Apparels

US market for women’s synthetic trousers is highly competitive, with Vietnam, China, Jordan, Cambodia, and Indonesia leading exports.
Vietnam dominates due to strong specialisation and pricing balance, while Jordan benefits from tariff-free access.
China’s cost efficiency offsets tariff burdens, though its competitiveness may decline.
Cambodia and Indonesia hold mid-range positions.

Gold prices have jumped, leading customers in Asia and the Middle East to cash in old jewellery, potentially reducing future imports and tempering gold’s rally. Jewellers are seeing less customer traffic despite India’s wedding season. With high prices, consumers are opting for cheaper options or selling old gold. Investment interest in bullion remains strong.

US’ share in Bangladesh’s apparel exports surged to 54.28 per cent in January–February 2025, up from 18.52 per cent in 2024, reversing a three-year decline.
Despite overall export fluctuations, US-bound shipments saw a significant jump early in 2025.
Cotton garments made up over 73 per cent of 2024 exports to the US, with men’s, women’s, and unisex garments contributing the bulk.

Signs of recovery in China’s diamond market are creating cautious optimism in India’s diamond industry. The market’s resurgence and stabilizing prices could breathe life back into India’s diamond export sector. An emphasis on smaller diamonds over larger stones signals shifting consumer preferences in China, offering hope for sustained growth in India’s diamond industry.

Gen Z is reshaping the Indian fashion market with their unique and experimental clothing choices. New brands like Freakins and Bonkers Corner are gaining popularity, affecting sales of established labels like Zara and H&M. Priced affordably, these brands appeal to Gen Z’s need for self-expression and inclusivity in sizing, with a strong preference for online shopping.

The global sporting goods industry faced a difficult environment in 2024, with softer growth prospects, inflation and cautious consumer spending, a McKinsey report found.
Despite that, the industry managed to sustain a 7-per cent growth rate a year from 2021 to 2024.
The growth outlook for 2024-2029 is projected at 6 per cent a year, driven by a slowdown in APAC, Western Europe and Latin America.

The global sporting goods industry faced a difficult environment in 2024, with softer growth prospects, inflation and cautious consumer spending, a McKinsey report found.
Despite that, the industry managed to sustain a 7-per cent growth rate a year from 2021 to 2024.
The growth outlook for 2024-2029 is projected at 6 per cent a year, driven by a slowdown in APAC, Western Europe and Latin America.

China’s rising tariffs on men’s cotton shirts (HS 620520), reaching 28.7 per cent, are eroding its price advantage in the US market. Bangladesh, with the highest RCA of 110.05 and a UVR of $19.24/kg, is well-positioned to lead.
India and Vietnam maintain moderate competitiveness, while Indonesia targets the premium segment amidst higher UVRs.

Nicaragua’s substantial RCA of 74.12 and zero tariffs under CAFTA-DR make it highly competitive in the US non-cotton T-shirt market.
Honduras, with an RCA of 55.78 and also benefiting from zero tariffs, offers a UVR of $12.28/kg, balancing cost and quality.
In contrast, China’s competitiveness is diminishing due to a 52 per cent tariff, making its products less attractive to US importers.

Bangladesh’s textile industry, which accounts for 84% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, is facing a crisis. Ananta Jalil, a prominent businessman, accused interim chief adviser Md Yunus of forcefully shutting down the sector, resulting in massive job losses. The lack of support during Ramadan and ahead of Eid has worsened the situation, potentially leading to an economic collapse.