Apparels

Sri Lanka’s garment exports declined 7.4 per cent year on year to $1.50 billion in January-April 2026, while textile exports fell 5.6 per cent, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Combined textile and apparel exports totalled $1.62 billion, accounting for 45.7 per cent of industrial exports.
April textile and garment exports also weakened amid continued global demand uncertainty.

Titan is significantly increasing its focus on premium watches. The company anticipates that timepieces priced above Rs 25,000 will soon account for nearly a quarter of its total revenue. This strategic shift is supported by the rapid growth of its premium retail formats, Helios and Helios Luxe.

Agilitas Sports secured Rs 225 crore from Nexus Venture Partners and Rainmatter. This funding will fuel expansion in manufacturing, brands, and offline retail. The company is building a full-stack sportswear ecosystem. It acquired Mochiko Shoes and launched Lotto and One8 brands. Agilitas is also growing its multi-brand retail format, Sportsyard.

South Korea’s apparel imports rose 1.15 per cent year on year to $4.05 billion in January-April 2026, supported by a 4.4 per cent increase in April that reversed recent weakness.
Knitwear imports outperformed woven garments, while exports of man-made filaments and knitted fabrics declined amid weaker global demand and growing competition from lower-cost textile-producing countries.

Tariffs are no longer the only trade barrier, as proof of origin, traceability, labour compliance and sustainability data increasingly determine market access.
EU DPP, EPR and parcel rules, alongside stricter US forced-labour scrutiny, are turning compliance into a competitive advantage.
Exporters able to scale trusted data systems may gain stronger buyer confidence and sourcing preference.

India has suspended its 11% import duty on cotton until October. This move has immediately reversed the recent rally in cotton prices, with both bales and yarn seeing a drop. Industry insiders expect further price decreases in the coming days. This decision aims to ease prices, prevent hoarding, and boost the competitiveness of Indian textile exports.

Türkiye’s apparel exports declined 1.98 per cent year on year to $5.192 billion in January–April 2026 due to weak demand in Europe and rising competition from lower-cost Asian suppliers including Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan.
However, exports rebounded sharply in April, rising 16.2 per cent on the back of seasonal orders and European restocking demand.

Indonesia is gearing up to navigate mounting global uncertainties and reduce its reliance on select markets by pursuing export diversification, forging strategic trade partnerships, and deepening engagement with high-potential export destinations.
The country is positioning strategic trade diplomacy alongside manufacturing strength as key to sustaining future export growth.

While China continues to dominate global apparel exports, competition between Bangladesh and Vietnam is intensifying amid shifting sourcing trends.
Bangladesh retains strength in low-cost, large-scale garment manufacturing, while Vietnam benefits from diversified products, faster logistics, stronger FTAs and quicker raw material access, strengthening its position in higher-value apparel exports.

Demand fell to about 7.5 tonnes in the fortnight ended May 27 from around 25 tonnes a year earlier, according to industry estimates. The government increased the import duty on gold to 15% from 6% with effect from May 13.