Germany’s apparel imports rebounded to $46.8 billion in 2025, surpassing the 2022 peak, driven by resilient consumer demand and stable sourcing strategies.
The growth followed a dip in 2023, with China, Bangladesh, and Turkiye leading suppliers, while diversification across Asian markets supported recovery despite ongoing economic pressures.

The government has also extended by 30 days the period for re-import of gems and jewellery exported for holding or participating in overseas exhibitions, over and above the existing applicable period.

Asia’s textile sector is facing a hidden inventory crisis, with mills operating below capacity and stockpiles rising across yarn, fabric, and finished goods.
Weak global demand and continued production are creating a structural imbalance, locking up working capital and pressuring margins.
Freight delays and higher costs are further slowing inventory movement, extending liquidity stress.

India, China and Southeast Asia are the fastest-growing markets globally for ZEISS. In terms of consumer trends, India is a very early adopter, Carl Zeiss Vision Vice President – Head of Global Brand Management, Charlotte Hamel and its Head of Global Sales Operations & Emerging Markets, Boris Dejonckheere, told PTI in a joint interview.

Solitario, a sustainable luxury jewellery brand, is now in the Maldives. This marks its eighth international market. The brand is partnering with Essence Retail to offer lab-grown diamond collections. Solitario will open shop-in-shops at luxury resorts. A flagship boutique is planned at Marina CROSSROADS. Further expansion includes more shop-in-shops and a second flagship store.

Bangladesh’s RMG exports performance in the next few quarters will depend on the pace of economic recovery in major buying nations, stabilisation of global supply chains and the sector’s ability to diversify products and markets, the central bank noted.
Foreseeing a ‘cautiously moderate’ near-term outlook for the sector, it projected external demand uncertainty and emerging opportunities in key markets.

Jewellery brand CaratLane will open 40 new stores in the next financial year. About 10 percent of these will be company-owned. Expansion will focus on North, East, and South India. The company expects high double-digit revenue growth this fiscal year. CaratLane is also exploring international expansion in West Asia.

Jewellery retailers from India are facing a dramatic slump in sales across the Gulf nations, largely influenced by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This turmoil has led to a staggering 70% decline in foot traffic and customer spending as reported by leading retailers for March alone.

Africa’s apparel exports rose to $13.27 billion in 2025, up 2.84 per cent YoY, continuing steady growth.
Europe dominated demand, led by Spain, while the US share declined.
Exports remained concentrated in key markets and cotton-based products, with North Africa benefiting from nearshoring, despite structural constraints and limited value addition.

Garment manufacturing costs in Asia have risen 10–20 per cent in 2026, with a clear shift in cost composition.
Logistics and energy have emerged as key volatility drivers, while raw materials remain dominant and increasingly unstable.
Labour’s relative importance is declining.
Competitiveness now depends on managing multi-layered cost risks, not just low-cost production.