Textile mfg contracts 3.6% in March and apparel production plunges 14.6%.

The US Forced Labor Working Group has urged the USTR not to impose Section 301 tariffs, as these would be counterproductive, legally unwarranted, and harmful to commerce.
If this probe leads to tariff actions, good actors that have invested in forced-labor compliance would face higher costs, with no benefit, while bad actors would gain by sourcing from lower-cost alternatives in regions with less oversight

India’s gold imports in April are set to fall to around 15 metric tons, a near 30-year low, as banks halted shipments following a 3% IGST demand by customs, industry and government sources said. Banks, which handle most gold imports, stopped clearing consignments due to the tax issue and delays in formal authorisation for bullion imports.

Gildan has reported a strong Q1 FY26, driven by HanesBrands integration, and reaffirmed full-year guidance.
Net sales rose sharply, while margins were impacted by acquisition-related costs.
Retail sales surged, offsetting weaker wholesale performance.
Adjusted margins exceeded guidance, supported by pricing actions.
The company remains focused on operational efficiency and cost discipline.

Frasers Group plc has acquired York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, adding over 400,000 sq. ft of retail space across 185+ brands.
With a combined 7.8 million annual footfall, the move strengthens its dual role as landlord and retailer, supports global outlet strategies, and accelerates its Elevation Strategy to grow UK market share and brand ecosystem.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has urged the US House of Representatives to pass a key anti-counterfeiting measure that is scheduled to be considered this week.
The legislation (HR 4930) aims at strengthening US Customs and Border Protection’s ability to share information with stakeholders during enforcement of American intellectual property rights at the border.

J.Jill, Inc. has appointed Kimberly Wallengren as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective April 27, 2026.
A former VP of Marketing for North America at Coach, she will oversee brand, creative and marketing functions, focusing on brand positioning, customer acquisition and consumer engagement to support J.Jill’s long-term growth strategy under CEO Mary Ellen Coyne.

Rocky Brands has reported net sales up 9.1 per cent to $124.4 million in Q1 2026, with retail rising 16.5 per cent.
However, $7.1 million tariff costs reduced gross margin to 36.5 per cent and hit profits, with net income down 74.5 per cent.
Adjusted EPS fell to $0.24.
The company expects easing tariff pressure and improved margins in the second half of 2026.

Lululemon athletica inc. announced Esi Eggleston Bracey, former chief growth & marketing officer at Unilever, has joined its board of directors effective immediately.
She will stand for election at the 2026 Annual Meeting, replacing Shane Grant, who will not seek re-election, as the company continues refreshing its board and leadership for future growth.

Adidas has reported a strong Q1 2026, with revenue rising 14 per cent YoY to €6.6 billion (~$7.72 billion), driven by robust DTC growth and broad-based demand.
Operating profit increased 16 per cent to €705 million (~$824.85 million).
Apparel and performance segments led gains.
The company expects high single-digit sales growth and ~€2.3 billion (~$2.69 billion) operating profit in 2026.