Apparels

The government is exploring a revamped Gold Monetisation Scheme, aiming to involve jewellers for the first time to tap into the vast amount of household gold. This initiative seeks to reduce India’s reliance on imported bullion, especially with gold prices and import duties impacting jewellery demand. Discussions involving ministers, the RBI, banks, and industry representatives are underway, with an announcement anticipated before the festive season.

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector remains the backbone of industrial exports, contributing over 45 per cent despite weaker global demand.
While garment exports declined during January-May, May recorded a recovery, suggesting demand may be stabilising.
Falling textile imports also point to softer manufacturing activity and cautious sourcing across the supply chain.

Gold experienced a dramatic swing this year, hitting record highs before a sharp decline, yet remains a strong performer. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, fueled early gains. Looking ahead, interest rates and global economic shifts will dictate gold’s path. The World Gold Council anticipates gold trading near $4,100/oz if current economic forecasts hold, but significant geopolitical or economic downturns could drive prices higher.

Brainbees Solutions, the parent of FirstCry, will see its shares in focus after approving a Rs 300 crore offer for sale (OFS) in its subsidiary Swara Baby’s upcoming IPO. Swara Baby, a contract manufacturer of hygiene products, plans to raise up to Rs 1,000 crore. This move comes as FirstCry’s financial performance shows narrowed losses and revenue growth.

Italian and Irish-backed Deltaport Footwear will invest $21.6 million to set up a footwear factory at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram.
The unit will have an annual production capacity of around 3 million pairs.
The factory is expected to create 468 jobs and generate annual export earnings of about $37.5 million.

Liberty is revitalizing its brand by consolidating sub-brands and expanding its retail presence, aiming for 100 new stores this fiscal year, including dedicated outlets for its comfort brand, Healers. The footwear giant is investing Rs 75 crore in retail expansion, store modernization, and marketing to energize its offerings and connect with a younger audience. This strategic shift focuses on strengthening the top line and building for future growth.

South Korea’s apparel imports rose 1 per cent year on year to $4.806 billion during January-May 2026, driven by higher knitted apparel imports and a stronger May performance.
However, exports of man-made filaments and knitted fabrics declined amid weak global textile demand and intensifying competition from lower-cost producers worldwide.

The council also cautioned that gold prices could fall towards $3,500 per ounce if global economic growth remains robust and bond yields continue to rise, increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold.

Limelight Diamonds said it plans to expand its retail footprint through both company-owned and franchise-operated stores, with a target of adding 100 stores in 2026 and scaling up to 200 stores by 2027.

Europe has become the global battleground for apparel sourcing as more suppliers compete for slower import growth.
Rising volumes, falling unit prices, tighter compliance rules and stronger buyer leverage are squeezing margins.
Future competitiveness will depend less on low prices and more on speed, traceability, product mix and value-added manufacturing.