Apparels

New Balance reported record 2025 global sales of $9.2 billion, up 19 per cent year on year, marking its fifth straight year of double-digit growth.
North America and Europe led gains, while apparel and owned retail each crossed $1 billion.
The brand expanded manufacturing, digital and distribution capabilities, deepened athlete partnerships, and donated $17.3 million to 95 nonprofits worldwide.

Delta Galil has reported record 2025 sales of $2.12 billion, up 4 per cent, driven by DTC growth and organic expansion.
Gross profit rose 5 per cent, while EBIT and net income declined due to tariffs and higher expenses.
Q4 sales reached $611.1 million with strong digital momentum.
The company declared a $10 million dividend and expects high-single-digit sales and double-digit profit growth in 2026.

Japan’s apparel and accessory imports fell 6.9 per cent year on year to 345,451 million yen in January 2026, despite a 4.5 per cent rise in full-year 2025.
Textile yarn and fabric imports also eased, while exports of yarn, fabric and textile machinery recorded double-digit growth in January.
Fiscal data show mixed trends, with clothing imports rebounding after earlier declines.

India’s FY27 budget, along with the completion of the India-EU FTA and the recent cut in US import tariffs, collectively create a positive policy environment for India’s leather industry, according to CareEdge Ratings.
India emerges as the principal gainer, with tariffs falling sharply from around 17 per cent to nil in FY26, thereby enhancing its cost competitiveness and export potential, it observed.

New Zealand’s apparel imports remained broadly steady at NZ$2.04 billion (~$1.22 billion) in 2025, as modest value growth offset mixed volume trends.
Knitted apparel imports rose despite lower volumes, while woven apparel volumes improved marginally.
Textile fabric imports and exports recorded strong growth, indicating firmer intermediate demand.
However, apparel exports declined sharply.

In an urgent legal maneuver, the Enforcement Directorate has petitioned a court to label Nehal Modi as a fugitive economic offender. Accused of orchestrating a pivotal role in the Punjab National Bank scandal, he allegedly funneled an astonishing amount of money overseas. Furthermore, the agency alleges he engaged in the destruction of evidence and witness intimidation.

Rising imports of gold and silver have widened the trade gap, but demand trends differ for the two metals. Gold prices rose nearly 25% year-on-year to $94,554 per kg during April–December, leading to cautious buying. Import volumes fell 18.3% to 522 tonnes. However, due to higher prices, the total import bill still rose 1.8% to $49.4 billion.

Gold prices saw a slight rebound on Wednesday, recovering from a significant dip triggered by progress in U.S.-Iran talks. However, subdued trading volumes due to Lunar New Year holidays across Asia are keeping a lid on gains. Investors are keenly awaiting U.S.

Fashion jewellery brand Gargi by PNGS is set for aggressive offline expansion. The company plans to open 20 new stores each year, focusing on Tier II, III, and IV markets. This strategy aims to leverage the Indian consumer’s preference for in-person shopping experiences. Gargi aims to strengthen its presence across North and West India.

India’s imports rose 19.1%, the highest since last April, to $71.2 billion – the second highest for any month. Gold imports surged 4.5 times to $12 billion, while silver jumped 2.