Apparels

Bangladesh’s RMG exports fell 5.51 per cent to $28.58 billion in July–March FY26, with knitwear declining more sharply than woven apparel.
March saw a steep 19.35 per cent drop amid geopolitical disruptions.
Cotton product exports also weakened significantly, while home textiles remained largely stable despite a marginal dip.
Overall export concentration in apparel stayed high.

Demand is expected to skew toward 18-carat and lightweight designs in eastern and northern markets, while western and southern regions could see stronger traction for heavier pieces, he told ET.

In India, the business recorded revenue growth of over 65% in Q4 FY2026 versus the year-ago period, led by robust same-store sales growth across key markets. The company said both wedding and discretionary demand remained strong despite volatile gold prices, with same-store sales growth exceeding 45% during the quarter. For the full year, the India business reported revenue growth of about 43%.

South Korea’s apparel imports rose 1.79 per cent to $1.982 billion in January-February 2026, with February alone up 6.3 per cent.
Growth was driven by both knitted and non-knitted segments.
Meanwhile, textile exports, including man-made filaments and knitted fabrics, declined due to weak global demand and rising competition.
Overall apparel imports fell slightly in 2025, despite growth in 2024.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue has said the reduced corporate tax rates of 10-12 per cent being imposed on the RMG sector now may not last longer.
At a pre-budget meeting with stakeholders, it indicated a gradual return to the standard 27.5-per cent rate.
AmCham Bangladesh proposed rationalising the 1-per cent minimum tax on annual turnover and lowering tax rates for offshore banking units.

Trent has been on a ​store-opening spree over the ⁠last few quarters, ‌with its store count ​climbing ​to 1,286 by March 31, compared ⁠with about 1,043 a year earlier.

Global apparel margins are under sustained structural pressure as input inflation, freight volatility and tariffs converge with weak demand, limiting pricing power.
While leaders like Inditex offset costs through agility and sourcing strategy, most brands and suppliers face prolonged profitability stress, with recovery hinging on demand stabilisation.

The rise in gold imports pushed the country’s trade deficit (difference between imports and exports) to USD 310.60 billion during the 11-months of the last fiscal as compared to USD 261.80 billion during April-February 2024-25, the data showed.

US tariff uncertainty is disrupting apparel sourcing, freezing orders, and long-term planning as Bangladesh reportedly remains amongst the affected countries.
Some American buyers are said to be pausing new commitments.
With the US as its top market, Bangladesh faces rising risk from prolonged ambiguity and a shift towards short-term sourcing decisions.

France’s apparel imports rose 7.5 per cent to $26.601 billion in 2025, reflecting steady demand and stabilising sourcing patterns.
China and Bangladesh retained dominance, while Vietnam gained share.
India slipped to seventh position despite marginal growth, highlighting rising competition and the shift towards diversified, resilient supply chains.