver showing exceptional performance. The company anticipates sustained momentum driven by the wedding season and market expansion.

Caleres has reported modest FY25 revenue growth, with sales rising 1.3 per cent to $2.8 billion, driven by e-commerce and international gains, despite profitability pressure.
Q4 sales grew 8.7 per cent, but losses widened due to Stuart Weitzman integration costs.
The company expects 2026 to be a recovery year, with improved margins, tariff mitigation benefits and steady earnings growth.

Torrid Holdings has reported a weak FY25, with sales falling 9.4 per cent to $1 billion and a net loss of $7 million amid margin pressure.
The company closed 151 stores and saw EBITDA decline.
Q4 performance also weakened.
Despite this, Torrid expects modest recovery in FY26, supported by optimisation efforts, improved marketing and a stronger operational foundation.

India’s Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Lav Agarwal said India should target one-sixth of global apparel trade, citing its demographic advantage.
He highlighted FTAs as key growth drivers and urged exporters to scale capacity and strengthen Brand India.
Industry leaders called for policy support, MMF expansion, and collaboration to achieve the $40 billion export target by 2030.

Japan’s apparel and accessory imports surged 22.9 per cent YoY to ¥328,148 million (~$2.06 billion) in February 2026, rebounding after a slow January.
Textile yarn and fabric imports also rose sharply, while exports of these products declined.
Apparel imports accounted for 3.4 per cent of total imports, reflecting improving demand, though export trends remained mixed.

Gold and silver prices in India have dropped for two weeks straight. This decline is driven by a stronger dollar and increasing US inflation expectations. Safe-haven demand from the West Asia war could not counter these factors. The price fall is expected to boost demand in India, especially with the wedding season and Akshaya Tritiya approaching.

Exports in Egypt’s readymade garments sector rose by 11 per cent YoY to reach $299 million in January, according to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt.
Shipments to the US rose by 16 per cent YoY to $118 million, while exports to the EU increased by 26 per cent YoY to $132 million in the month.
The sector is targeting exports worth $4.4 billion by the end of this year and $12 billion by 2031.

Innerwear and shapewear brand Pinq Polka secured Rs 4 crore in a funding round. This capital will fuel marketing for its shapewear. The company aims to strengthen its team and support working capital. Pinq Polka has seen significant growth since its inception. The brand is focusing on comfort and fit in a growing market.