Apparels

Bangladesh trade body BGMEA and Germany’s GIZ recently signed an MoU to strengthen sustainability, energy efficiency and circularity in Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
The MoU will remain effective from May 2026 to February 2028.
The cooperation is designed to align industrial growth with international sustainability benchmarks and climate commitments.
A major focus is energy transition of the sector.

Bangladesh has overtaken China in US apparel supplies, but mainly because China’s shipments collapsed faster.
OTEXA data show Bangladesh’s US exports fell 8.38 per cent, while Vietnam and Cambodia gained share.
TexPro indicates Bangladesh remains woven-heavy, limiting its ability to capture China’s MMF-led shift.
Future gains depend on fibre diversification, speed and value-added capability.

Amidst calls to conserve forex, the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation proposed a dedicated bullion bank and revamped gold monetisation schemes. These initiatives aim to reduce India’s annual gold import dependence by 200-300 tonnes. High gold imports, driven by price surges, have significantly widened the trade deficit and impacted the current account deficit.

India will not restrict international card usage or increase import duties on gold and silver. Government sources clarified this amid concerns over the country’s import bill and foreign exchange reserves. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier urged for reduced spending on imported commodities like fuel and gold.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce buying gold jewellery could impact employment linked to the jewellery industry, which supports more than one crore people directly and several allied sectors indirectly, highlighted Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council.

Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited (KKCL) has reported 20.9 per cent YoY revenue growth to ₹1,212.8 crore (~$121.28 million) in FY26.
EBITDA rose 24.8 per cent to ₹237.9 crore (~$23.79 million), while PAT increased 2.1 per cent to ₹152.3 crore (~$15.23 million).
The company credited Vision 2028 execution, strong distribution growth, and the Kraus Casuals acquisition for the performance.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector is set to adopt blockchain-based transparency and Digital Product Passport (DPP) systems ahead of the European Union’s 2027 regulations.
BGMEA and Dutch traceability platform AWARE signed an MoU to enable end-to-end traceability of fibres, yarns, and garments through blockchain-backed digital records, helping exporters strengthen compliance.

Lifestyle accessories brand DailyObjects is in advanced talks to secure Rs 300 crore in a funding round led by Xponentia Capital, valuing the company at Rs 1,000 crore. This investment will fuel an expansion of its omnichannel presence, including over 100 new physical stores and international market entry.

Kontoor Brands has posted stronger-than-expected Q1 FY26 results, driven by growth in Wrangler and Helly Hansen, and raised its full-year outlook.
Total revenue reached $808 million, while continuing operations generated $613 million.
The company plans to divest Lee, now treated as a discontinued operation.
Adjusted EPS guidance was raised to $6.6-6.7 for FY26.

Titan Company remains unconcerned about immediate gold supply disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict. The jeweller’s successful gold exchange program and robust contingency sourcing plans are effectively mitigating risks. This strategy ensures continued operations for Titan, Tanishq, and CaratLane.