Apparels

Natural diamond prices have increased by 10% recently, driven by rising consumer demand in key global markets. Industry experts expect this trend to continue throughout 2025. The renewed interest has led to a surge in demand, particularly from tier-2 and -3 cities in India.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is alarmed at actions by the US department of labour to cancel all contracts for the latter’s Bureau of International Labour Affairs.
The decision will lead the country from “an even playing field to an uphill battle” and puts American workers and businesses last, leading to unfair competition with countries and foreign businesses, AAFA noted.

Europeans are buying and discarding more clothing, footwear and other textiles than ever before, which is putting more pressure on climate and environment, an EEA briefing says.
Out of 12 European household consumption categories, textile consumption ranked the fifth largest in terms of environmental and climate pressures on an average.
A systemic shift in the textiles system is needed, it notes.

Türkiye’s apparel exports fell 6.00 per cent YoY to $2.679 billion in January-February 2025, driven by declines in both knitted and non-knitted garment categories.
February alone saw a sharper 9.30 per cent drop.
The downtrend follows a 4.47 per cent fall in 2024, reflecting continued pressure on the country’s garment sector amid weaker global demand.

H&M Group has reported net sales of SEK 55,333 million (~$5.26 billion) in Q1 FY25, a 3 per cent YoY increase, with local currency sales up 2 per cent despite fewer stores.
Gross profit stood at SEK 27,169 million (~$2.58 billion), impacted by a weaker margin.
The group continues investing in digital and physical upgrades.
March 2025 sales are expected to rise 1 per cent YoY.

Carter’s, Inc. has named Douglas C. Palladini as CEO and President, effective 3 April 2025.
With over 30 years of leadership experience, including as Global Brand President of Vans, he is set to drive growth in Carter’s direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses, enhance global reach, boost innovation, and deepen connections with families through brand loyalty and inspiring products.

India is seeking to prevent a proposed US tariff hike on its apparel exports, potentially raising duties to 30 per cent from April 2.
The AEPC is urging a ‘zero for zero’ policy to eliminate tariffs mutually.
High-level discussions are ongoing, with the US pushing India to lower tariffs on American goods, while India highlights its combined duties that can reach up to 42 per cent.

FILA Group reported a 21.4 per cent YoY revenue decline to reach €612.58 million (~$659.15 million) in 2024, impacted by SAP EWM rollout and macroeconomic factors.
Net profit dropped 52.1 per cent to €81.8 million (~$88.04 million), though adjusted profit rose due to lower financial expenses.
Europe and Latin America showed modest growth.
For 2025, FILA projects moderate revenue and EBITDA growth.

Firefly, a lab-grown diamond startup, operates stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and aims to scale up to more than 20 locations over the next two years. With the fresh capital, it plans to expand its retail footprint and increase its digital presence.

Firefly, a lab-grown diamond startup, operates stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and aims to scale up to more than 20 locations over the next two years. With the fresh capital, it plans to expand its retail footprint and increase its digital presence.