Apparels

Japan’s apparel imports from China fell for the fourth consecutive year, dropping 7.61 per cent to $11.232 billion in 2024.
Volumes also declined across garment types.
Jerseys remained the top import at over 21 per cent of the total, followed by trousers, shirts, innerwear, and T-shirts.
The trend reflects a consistent shift since 2021, when imports stood at nearly $13.9 billion.

In spite of a December 2023 Bangladesh government order asking RMG units to raise minimum wages, 32 per cent have failed to do that, a study conducted between September and December 2024 revealed.
All non-compliant units are located outside the export processing zones.
The wage hike has put the factories under financial pressure, but most have received no help from buyers or the government.

Egypt’s apparel exports rose by 27 per cent YoY to $262 million in March, the Apparel Export Council of Egypt said.
It aims at doubling exports by 2031 to $12 billion by expanding to African and Asian markets, leveraging Egypt’s trade agreements, enhancing value-added production and modernising manufacturing lines.
Two dedicated textile-garment cities will be launched in Fayoum and Minya.

Columbia Sportswear has reported net sales of $778.5 million in Q1 2025, up 1 per cent YoY, led by strong growth in LAAP and EMEA regions.
Gross margin rose to 50.9 per cent, while operating income grew 4 per cent to $46.5 million.
Amid US tariff uncertainties, the company withdrew its full-year forecast but projects Q2 sales between $575–$600 million, reflecting 1–5 per cent growth.

Priority Jewels Ltd has filed papers with Sebi for an IPO of 54 lakh equity shares to raise funds. The Mumbai-based jewellery company will use Rs 75 crore from the IPO to pay off debt and for general corporate purposes.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd announced Ashish Dikshit’s appointment as Managing Director of the demerged Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd, effective May 1, 2025, in addition to his current role. Vishak Kumar has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director and CEO. Both appointments are subject to regulatory approvals, marking a significant leadership transition for the company.

The Souled Store has acquired Redwolf, a leading pop culture merchandise brand.
Redwolf’s founders will join The Souled Store team, bringing their creative vision to enhance product offerings.
This move aims to expand fandom-inspired collections and solidify The Souled Store’s mission to become India’s home of pop culture, offering fans more unique designs, collaborations, and lifestyle products.

Turkiye’s apparel exports fell 7.75 per cent year-on-year to $4.101 billion in January–March 2025, with March alone seeing a 10.78 per cent drop.
Knitted and non-knitted apparel exports declined across both quarterly and monthly comparisons.
In 2024, total exports dipped 4.47 per cent to $17.494 billion.
No textiles-related imports appeared among the top 20 product chapters in February 2025.

Gildan has reaffirmed its 2025 outlook with mid-single-digit revenue growth, a 50 bps rise in operating margin, EPS of $3.38–$3.58, and free cash flow above $450 million.
Its Q1 2025 sales rose 2.3 per cent to $712 million, led by 9 per cent activewear growth.
Gross margin improved to 31.2 per cent.
It earned recognition in S&P’s Sustainability Yearbook and CDP’s Leadership band for ESG performance.

Rocky Brands plans to raise footwear prices in Q2 to offset new US tariffs and is accelerating its shift from Chinese sourcing to facilities in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Q1 net sales rose 1.1 per cent YoY to $114.1 million, with retail sales up 20.4 per cent.
Net income more than doubled to $4.9 million.
Gross margin rose to 41.2 per cent, driven by stronger wholesale and retail performance.