Apparels

Indian apparel exporters face potential shipping delays and increased costs. Tensions in West Asia could disrupt key sea routes, impacting shipments to the UAE. This situation threatens to squeeze already thin profit margins. Exporters are concerned about meeting existing contracts. Meetings with Middle East buyers have been cancelled. The situation adds to existing challenges for the industry.

Ross Stores forecasts annual sales above estimates on resilient demand for discounted apparel

Khadi fabric represents economic strength. Every purchase supports village industries and a self-reliant India. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission achieved a historic Rs 1.7 lakh crore turnover in 2024-25. This generated employment for 1.94 crore people. The Khadi Mahotsav in Thane celebrates 70 years of KVIC’s service. The exhibition features stalls from 15 states.

South Korea’s apparel imports fell 2.14 per cent to $1.004 billion in January 2026.
Knitted imports (Chapter 61) dipped to $426.61 million and non-knitted (Chapter 62) to $577.47 million.
The country exports fabrics, with January 2026 man-made filaments (Chapter 54) at $141.13 million and knitted fabrics (Chapter 60) at $113.9 million.
Imports eased 1.44 per cent in 2025.

Israeli and US attacks on Iran and Tehran’s response forced the closure of ‌airspace across ⁠parts of ⁠the Middle East and shut key airports such as Dubai and Doha, disrupting business ​and travel.

Carter’s reported Q4 fiscal 2025 sales of $925.5 million, up 7.6 per cent, boosted by a $37 million extra week; on a comparable basis, sales rose 3.4 per cent.
Growth spanned US retail, international, and wholesale segments.
Operating income edged up to $84.7 million, though margin dipped to 9.2 per cent.
Full-year sales increased 1.9 per cent to $2.9 billion.

Missile strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks have put Strait of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb at risk, threatening key trade routes that are vital for exports to Europe and the US.
Rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope would only add up to 20 days to shipments while pushing up freight and insurance costs.
Amidst rising uncertainty, exporters now fear order delays and cancellations.

Apparel exporters have urged the government to waive airport demurrage charges on export cargo due to flight disruptions caused by the West Asian crisis. The Apparel Export Promotion Council highlighted that unforeseen international developments have stranded consignments, leading to undue financial burdens on exporters. They requested a waiver to provide relief and maintain continuity in air cargo trade.

Gold prices surged as major strikes on Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intensified geopolitical tensions and fears of economic instability. The attacks triggered further retaliatory actions, creating a volatile environment that benefits gold as a safe-haven asset. Analysts predict continued price increases, with major banks forecasting gold to reach $6,000-$6,300 per ounce.

Australia’s cotton exports in 2025 shifted towards higher volumes but lower values, with shipments reaching $2.228 billion as prices declined.
Average export prices fell to $1.81 per kg, reflecting improved global supply and cautious demand.
China, India and Vietnam led imports, highlighting Asia’s dominance.
Overall, competitive pricing supported demand.