The US textile and apparel trade showed weakening momentum in 2025, with import volumes declining 5 per cent after strong growth in 2024.
Lower shipments of textiles, yarn and fabrics indicate softer manufacturing demand and inventory adjustments.
While apparel exports rose modestly, the broader decline in textile exports suggests subdued global demand across supply chains.

The Australian Fashion Council and R.M.Williams have launched the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036, a ten-year roadmap to rebuild Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing.
Developed through national industry consultations, it aims to strengthen domestic capability, advanced manufacturing and fibre value chains.

Helios Luxe, Titan Company Limited’s premium watch format, is introducing German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff’s limited-edition mechanical timepieces in India. This move targets India’s growing demand for premium, story-led watches. The accessible luxury segment is seeing significant growth. Helios Luxe plans to expand its store network and global brand portfolio to meet this rising demand.

Helios Luxe, Titan Company Limited’s premium watch format, is introducing German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff’s limited-edition mechanical timepieces in India. This move targets India’s growing demand for premium, story-led watches. The accessible luxury segment is seeing significant growth. Helios Luxe plans to expand its store network and global brand portfolio to meet this rising demand.

The Hormuz crisis adds $0.99–$1.62 to every garment from Asia, which is a 10–16 per cent hit on $10 basics but just 2–4 per cent on $50 items.
War risk insurance, carrier surcharges up to $4,000/container, and surging bunker fuel stack into a de facto war tax on apparel.
Bangladesh and India face the sharpest blow as Gulf air hubs shut simultaneously.

The Bangladesh Bank governor has assured a BGMEA delegation that no application for cash incentives will remain pending and payments will be released within the month of claiming.
The delegation proposed raising the special cash incentive rate from 0.3 per cent to 1 per cent, raising the alternative cash support from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent and raising SME incentives from 3 per cent to 4 per cent.

Crisil Ratings expects Indian diamond polishers’ revenue to grow 6-7% to $15-15.5 billion in FY27, supported by the removal of the 25% US tariff on Indian gems and diamonds and steady domestic demand.

Gold hallmarking: The seven districts are: Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (Uttar Pradesh), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), Beawar (Rajasthan) and Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh), an official statement said.

Brandman Retail is bringing global sports brands Wilson Sporting Goods and ANTA to India. They will open dedicated stores in major cities starting April 2026. These stores will offer a range of sports gear and apparel. The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for premium sportswear across India. Expansion is planned for the next 12 to 18 months.

US retail trade sales in January this year were down by 0.2 per cent month on month (MoM) and up by 3 per cent year on year (YoY), according to advance estimates by the Census Bureau.
Sales at US apparel and clothing accessories increased by 4 per cent YoY in the month, while sales at furniture and home furnishing stores decreased by 3.5 per cent YoY.