Apparels

Asian Footwears has introduced AsianGPT, an in-house artificial intelligence engine. This tool aims to enhance distribution efficiency and increase revenue for its dealer network. Early results show dealers boosting revenues by 25-30 percent. AsianGPT analyzes sales data to forecast demand, improving product selection and inventory turnover. The AI also strengthens the supply chain and production planning.

PDS Limited has been awarded the Gold Award for World Leadership in RMG from India at the AEPC Export Awards, recognising its leadership in global apparel exports.
Presented by the Vice President of India to chairman Deepak Seth and Payel Seth, the honour underscores PDS’ commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, and its role in reinforcing India’s position as a major apparel sourcing hub.

Japan and Bangladesh reached an agreement in principle on an economic partnership agreement following a telephonic conversation today between two top ministers from both sides.
Japan will grant zero-duty entry to 7,379 products, including garments, from Bangladesh, while the latter will provide duty-free access to 1,039 products from the former.
Negotiations for the EPA were launched in March 2024.

PDS has strengthened its manufacturing leadership to scale operations, deepen customer engagement and move up the value chain.
After turning its manufacturing segment profitable, PDS will align capabilities across units while retaining independent profit centres.
Abhishek Nawani has been appointed CEO–manufacturing to drive growth, customer engagement and P&L performance.

The apparel industries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan and Bangladesh may lose up to $65.8 billion in export earnings by 2030 and create a million fewer jobs due to the impact of climate changes if they make no efforts to manage heat stress and higher flooding, a study revealed.
Under the no-adaptation scenario, estimates for export earnings by 2050 are 68.8 per cent lower than in the adaptation scenario.

Tiruppur’s knitwear exporters are facing severe pressure after 50 per cent US tariffs sharply reduced orders from their largest market.
With the US accounting for nearly one-third of the cluster’s exports, firms are forced to offer deep discounts, eroding margins and pushing many MSMEs into losses.
Exporters are urging government support to offset tariff impacts and prevent long-term damage.

Gold and silver prices reached new record highs on Monday. This surge was fueled by a weaker US dollar and anticipation of interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve. Both domestic and international markets saw significant gains. Geopolitical tensions and strong industrial demand for silver also contributed to the upward trend.

Italian apparel group OVS SpA has posted a strong Q3 2025 performance, with net sales rising 9 per cent year on year to €452 million (~$528.84 million) and adjusted EBITDA up 9.4 per cent.
For 9M 2025, sales increased 5.8 per cent YoY to €1.245 billion (~$1.46 billion), while adjusted EBITDA grew 12.6 per cent, supported by strong womenswear, brand momentum and margin resilience.

The ifo Employment Barometer fell to 91.9 in December, its lowest level since May 2020, reflecting ongoing job losses, especially in industry.
Job cuts are continuing across most sectors in Germany, with clothing manufacturers particularly reducing staff, according to the ifo Institute.
Companies are increasingly cautious about hiring as the weak economy weighs on the labour market.

Titan’s watch business is set for significant growth, aiming for USD 1 billion in sales within two years. The company is focusing on premium and luxury segments, expanding its Helios and Helios Luxe store network. This expansion is fueled by rising incomes and a growing aspirational consumer base in India.