Bangladesh’s RMG exports saw a modest decline in the first eight months of FY26, reflecting softer global apparel demand and cautious retail inventory management.
While knitwear exports fell more sharply than woven garments, home textiles showed modest growth.
The downturn in cotton product exports also signals weaker regional demand and continued pressure from lower global cotton prices.

After facing US tariff headwinds, China was said to be pivoting towards Europe, which reportedly created a challenging situation for Bangladesh as it struggled to cope with China’s competitive pricing strategy.
Even though Bangladesh apparel makers are also said to have cut unit prices, rising costs and supply constraints are reportedly squeezing their margins drastically.

The Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) and trade body BGMEA recently signed an MoU to reposition the apparel industry as a modern, sustainable and innovation-driven one in the global market by 2030.
BBF will provide strategic branding consultancy, knowledge support and enhance BGMEA’s visibility across platforms.
BGMEA will offer industry data, expert inputs and active participation from its member factories.

Gap Inc. reported Q4 FY25 net sales of $4.2 billion, up 2 per cent YoY, with comparable sales rising 3 per cent and online sales up by 5 per cent (42 per cent of revenue).
Gross margin fell to 38.1 per cent due mainly to tariff impacts.
For fiscal 2025, sales reached $15.4 billion, online sales were 39 per cent of total, and gross margin was 40.8 per cent.

In 2025, Adidas achieved double-digit, currency-neutral revenue growth across all markets and channels, with footwear up 12 per cent and apparel 15 per cent.
Europe, North America, and Greater China grew 10-13 per cent, while Latin America, Emerging Markets, and Japan/South Korea saw 14-22 per cent growth.
Strong wholesale, retail, and e-commerce performance drove results.

Prada is poised to revolutionize Versace, signaling a bold new chapter for the iconic luxury brand. With a renewed focus on exclusive full-price offerings and the phasing out of lower-tier product lines, the appointment of a fresh creative director this July is set to redefine the aesthetic landscape.

Gold prices dropped on Thursday, reversing earlier gains. Higher US Treasury yields and a stronger dollar pressured the precious metal. Growing concerns about escalating conflict in West Asia and potential inflation also impacted prices. This situation is keeping energy supply worries elevated, supporting oil prices and dimming prospects for interest rate cuts.

India’s vital gems and jewellery trade faces significant disruption. The ongoing Middle East conflict has halted exports and imports of rough diamonds. Dubai, a key hub, has suspended flights, impacting shipments. This standstill affects India’s $30 billion annual exports, with the Middle East accounting for a quarter. The situation could hurt demand if it continues.

After the election, as the new Government took charge, Bangladesh’s RMG sector sought stability, energy security and reforms to reach $100 billion exports by 2030.
As per Moody’s, the election, which gave BNP a majority, is seen as a key step towards political normalisation after the 2024 unrest.
At least 15 MPs elected to the 13th National Parliament have direct ties to the RMG and textile sector.

Australia’s textile trade showed a mixed pattern in July-January with apparel imports declining while textile and fibre imports posted moderate growth.
The divergence suggests softer retail demand for clothing but steady industrial and manufacturing use of textile inputs, while fibre export growth reflects recovering global demand despite earlier price and logistics pressures.