Apparels

Indian textile and apparel exporters are looking to a new trade agreement with the European Union to counter losses from high US tariffs. The EU pact, effective in about a year, will remove duties on most Indian goods, including textiles. This offers a crucial opening for market access as US shipments have significantly dropped.

Levi Strauss & Co has delivered a strong FY25, with net revenues rising 4 per cent to $6.3 billion and organic growth of 7 per cent, alongside sharp margin expansion and higher profitability.
Q4 saw 5 per cent organic growth, led by Europe, Asia and DTC, which accounted for nearly half of revenues.
The company expects mid-single digit growth and further margin gains in FY26.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has released the 26th edition of its Restricted Substance List, covering over 300 chemicals across 16 categories.
Updated to reflect global regulatory changes, the RSL helps ensure compliance and product safety in apparel, footwear, and textiles.
AAFA will discuss these updates at its 2026 Product Safety & Compliance Seminar.

Cava Athleisure has secured Rs 40 crore in a Series A funding round. This capital will drive the brand’s expansion into physical stores and new product lines. The company plans to open several stores in Bengaluru this year. Cava is also establishing its own manufacturing facility. Revenue targets are set for significant growth in the coming fiscal years.

Metro Brands has opened FILA’s first new-concept store in India. Located in Bengaluru’s Mall of Asia, the store features a design-led format inspired by FILA’s Italian heritage. It aims to position FILA as a lifestyle brand, offering performance wear, streetwear, and athleisure. A central ‘Library Wall’ highlights limited editions and new launches.

VF Corporation has reported a solid Q3 FY26, with revenue up 1 per cent YoY and 4 per cent excluding Dickies.
Strong holiday demand in the Americas and DTC drove performance.
Operating income and margins improved, supported by lower SG&A.
The North Face and Timberland led brand growth.
The company also announced a $0.09 per share dividend and maintained a positive FY26 outlook.

INDIA-India’s gold demand to fall in 2026 as jewellery slump offsets investment rise

Gold and silver have hit record highs, fueled by strong demand and a dropped value of the US dollar. Escalating geopolitical tensions are also playing a significant role in this upward trend. Wealthy investors are turning to gold as a safe haven, while traders explore financing options for gold acquisitions.

India’s apparel exports to Europe rose modestly to $7.94 billion in January–November 2025, but its market share remained low at 3.64 per cent, ranking eighth among suppliers.
The India–EU FTA, announced in January 2026, is expected to remove duties, improve price parity, and open new sourcing opportunities in Europe’s $260-billion apparel market.

Raymond Lifestyle Limited has reported steady Q3 FY26 performance, with consolidated income rising 5 per cent to ₹1,883 crore (~$205 million), driven by strong domestic demand.
EBITDA grew 23 per cent to ₹271 crore (~$29.5 million), while profit before tax rose 36 per cent.
Branded textiles led growth, offsetting weakness in garmenting amid US tariff uncertainty.