Apparels

Nepal’s LDC graduation in 2026 may disrupt employment, with up to 132,000 jobs at risk, according to the ILO.
Manufacturing, especially garments, will be most affected, with women disproportionately impacted.
Industry leaders cite policy gaps and weak infrastructure as key constraints.
Calls for reforms, including the Green Garment Village, are growing.

Levi Strauss & Co has reported strong Q1 2026 results, with net revenues rising 14 per cent YoY to $1.74 billion and organic growth at 9 per cent.
DTC remained a key driver, contributing 52 per cent of sales.
Profitability improved, with net income reaching $177 million.
Backed by broad-based regional growth, the company raised its full-year outlook.

Bangladesh’s heavy reliance on imported fuel has left it highly exposed to disruptions from the Iran conflict, amid reports of fuel shortages disrupting production and transportation.
Economists reportedly cautioned that a slowdown in industrial production could trigger a chain reaction, resulting in job losses and reduced export earnings.

Bangladesh’s RMG exports fell 5.51 per cent to $28.58 billion in July–March FY26, with knitwear declining more sharply than woven apparel.
March saw a steep 19.35 per cent drop amid geopolitical disruptions.
Cotton product exports also weakened significantly, while home textiles remained largely stable despite a marginal dip.
Overall export concentration in apparel stayed high.

Demand is expected to skew toward 18-carat and lightweight designs in eastern and northern markets, while western and southern regions could see stronger traction for heavier pieces, he told ET.

In India, the business recorded revenue growth of over 65% in Q4 FY2026 versus the year-ago period, led by robust same-store sales growth across key markets. The company said both wedding and discretionary demand remained strong despite volatile gold prices, with same-store sales growth exceeding 45% during the quarter. For the full year, the India business reported revenue growth of about 43%.

South Korea’s apparel imports rose 1.79 per cent to $1.982 billion in January-February 2026, with February alone up 6.3 per cent.
Growth was driven by both knitted and non-knitted segments.
Meanwhile, textile exports, including man-made filaments and knitted fabrics, declined due to weak global demand and rising competition.
Overall apparel imports fell slightly in 2025, despite growth in 2024.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue has said the reduced corporate tax rates of 10-12 per cent being imposed on the RMG sector now may not last longer.
At a pre-budget meeting with stakeholders, it indicated a gradual return to the standard 27.5-per cent rate.
AmCham Bangladesh proposed rationalising the 1-per cent minimum tax on annual turnover and lowering tax rates for offshore banking units.

Trent has been on a ​store-opening spree over the ⁠last few quarters, ‌with its store count ​climbing ​to 1,286 by March 31, compared ⁠with about 1,043 a year earlier.

Global apparel margins are under sustained structural pressure as input inflation, freight volatility and tariffs converge with weak demand, limiting pricing power.
While leaders like Inditex offset costs through agility and sourcing strategy, most brands and suppliers face prolonged profitability stress, with recovery hinging on demand stabilisation.