Apparels

Indian textile exporters are facing a crisis due to the new US tariffs. They are meeting to discuss strategies for current and future orders. Many are traveling to the US to negotiate with buyers. The industry fears significant job losses. They are also exploring alternative markets. Exporters seek government support to manage debt obligations. Competition from other nations will increase.

New Zealand’s apparel imports rose 4.68 per cent to NZ$1.22 billion (~$711 million) in January–July 2025, driven by stronger demand for knitted and crocheted garments (Chapter 61), which grew 6.5 per cent.
Imports of woven apparel (Chapter 62) edged up 2.7 per cent, while fabric imports under Chapter 60 surged 18 per cent.
The growth highlights resilient consumer demand in the country.

Indian garment exporters are rushing shipments by air to avoid an additional 25 per cent US tariff effective Aug 27, which would raise duties to 50 per cent.
Consignments must reach US ports by September 16 to qualify for the lower rate.
With sea freight too slow, exporters are relying on costly air cargo.
Industry groups warn of heavy losses, job cuts, and pressure across India’s textile value chain.

JSW Sports has appointed Divyanshu Singh as CEO, succeeding Mustafa Ghouse, who will now focus on Centre Court Capital. Singh, previously COO, has been with JSW Sports since 2017, contributing significantly to commercial growth and the Inspire Institute of Sport. He aims to further establish JSW Sports as a market leader, leveraging his extensive experience in the sports industry.

Top trade bodies in Bangladesh have called for delaying the country’s scheduled graduation from the LDC status by five to six years.
Though Bangladesh has fulfilled all three UN criteria, the graduation will bring with it new responsibilities and risks, and therefore, careful preparation is needed to ensure the transition leads to lasting success, ICC Bangladesh president Mahbubur Rahman said.

Uniqlo India aims for ₹3,000-crore annual sales in the next three years, having achieved ₹1,000-crore in FY25. The company’s profit after tax more than doubled to ₹178.4 crore with a 44% revenue growth. Uniqlo plans to expand from 16 to 30 stores and increase local sourcing from 15% to 30% to support Fast Retailing’s global ambitions.

Palmonas, a Pune-based demifine jewellery brand, has secured ₹55 crore in a Series A round led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India. The company plans to use the funds to aggressively expand its offline presence, aiming for 100 company-owned stores across India.

India’s apparel industry warns of an existential crisis as US tariffs on exports will soar to above 50 per cent from August 27, 2025.
Exporters face a tariff gap of over 30 per cent against competitors, risking three million jobs and 20,000 factories.
Industry leaders urge urgent fiscal support and stronger diplomatic engagement until a bilateral trade pact is secured.

AKINNA, a luxury leather handbag brand founded by Annika Saraf and Sanchit Goyal, has secured its first pre-seed/seed funding round led by Zeropearl VC. The funds will fuel production scaling, team expansion, and brand-building efforts to enhance AKINNA’s global presence.

Agilitas Sports has appointed Gourishanker Jha as its Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) to spearhead the company’s technology and digital strategy. Jha’s extensive experience in digital product engineering and AI-driven transformation will be crucial in building a digital backbone for Agilitas. This appointment comes as Agilitas prepares for multiple brand launches in 2025, aiming to redefine the sportswear experience.