Apparels

The 50-per cent US tariff rate on imports from Lesotho—under suspension now for three months—has started wreaking havoc on the country’s textile exports.
Over 5,000 jobs are hanging in balance, and Lesotho Precious Garments and its subsidiary, Maseru E-Textiles, are preparing to shut down operations.
US buyers have stopped orders, opting to wait for a definitive resolution.

After building a strong digital-first brand, Zouk is now turning its focus to exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), premium product launches, and a strategic global foray, co-founder and COO Pradeep Krishnakumar said in an interview with ETRetail. “We’ve built a strong digital foundation, but we’ve always believed Zouk is a brand consumers want to touch and feel,” he said. “That’s where offline retail becomes critical.”

June is typically a bullish month for crude oil, and most of the downside has likely already played out. However, if the risk-off sentiment in emerging markets intensifies, there could be significant upside potential. A price increase of 10–12% wouldn’t be unexpected, according to the monthly report.

Egypt’s garment exports rose by 22 per cent YoY during the first four months of 2025, reaching $1.028 billion, the Apparel Export Council of Egypt said.
Such exports rose by 25 per cent YoY to $223 million in April by 23 per cent YoY to $254 million in March.
The US was the top RMG export destination, with exports to there totalling $384 million in the period—a 11-per cent rise increase YoY.

Kontoor Brands has finalised its acquisition of Helly Hansen, strengthening its position in the outdoor and workwear markets.
CEO Scott Baxter highlighted the deal’s role in boosting growth, diversification, and global reach.
The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to revenue, adjusted earnings per share, and cash flow in fiscal 2025, in line with the outlook shared on May 6, 2025.

Dior has appointed Jonathan Anderson, previously the menswear designer, to also lead womenswear and haute couture, replacing Maria Grazia Chiuri. LVMH aims to reignite sales with Anderson’s unique artistic signature, following his successful tenure at Loewe. This change is part of a broader industry overhaul as luxury houses seek new design directions amid economic challenges and shifting consumer behavior.

Snitch, an omnichannel menswear brand, raised Rs 278 crore led by 360 One Asset, with participation from SWC Global and IvyCap Ventures. Founded in 2018, Snitch operates 59 stores and plans more expansion in FY26, targeting 2-fold revenue growth and new product categories, following strong FY25 performance.

Malabar Gold targets a 20 per cent jump in revenue in the current fiscal year, from Rs 62,000 crore recorded in 2024-25, despite a sharp rise in gold prices, Ahmmad said.

Türkiye’s apparel exports declined 6.16 per cent year-on-year to $5.3 billion in January–April 2025.
Knitted clothing dropped 3.6 per cent, while non-knitted apparel fell 9.3 per cent.
April saw a slight 0.22 per cent dip overall.
This continues the downward trend from 2023 and 2024, resulting in falling shipments in both key apparel categories.

The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network has called on the fashion retail sector and textile industry to review their practices to ensure their environmental claims comply with consumer law.
It urges retailers to avoid using vague claims like terming apparel as conscious, green or sustainable, and warns against overstating the significance of their environmental measures.