Apparels

Vietnam’s 7.2 per cent minimum wage rise is tightening margins across its labour-intensive garment sector, accelerating pressure to boost productivity and move up the value chain.
While exports remain strong, factories face a squeeze between higher statutory costs and buyer price resistance.
This makes automation, FOB/ODM models and compliance-driven repositioning critical to staying competitive.

UK clothing exports rose 2.73 per cent year on year to £301 million (~$403.07 million) in November, supported by a month-on-month rebound.
However, textile fabric and fibre exports declined, reflecting weak European manufacturing demand and cautious buying.
Quarterly and annual data underline broader pressure on UK textile and apparel exports amid subdued consumer demand and post-Brexit frictions.

The Philippines will provide ‘flexible financing’ to domestic garment manufacturers for automation, machinery and production equipment to make them more competitive in the global market.
Incentives under the DTI’s Board of Investments will support mechanised and digital garment production, while the Philippine Economic Zone Authority will offer a comprehensive package for export-oriented garment firms.

The US House has passed the AGOA Extension Act, extending till December 31, 2028, duty-free access to the US for most exports from sub-Saharan Africa.
The bill also extends till December 31, 2031, customs user fees and merchandise processing fees.
The Haiti Economic Lift Programme Extension Act was also passed, extending till December 31, 2028, the special duty-free rules for apparel imported from Haiti.

LA’s garment industry enters 2026 amid disruption and cautious revival.
Immigration raids, rising costs and sustainability rules continue to strain factories, while tariffs and supply-chain risks are driving limited reshoring.
Any rebound is likely to be selective, centred on specialised and higher-value production rather than a return to mass manufacturing.

India’s apparel market is set for major growth. It is expected to reach Rs 16 lakh crore by 2029-30. Rising incomes and online shopping are key drivers. Value fashion brands are expanding rapidly. E-commerce will also see significant growth. Recent GST changes will boost affordability for many shoppers.

India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US saw a significant 44.42% drop to US$ 3.86 billion in April-December 2025, driven by tariff pressures and weak demand. Despite this, overall exports remained stable at US$ 20.75 billion, bolstered by strong growth in markets like the UAE and Australia, highlighting successful diversification strategies.

The Philippines is considering reducing value-added tax (VAT) and introducing more fiscal support to enhance the cost competitiveness of domestic garments.
The 12-per cent VAT rate in the country is the highest in the region.
Domestic garment manufacturers and exporters have been complaining about rising costs and tougher competition in the global market, Trade secretary Cristina Roque said.

Trade body BGMEA and ActionAid Bangladesh recently signed an MoU to work as strategic partners in advancing the sustainable transformation of the garment sector.
Beginning this month, the MoU will remain effective for five years.
The partnership aims at ensuring human rights and environmental due diligence, strengthening compliance capacity and improving the overall quality of life of garment workers.

Designer Tarun Tahiliani is setting the stage for an ambitious growth trajectory, aiming to expand his brand to ₹600-700 crore. He’s honing in on ready-to-wear and premium lines, including Tasva and OTT, while also prioritising the vital aspect of physical retail growth.