Apparels

Japan’s clothing and accessories imports rose by 5.2 per cent to 317.5 billion yen in the latest data, making up 3.4 per cent of total imports.
Imports and exports of textile yarn and fabric saw slight increases, while textile machinery exports rose by 3.4 per cent.
In fiscal 2024-25, clothing imports reached 3.76 trillion yen, fabric exports rose 6 per cent, but machinery exports fell 12.6 per cent.

VF Corporation has reported revenue of $9.5 billion in FY25, down 4 per cent YoY, with adjusted operating income of $556 million, marking a strong recovery from a prior loss.
Net debt was cut by $1.8 billion, reducing leverage to 4.1x.
The North Face and Timberland grew, while Vans and Dickies declined.
VF expects Q1 FY26 revenue to dip 3-5 per cent.

Dior, owned by LVMH, has settled an Italian antitrust investigation regarding misleading statements about supplier working conditions by committing to remedies, including a €2 million payment for labor exploitation initiatives. The investigation stemmed from concerns about discrepancies between the brand’s ethical claims and the reality of underpaid workers in its supply chain.

The footwear retailer will increase prices on apparel and equipment for adults between $2 and $10, while those priced between $100 and $150 will see a $5 hike, it said.

India is poised to strengthen its textile and apparel exports to Oman through the upcoming CEPA, potentially gaining cost advantage as tariffs drop to zero.
Despite past disadvantages compared to GCC rivals, India ranks among Oman’s top three suppliers.
The shift from proximity-based to cost- and value-driven sourcing may reduce exports from competitors like the UAE, China, Turkiye and Bangladesh.

Nike unveils the Hypervenom RGN, a modern reboot of its iconic 2013 franchise.
Fusing the original’s Gripskin tech and mesh with the Hypervenom 3 plate, the boot blends heritage with innovation.
Launching in Bright Citrus, it revives the classic orange-black look, appealing to nostalgic fans and next-gen players alike, reinforcing Nike’s legacy in football performance gear.

Smartwatch shipments in India have declined for five consecutive quarters, dropping 33% year-on-year in Q1 2025. The industry is shifting from budget devices to premium features, with fewer new models being launched. Experts predict a correction year, focusing on the ₹5,000-10,000 price segment, expecting a slight shipment growth by year-end after a significant drop in 2024.

South Korea’s apparel imports from Vietnam rose 2.09 per cent year on year to $928.961 million in Q1 2025, with Vietnam holding a 30.42 per cent share of total imports.
Despite a dip in 2023, imports from Vietnam had shown strong growth since 2020.
Trousers and shorts led the product category, followed by T-shirts and shirts.
Vietnam remains South Korea’s second-largest apparel supplier after China.

Authentic Brands Group is acquiring Dockers’ intellectual property from Levi Strauss & Co. and has named Centric Brands as its operating partner for key categories in the US and Canada.
Known for its legacy in casualwear, Dockers will be expanded globally through Authentic’s licensing network, with plans to scale in LATAM, EMEA, and SE Asia and reimagine the brand for a new generation.

India’s Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority will set up the state’s first dedicated footwear park in Kanpur to empower MSMEs and boost the sector, Invest UP recently announced on X.
The park will manufacture sports shoes, casuals, sandals, ballerinas, PVC footwear and finished leather goods.
The initiative will reduce start-up costs and set-up time, encouraging entrepreneurs.