Apparels

Gold prices rebounded after hitting a one-week low, driven by uncertainties from U.S. President Trump’s tariff plans, which increased demand for safe-haven bullion. Spot gold rose 0.1 per cent, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.4 per cent. The potential new tariffs on copper imports and rising U.S. inflation expectations added to economic concerns, supporting gold’s appeal.

The EU delays implementing stringent traceability rules for polished diamond imports to January 2026, easing pressure on the Indian diamond industry. This decision aligns with G7 efforts to ensure transparency in the diamond trade and prevent Russian diamonds from entering EU and G7 markets.

Cambodia’s manufacturing sector saw 9.7-per cent growth YoY in 2024, with the number of manufacturers reaching a new high of 2,316 as of November, government statistics show.
The number of manufacturing units rose by 210, or 10 per cent, over end-2023 figure.
Manufacturing in the garments, footwear and travel goods industry increased by 8.6 per cent YoY last year.

Destination XL Group (DXLG) has opened a new store in Roseville, CA, at Creekside Town Center.
This marks the brand’s first new store of the fiscal year and its eighth in the past 12 months.
The store offers Big + Tall men’s clothing with brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, and more, plus DXL’s FiTMAPS Sizing Technology for a perfect fit.

Titan expects its jewellery business to grow by up to 20 per cent in the upcoming financial year, driven by demand from affluent Indians. However, rising gold prices may impact profit margins, which are currently forecasted at 11 per cent to 11.5 per cent.

Adidas Originals and Sporty & Rich reunite for a varsity-inspired collection.
Led by Emily Oberg, the drop features the Handball Spezial sneaker in Navy, Green, and Maroon, with nubuck uppers, suede overlays, and gold foil branding.
Matching apparel includes crew neck sweatshirts and wide-leg track pants with co-branded embroidery and Three Stripes details.

Club América and Adidas have signed a multi-year deal starting in the 2025-26 season, marking the return of their historic partnership.
Adidas will supply match and training gear for all teams.
The deal strengthens Club América’s status in continental football and highlights Adidas’ commitment to the region.
Club president Emilio Azcárraga calls it a financially positive move for the club.

At the Great India Retail Summit 2025, Helena Kuylenstierna of H&M India highlighted the brand’s impressive growth in the country over the past decade. With 65 stores and a strong digital presence, H&M combines affordability with fashion-forward designs. Their commitment to sustainability aims for 100% recycled materials by 2030, already reaching 85 per cxent.

Sankar Chatterjee, CEO of Decathlon India, emphasized the need for long-term brand loyalty based on purpose, quality, and accessibility at The Economic Times Great India Retail Summit. Decathlon aims to increase local manufacturing and expand its retail channels, while promoting sports and enhancing consumer trust in India.

Welcoming the budget in Sri Lanka, the Joint Apparel Association Forum recently expressed serious concern over the potential impact of a premature removal of the simplified value-added tax (SVAT) without a clear, well-tested alternative.
Ensuring a smooth and transparent transition from SVAT is crucial to maintaining the apparel industry’s competitiveness and sustaining investor confidence, it said.