Apparels

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.

Bulgaria’s apparel exports fell 19.9 per cent year on year to $254.56 million in Q1 2026, extending a multi-year decline from the 2022 peak amid weaker European demand and shifting sourcing patterns.
Germany remained the largest export market, followed by France and Italy.
Cotton apparel dominated exports, while trousers and shorts remained the country’s leading apparel export category.

India’s Arvind Fashions Ltd has reported a 15.5 per cent YoY rise in Q1 FY27 revenue to ₹1,279 crore (~$127.9 million), driven by strong direct-to-consumer channel growth.
EBITDA increased 19.6 per cent, while PAT declined due to lower other income.
The company expects 12-15 per cent revenue growth in FY27 supported by retail expansion, AI adoption and operational efficiencies.

US apparel importers may see a roughly 48-hour tariff gap as the 10 per cent Section 122 surcharge is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026.
A proposed Section 301 duty of 10 per cent or 12.5 per cent on imports from 60 economies has not yet been finalised.
Customs-entry timing will be critical for landed-cost planning and shipment release.