Apparels

Nike shares saw a surge following the announcement of production shift from China. The company anticipates tariff costs of approximately USD 1 billion. Price increases are expected in the US this fall. This follows similar warnings from Walmart regarding tariff-related price hikes. Nike aims to reduce its China-based footwear production to single digits by 2026.

Prada’s Spring Summer 2026 menswear collection, featuring sandals inspired by Kolhapuri chappals, has sparked controversy in India, igniting debate over cultural appropriation. Prada acknowledged the inspiration and committed to responsible design practices and dialogue with Indian artisans. Legal action is being considered due to the failure to acknowledge the artisans and heritage behind the design.

H&M Group has signed a multi-year deal to source large volumes of Circulose, a recycled material, to replace a significant portion of its virgin viscose use.
The agreement strengthens H&M’s push towards circular fashion and supports the scale-up of textile-to-textile recycling.
Both H&M and Circulose highlight the partnership as a vital step toward broader industry adoption of sustainable materials.

In Q1 2025, the UK’s apparel imports reached $4.688 billion, with knitted garments taking a 53.89 per cent share, surpassing woven garments at 46.11 per cent.
Knitted imports rose 9.28 per cent year-on-year, while woven garments increased 7.30 per cent.
Total imports for 2024 stood at $19.698 billion.
Annual apparel imports declined from $24.115 billion in 2022 to $20.285 billion in 2023.

Germany’s export expectations dipped to -3.9 in June from -3 in May, as per the ifo Institute.
The wearing apparel sector showed the weakest outlook at -32.6, while textiles was at -8.5.
The chemical industry posted -3.8, reflecting moderate negativity.
Ongoing tariff uncertainties with the US continue to dampen sentiment, according to ifo’s Klaus Wohlrabe.

H&M is strategically holding its prices steady in the U.S. market, capitalizing on rivals like Zara and Shein raising theirs due to tariff pressures. This move aims to attract shoppers amidst economic turbulence and shifting consumer sentiment. By mitigating tariff impacts through diversified sourcing and nearshoring strategies, H&M seeks to improve profitability and gain market share.

India’s cut and polished diamond (CPD) industry is set for another challenging fiscal year, with the recent report ICRA projecting a 7-10 per cent decline in exports in FY2026, following a 17% contraction in FY2025, weighed down by weak global demand and increasing competition from lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), the sector’s outlook remains negative.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will launch its ‘finished jewellery report’ service in India starting in August, providing detailed information on jewellery components to boost consumer trust. GIA is also planning to expand this service to other growth markets. Furthermore, GIA is collaborating with De Beers’ Tracr platform and considering establishing a new laboratory in Surat.

Apparel imports into the Middle East rose 6.58 per cent year-on-year to $2.572 billion in January–April 2025, despite ongoing regional conflict.
China remained the top supplier, followed by Bangladesh and Turkiye.
The region’s imports also saw a 15.40 per cent rise in 2024.
Countries like Vietnam, India, Egypt, and Italy were among key exporters, reflecting resilient demand across Middle East.

Badalia Diamond Jewellers has a new name. It is now Golubhai Badalia Diamond. This change shows new leadership. The company wants to grow globally. Golubhai Badalia leads the company with Ishmita Badalia. They focus on diamond jewellery. The rebranding aligns the company’s heritage with its future goals. The company is excited about this new chapter.