Apparels

Norway’s apparel imports rose 5 per cent to $806.86 million in January-April 2026, but India’s exports slipped to $36.32 million, reducing its market share to 4.50 per cent.
While China, Bangladesh and Vietnam expanded shipments, India struggled to capitalise on cotton apparel demand.
Strengthening MMF capabilities and value-added products could improve its position.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU reportedly fell 18.89 per cent year-on-year in January-May 2026, the steepest drop among major suppliers.
The fall outpaced declines for China, India and Vietnam, signalling pressure beyond weak demand and lower prices.
Exporters face urgency to reduce reliance on the EU and US and move into higher-value and technical products.

Japan’s textile trade remained resilient in H1 2026, with apparel imports rising 6.0 per cent and textile yarn and fabric imports increasing 8.1 per cent, signalling firm consumer demand and manufacturing activity.
June recorded even stronger growth across imports and exports, while textile machinery exports outpaced other segments, reflecting sustained investment in production capability.

AI and automation could eliminate 1.22 million jobs in Bangladesh’s apparel sector by 2041, with women facing the greatest risk, as per a new study.
While smart manufacturing promises higher productivity and competitiveness, experts say only rapid reskilling and policy reforms can prevent technology from becoming a major employment crisis.

Deckers Brands reported Q1 FY27 revenue of $1.02 billion, up 5.7 per cent, driven by HOKA and UGG brand growth.
HOKA sales rose 7.7 per cent to $703.5 million, while UGG increased 4.9 per cent to $278 million.
DTC sales grew 13 per cent, and the company raised FY27 EPS guidance to $7.35-$7.50 while maintaining revenue outlook of $5.86-5.91 billion.

From July 24, the US 10 per cent import surcharge expires as a new forced-labour duty takes effect across 60 economies.
Caps mean most mainstream apparel from the EU, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland avoids added duty where base rates exceed ceilings.
China and 37 other economies face a 2.5-point increase, affecting landed-cost planning for sourcing teams.

ILO chief Gilbert F Houngbo held high-level talks in Bangladesh on labour law reform, social dialogue, job creation and social protection.
The agenda matters for apparel exporters and factory operators tracking compliance in the ready-made garment sector.
Bangladesh’s labour complaint is set to return to the ILO Governing Body in March 2027.

Jewellery retailer D P Abhushan announced a 77 percent profit increase for the June quarter. Total income for the period rose by 58 percent compared to last year. Despite price volatility, demand for wedding jewellery remained resilient and business normalized. The company is expanding its showroom network with new locations planned. D P Abhushan remains confident in its long-term growth trajectory.

Bangladesh Bank has doubled the exporters’ retention quota for goods, exporters relying heavily on imported raw materials, intermediate goods, machinery and other production inputs, raising the permissible retention limit from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent of the repatriated FOB value.
The decision is expected to provide exporters with greater flexibility in managing their foreign currency requirements.

Global streaming shows now dictate Indian jewellery preferences, replacing Bollywood’s influence. Young shoppers seek designs inspired by “Bridgerton” and “Emily in Paris” series. Rising gold prices also encourage consumers towards lighter, more wearable diamond jewellery. Millennials and Gen Z view jewellery as personal style and self-expression. This shift reshapes India’s significant diamond jewellery market.