Apparels

Bangladeshi textile industry leaders said Thursday that US tariffs posed a “massive blow” to the world’s second-largest garment manufacturer, which accounts for some 80 percent of the South Asian nation’s exports. “Buyers will go to other cost-competitive markets — this is going to be a massive blow for our industry,” said Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, chairman of RDM Group, a major manufacturer with an estimated USD 25 million turnover.

India’s USD 32 billion gems and jewellery industry faces a sharp decline in exports due to new U.S. tariffs, impacting its position as the global leader. The tariffs, higher than expected, threaten to reduce the industry’s exports to its largest market, the United States, which accounts for 30.4 per cent of annual exports.

AAFA has criticised White House’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff hike, warning it will raise costs for US companies and consumers.
CEO Lamar called the move regressive and inflationary, noting tariffs on apparel were already disproportionately high.
He warned the new policy will disrupt supply chains, harm US manufacturers reliant on foreign inputs and invite retaliatory tariffs that threaten US exports.

Effective May 2, 2025, the US will revoke duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, citing the synthetic opioid crisis.
Goods under $800 will now face duties—30 per cent or $25 per item, rising to $50 from June 1.
The move seeks to curb illicit flows and address trade asymmetry, as China offers no comparable exemptions.

Nike faces potential U.S. tariffs on imports from Vietnam, where it produces 50 per cent of its footwear and 28 per cent of its apparel. Higher tariffs could raise costs or force price hikes amid declining sales. Other brands like Adidas and Lululemon are also at risk. Vietnam is negotiating to minimize tariff impacts while maintaining trade ties with the U.S.

Chanel and other luxury brands are expanding their beauty segments in India, managing their retail spaces independently to better align with consumer preferences. Chanel has opened multiple new beauty and fragrance stores, launched an e-commerce platform, and brands like L’Oreal Luxe are opening exclusive brand outlets, signaling significant demand growth in this sector.

Rwandan PM Edouard Ngirente has informed Parliament of government plans to significantly raise the contribution of garment units to domestic consumers.
The country’s garment factories now supply clothing for just 5 per cent of the population.
Ngirente outlined the strategy to expand industrial production and exports for sustainable economic growth under the National Strategy for Transformation.

Oxford Industries has forecast fiscal 2025 net sales between $1.49 billion and $1.53 billion, with GAAP EPS of $4.21–$4.61.
Q1 sales are projected at $375–$395 million.
The company anticipates pressure from tariffs and higher interest costs.
FY24 net sales declined 3 per cent to $1.52 billion, with adjusted EPS at $6.68.
Q4 FY24 net sales stood at $391 million, with adjusted EPS of $1.37.

M&S is investing £50 million (~$64.7 million) across the North west of England to open five new stores and renew three, creating 300 jobs and adding 100,000 sq. ft of retail space.
The plans include major upgrades in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, supporting M&S’s transformation strategy and store renewal programme.

Men’s apparel brand The Bear House secured Rs 500 crore in Series A funding led by JM Financial India Growth Fund III. The funds will be used to expand offline stores, enhance branding, and support working capital. With plans to open 20 stores in 2 years, the brand recently launched its first physical store in Bengaluru.