Apparels

Maya Tata is set to spearhead Westside’s e-commerce marketing as the fashion retailer gears up for aggressive global expansion. Leveraging her digital expertise, she will drive online growth for the brand, which is also rapidly increasing its store count domestically. This strategic move aligns with Trent’s ambition to build Indian brands with international appeal, as evidenced by Westside’s recent foray into the UAE.

Germany’s apparel imports continued to recover in Q1 2026, with sourcing shifting towards China, Vietnam and India.
Bangladesh and Türkiye lost market share despite remaining major suppliers.
Cotton garments and knitwear dominated imports, indicating buyers continue to prioritise competitive pricing, reliable supply and established sourcing networks.

As LDC graduation redraws the trade map, the real test for apparel exporters is staying ahead without the old safety nets.
Experts say the new currency of competitiveness is reliability, quality, resilient supply chains and industrial upgrading.
In this next chapter, success would not be tariff-driven; it will be powered by productivity, innovation and efficiency.

Bangladesh’s merchandise exports grew by 25.91 per cent YoY in June to $4.20 billion, provisional data show.
The growth was driven by strong performances across major sectors.
FY26 merchandise export earnings dropped by 0.58 per cent YoY.
The readymade garments sector earned $38.70 billion from exports during FY26—down by 1.64 per cent YoY, and saw a 21.52-per cent YoY growth in export earnings in June.

Titan anticipates elevated and volatile gold prices due to global geopolitical tensions, impacting short-term jewellery demand. However, the company remains optimistic about India’s long-term jewellery market growth, driven by favourable demographics and gold’s appeal as a safe asset. Despite challenges like US tariffs and volatile gold prices, Titan achieved a landmark Rs 75,000 crore revenue in FY26, with its jewellery division contributing significantly.

Weak global apparel demand is accelerating a sourcing reset rather than an across-the-board decline.
Vietnam is gaining from reliable, large-scale sourcing, while Italy is benefiting from premium, near-market production.
India’s apparel exports continue to lag, suggesting policy support alone is insufficient without faster execution, stronger compliance and greater buyer confidence.

Sports retail startup PlayBlue has secured $2.7 million in seed funding to launch its omnichannel platform and first flagship stores in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. Co-founded by industry veterans, the company aims to capture India’s growing sports participation by offering a wide range of brands. PlayBlue plans to expand significantly, targeting substantial revenue and a large user community within five years.

The government is exploring a revamped Gold Monetisation Scheme, aiming to involve jewellers for the first time to tap into the vast amount of household gold. This initiative seeks to reduce India’s reliance on imported bullion, especially with gold prices and import duties impacting jewellery demand. Discussions involving ministers, the RBI, banks, and industry representatives are underway, with an announcement anticipated before the festive season.

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector remains the backbone of industrial exports, contributing over 45 per cent despite weaker global demand.
While garment exports declined during January-May, May recorded a recovery, suggesting demand may be stabilising.
Falling textile imports also point to softer manufacturing activity and cautious sourcing across the supply chain.