Sri Lanka’s apparel exports crossed $5 billion in 2025, rising 5.42 per cent year on year, supported by steady demand from the US, European Union and UK.
December exports grew 5.43 per cent to $447.21 million, led by strong gains in core markets.
Industry body JAAF said the milestone highlights resilience and called for expansion into emerging markets to sustain growth in 2026.

French Connection Group has signed a long-term partnership with G-III Apparel Group to develop and distribute men’s and women’s apparel and select accessories across North America from February 1, 2026.
The deal supports French Connection’s growth strategy under MIP Holdings, leveraging G-III’s design, sourcing and retail expertise to accelerate brand expansion in the region.

Authentic Brands Group and Guess?, Inc have completed a deal to take Guess? private.
Authentic now owns 51 per cent of Guess? intellectual property, with existing shareholders holding 49 per cent.
Guess? becomes Authentic’s second-largest brand, with $6 billion in global retail-equivalent sales, while current management retains full control of operations.

Anta Sports has agreed to acquire a 29.06 per cent stake in Puma SE from Groupe Artémis for €1.5 billion (~$1.78 billion) in cash, becoming Puma’s largest shareholder.
Fully funded through internal resources, the deal is expected to close by end-2026 and supports Anta’s multi-brand global expansion strategy while preserving Puma’s independence and governance.

Raymond Lifestyle Limited showed a steady performance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. Strong domestic demand boosted income by five percent year-on-year. The Branded Textile segment was a key growth driver. Despite global trade challenges, the company maintained a debt-neutral balance sheet. Strategic initiatives are addressing export headwinds.

Raymond Lifestyle Limited showed a steady performance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. Strong domestic demand boosted income by five percent year-on-year. The Branded Textile segment was a key growth driver. Despite global trade challenges, the company maintained a debt-neutral balance sheet. Strategic initiatives are addressing export headwinds.

India’s Gem & Jewellery Council is pushing for duty-free access to the European Union market. This comes as Free Trade Agreement talks approach their end. The Council believes this move will boost Indian jewellery exports and create jobs. They are also proposing concessions on EU imports like diamonds.

Arnault, who oversees the $350 billion group spanning over 70 brands including Dior and Tiffany, has five children involved in the running of his luxury empire but has shown no sign of wanting to retire. At 76, he has yet to pick a successor.

Gold prices have reached unprecedented levels, breaking the $5,100 mark. This surge is driven by safe-haven demand amidst global geopolitical tensions. The US dollar’s weakness further supports gold’s rise. Silver is also near its all-time highs. Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. Chinese miner Zijin Gold’s acquisition of Allied Gold highlights consolidation in the sector.

Bangladesh is hopeful of further tariff relief after USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer reportedly responded positively after Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser requested him to raise reciprocal tariff issue with Donald Trump.
Further tariff relief would significantly boost Bangladesh’s RMG sector, strengthening its export competitiveness compared to the regional competitors.