Apparels

Marimekko is expecting increased net sales and a 16–19 per cent operating profit margin in 2025, with strong growth projected in the Asia-Pacific region.
The company plans 10–15 new store openings, mainly in Asia.
Q1 2025 net sales rose 5 per cent to €39.6 million, driven by international growth.
CEO Alahuhta-Kasko highlighted ongoing global expansion, and brand storytelling.

Gold prices declined to a one-month low as investors awaited U.S. inflation data for insights into the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. Easing U.S.-China trade tensions further diminished gold’s safe-haven appeal. The market anticipates potential interest rate cuts later in the year, influenced by economic data and Federal Reserve commentary.

The seasonally-adjusted US consumer price index for all urban consumers rose by 0.2 per cent in April after falling by 0.1 per cent in March, the Bureau of Labour Statistics said.
The energy index also rose by 0.7 per cent over the month and decreased by 3.7 per cent for the 12 months ending April.
The apparel index fell by 0.2 per cent in April and by 0.7 per cent for the 12 months ending April.

China’s apparel exports to Europe declined by 1.82 per cent to $6.355 billion in Q1 2025, but Europe’s market share rose slightly to 20.56 per cent due to a sharper fall in overall exports.
Despite a 5-year downward trend in share, the value of exports to Europe has generally increased, reaching $35.797 billion in 2024.
Europe also dropped to 3rd place among China’s top export destinations last year.

India and UK have finalised a landmark FTA on May 6 eliminating tariffs on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK.
This move boosts India’s competitiveness in key sectors like textiles, leather, and footwear.
The FTA levels the playing field against Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Turkiye, offering Indian exporters a crucial ~10 per cent cost advantage and unlocking significant opportunities.

Jordan’s exports rose by 8.1 per cent YoY to reach JD1.309 billion (~$1.846 billion) in the first two months this year.
The growth was largely driven by higher external demand for several of Jordan’s main export commodities.
Garment exports rose by 2.8 per cent YoY to reach JD257 million during the period.
The apparel sector continues to benefit from trade agreements and competitive production costs.

Burberry is set to cut 1,700 jobs globally as part of a cost-cutting and turnaround strategy led by CEO Joshua Schulman. Despite a challenging luxury market, the company’s adjusted operating profit exceeded expectations. Schulman is refocusing the brand on core products like trench coats and scarves, while navigating economic uncertainties and declining sales in key regions.

Kalyan Jewellers anticipates significant revenue growth this financial year. The gold retailer plans to expand its store presence across India. This expansion includes both Kalyan and Candere brands. The company aims to open 160 new locations. Kalyan Jewellers seeks to capitalize on the increasing demand for lower-carat jewellery.

Under Armour is expecting a 4–5 per cent revenue decline in FY26, driven by weak North America and Asia-Pacific markets, despite growth in EMEA.
SG&A expenses are projected to drop by 40 per cent, with modest operating income.
In FY25, revenue fell 9 per cent to $5.2 billion, and net loss stood at $201 million.
CEO Kevin Plank remains confident in the brand’s strategic reset.

India’s gems and jewellery exports experienced a 4.62% decrease in April, totaling USD 2,037.06 million, according to GJEPC data. Cut and polished diamond exports fell by 6.12%, while gold jewellery shipments saw a 5.41% decline. Polished lab-grown diamond exports remained nearly flat, but coloured gemstone exports showed a positive trend with an 11.95% increase.