Apparels

Kenya’s second-hand clothing trade and its domestic apparel manufacturing can coexist and complement each other, according to a study by the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya and the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya.
The two sectors serve different markets.
While Kenyan households buy both new and used clothes, as incomes rise, the consumption of used clothes drops, the study revealed.

UK’s clothing imports rose by 11.99 per cent year-on-year to £1.419 billion (~$1.883 billion) in March 2025 and by 9.91 per cent from February 2025.
First-quarter imports increased by 10.28 per cent to £4.075 billion.
However, full-year 2024 imports fell by 7.06 per cent to £14.612 billion.
Textile fabric and fibre imports also showed mixed trends across the months and quarters, according to the ONS.

Gold prices face downward pressure, falling from recent peaks. Analysts cite cooled rate cut expectations and easing trade war fears. A key support level is being tested. Some experts suggest potential buying opportunities at lower levels. Long-term fundamentals are considered intact. Investors should watch global economic developments.

Arvind Fashions Ltd reported a strong Q4 and FY25, with net profit rising 8% and 71% respectively, driven by higher full-price sales and efficient operations. Revenue also saw healthy growth, supported by like-to-like sales and online performance. The company’s ROCE crossed 20%, and the board recommended a dividend, signaling continued financial strength and strategic execution.

Sri Lanka’s garment exports rose by 12 per cent year-on-year to $1,283.5 million in January–March 2025, supported by moderate growth in textile exports.
Combined textile and garment exports contributed over half of the country’s industrial exports.
Imports of textiles and clothing also surged during the period.
In 2024, garment exports grew by 4.9 per cent to $4,660.1 million.

Twelve years after Rana Plaza, Bangladesh’s garment industry has transformed into a global leader in ethical, sustainable manufacturing.
A new CMPI report highlights progress in safety, labour rights, and green innovation, with 240 LEED-certified factories.
It urges global stakeholders to recognise Bangladesh not as a cautionary tale, but as a model for resilient, responsible apparel production.

Puma has named Dominique Gathier as VP of its Teamsport unit.
A 19-year Puma veteran, he replaces Matthias Bäumer and will report to chief product officer Maria Valdes. Gathier previously led product lines for FUTURE, ULTRA, and KING football boots.
He will now oversee product strategy and partnerships across football and other key sports.

Kolkata consumers are set to rejoice as gold prices have significantly dropped by approximately Rs 9,000 per 10 grams, just before the wedding season. This considerable price correction, the most notable in recent times, is set to offer substantial relief to buyers.

PDS Limited has reported strong growth in FY25, with revenue reaching ₹12,578 crore (~$1.51 billion) and GMV rising 25 per cent YoY to ₹18,744 crore (~$2.24 billion).
PAT grew 19 per cent to ₹241 crore.
Q4 FY25 saw robust quarterly gains across key metrics.
Backed by BCG, PDS launched cost optimisation efforts and sees the UK-India FTA and US tariff changes as growth enablers for its global operations.

Richemont, owner of Cartier, saw a 7% rise in quarterly sales, exceeding expectations, driven by strong jewellery sales in the U.S. This offset a decline in watch sales in Asia, impacted by China’s property crisis. While the luxury sector faces uncertainty, Richemont’s focus on high-end clientele positions it as more resilient compared to competitors like LVMH.