Apparels

Canada’s Gildan Activewear has completed the sale of HanesBrands Australia to BBFIT Investments for approximately Au$700 million ($490 million) in cash.
The company plans to use the net proceeds to repay outstanding debt.
The divestment supports Gildan’s ongoing integration strategy, with a focus on operational priorities, capturing synergies and strengthening its portfolio of brands.

India is expected to extend the 11% customs duty exemption on cotton imports until the end of December to ease supply shortages, lower domestic prices and reduce costs for textile mills. Domestic cotton prices have remained firm amid lower crop prospects, with output estimated below 29 million bales in 2026-27 against demand exceeding 34 million bales.

India’s textile industry has seen significant growth, expanding to nearly USD 190 billion in FY26. The sector aims for USD 350 billion by 2030, driven by domestic demand and manufacturing investments. Despite challenges like rising cotton prices and trade uncertainties, textile exports grew by 10.3 percent year-on-year in the April-August 2026 period. Notably, the United States remains India’s largest export destination, although market diversification is being pursued.

Europe’s apparel supply chain may see most container lines return to the Suez Canal by early second quarter 2027, but lower freight bills are not assured.
TexPro says the EU imported $23.08 billion of selected cotton-heavy apparel from Bangladesh, China, India and Vietnam in 2025.
Demand weakness and capacity management could keep delivered costs under pressure for garment buyers.

IndustriALL Bangladesh Council has demanded a $260 monthly minimum wage for Bangladesh garment workers, citing higher living costs and market volatility.
IBC said essentials, transport and medical costs had strained workers, alongside a 100 to 142 per cent rise for government employees.
It plans grade-wise wage proposals once the full wage board is formed.

India is diversifying its gold import sources as expanding domestic refining capacity, tax incentives and the India-UAE trade pact reshape supply chains. Switzerland’s share of India’s bullion imports fell to 21.9% in FY26 from 42.4% five years earlier, while the UAE’s share rose to 16.5% from 10.8%, according to Crisil Intelligence.

ReplyAll said repeat customers account for 40 per cent of its revenue. Its fabric technologies include Temperform™, used in the Coolest Tee, and Flexknit™, designed to provide stretch and wrinkle resistance in trousers. The company plans to invest further in material development and expand its product categories.

Hermes is facing a decline in revenue growth driven by decreasing demand in its Chinese market. The brand recognizes the importance of maintaining its unique selling proposition in luxury offerings. Given the rise of high-end local brands, Hermes plans to introduce a ‘China-only’ line for affluent consumers. This strategy aims to appeal to China’s wealthy individuals while promoting European luxury.

Myanmar’s apparel exports fell 21.1 per cent year on year to $3.757 billion in January–September 2026, with Europe’s share down to 53.57 per cent.
Europe-bound shipments dropped 25.1 per cent to $2.013 billion, while Asia-Pacific’s share rose to 36.18 per cent after a milder decline.
Japan led destinations at $852.863 million, ahead of Germany, Poland, South Korea and Italy.

The investment will be made in multiple tranches, with completion targeted by February 2027, subject to fulfilment of specified conditions, the company said in a regulatory filing.