Apparels

US garment retailers are urging Indian apparel manufacturers to absorb some price increases caused by President Trump’s 26 per cent tariff on Indian products, which is less than on Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Pakistan. Indian manufacturers may offer a 5 per cent discount and seek government subsidies to expand and modernize factories, enhancing their competitiveness.

Iconic Aussie brand Bonds is bringing its ‘Made for Down Under’ comfort to the US with a bold campaign starring Robert Irwin and Tkay Maidza.
Known for keeping Aussies comfy for over 100 years, Bonds now offers Americans its hardworking undies, blending cheeky charm with everyday comfort.
The campaign rolls out nationwide across digital, OOH, social, podcasts, and connected TV.

Lenskart Co-founder Peyush Bansal stresses the importance of deep customer focus for scaling businesses and lowering customer acquisition costs. He challenges the hype around omnichannel strategies, emphasizing that customers, not channels, are omni, and that the customer experience is paramount whether online or offline.

“Today, around 11% of our sales come from EBOs, and that number is set to grow. These stores offer significantly better gross margins—well above our company average of 28 to 30%—because we’re not dependent on middlemen, and we can control pricing and discounting more effectively,” said ​the company’s chairman and managing director, Hitesh Ruparelia.

Argos Watches, an Indian watch brand, secured Rs 6.5 crore in angel funding at a Rs 45 crore valuation. The brand aims to double its FY 2024-25 revenue of Rs 25.64 crore by meeting rising demand for premium mechanical watches. The funds will support product development, brand awareness, and digital expansion, including the launch of the Olympus watch.

In 2024, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU rose by 4.72 per cent to $18.891 billion, with trousers and shorts accounting for over 30 per cent of shipments.
Cotton garments dominated, making up 70.29 per cent of total exports.
Unisex clothing led gender-wise exports.
Europe remained the top market, though its share declined from 62.84 per cent in 2019 to 56.95 per cent in 2024.

Jain Amar has appointed Akhil Jain as its new MD and CEO. Jain, with over two decades of experience, will lead the company’s transformation. The goals include growth across physical and digital channels, fostering a unified organisational voice, and integrating technological advancements. Jain Amar aims to become IPO-ready by 2027.

The US’ new reciprocal tariffs end duty-free access for key Latin American apparel exporters under CAFTA-DR, imposing 10–19 per cent duties.
Nicaragua faces the steepest hike at 19 per cent.
Haiti’s rate jumps to 22.36 per cent, straining its garment sector.
These changes raise costs, reduce competitiveness, and may shift US sourcing strategies.

The US’s new tariffs—10 per cent universal and higher country-specific rates—mark a major policy shift, undermining the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits.
Key African exporters like Madagascar, Lesotho, and Tunisia face severe cost hikes, risking reduced competitiveness, job losses, and trade volume drops, while prompting US buyers to diversify sourcing.

The US’ sharp tariff hike on apparel imports—up to 570 per cent for top Asian exporters—signals a major trade policy shift.
China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are hit hardest, prompting US importers to explore new sourcing hubs.
With Mexico spared, nearshoring may rise, while the shake-up challenges global supply chains and sourcing strategies.