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Nike, Inc reported a 9 per cent drop in revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, ending February 28, reflecting weaker demand across all regions. Total revenue stood at $11.3 billion, with Nike Brand revenue down 9 per cent to $10.9 billion. Nike Direct sales fell 12 per cent to $4.7 billion, impacted by a 15 per cent drop in digital sales and a 2 per cent decline in owned stores. Wholesale revenue slipped 7 per cent to $6.2 billion, while Converse revenue dropped 18 per cent to $405 million.
Gross margin declined by 330 basis points to 41.5 per cent due to increased discounting, higher product costs, and inventory adjustments. Selling and administrative expenses fell 8 per cent to $3.9 billion, driven by lower wage-related costs and restructuring savings. Demand creation expenses, however, rose 8 per cent to $1.1 billion due to higher brand marketing spending.
Nike’s net income fell 32 per cent to $0.8 billion, with diluted earnings per share declining 30 per cent to $0.54. The effective tax rate dropped to 5.9 per cent from 16.5 per cent last year, aided by a one-time tax benefit.
Despite the challenges, Nike maintained shareholder returns, distributing $1.1 billion in Q3, including $594 million in dividends up 6 per cent from the prior year and $499 million in share repurchases. Since launching its $18 billion buyback program in June 2022, the company has repurchased 119.3 million shares worth $11.8 billion.
Nike CEO Elliott Hill emphasized confidence in the company’s ‘Win Now’ strategy, which focuses on athlete-driven storytelling and innovation. CFO Matthew Friend noted that the company’s outlook for the second half of fiscal 2025 remains unchanged despite a dynamic operating environment.
Nike’s inventory stood at $7.5 billion, down 2 per cent from the previous year, while cash and equivalents totaled $10.4 billion.
Poised for significant growth, the global sports apparel market is projected to reach $383.89 billion by 2030, as per a report by Apparel Resources. Fueled by a growing awareness of health and a boom in outdoor recreational activities, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7 per cent from 2024-30.
Currently, the largest share in the global sports apparel market is held by North America with the United States alone valued at $76.13 billion in 2023. Adapting to the changing consumer demands, retailers are enhancing in-store experiences with recreational features and forming strategic partnerships with well-known athletes and celebrities. This strategy aims to attract customers seeking both products and engaging experiences.
The top wear segment dominates the product category with apparel items like T-shirts and sweatshirts, while the men's segment continues to lead in end-user demand.
Driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, leading to increased participation in sports and fitness activities.
To maintain their competitive edge, major industry players are actively pursuing various strategies. For instance, Puma is focusing on new product lines, while Champs Sports is launching private label apparel through athlete partnerships, and Nike is reassessing its strategic direction in response to market share fluctuations.
Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges, including shifting consumer preferences, trade disputes, and geopolitical uncertainties. To navigate these challenges, brands must prioritize strategic agility, innovation, and targeted marketing efforts. Flexibility and adaptability will be crucial for maintaining growth and market position in this dynamic industry.
A recent analysis of collated export data by CITI for February 2025 reveals some intriguing trends for Indian textile and apparel sector.
In February 2025, Indian textile exports saw a downturn, registering a 7.35 per cent decrease compared to February 2024. This decline is further reflected in the cumulative exports of textiles and apparel, which show a 2.27 per cent degrowth over the same period.
However, the apparel sector reflects a different story. In February 2025, apparel exports saw a growth of 3.97 per cent compared to the previous year. This positive momentum is also evident in the cumulative exports from April 2024 to February 2025, where apparel exports grew 10.71 per cent over the corresponding period of previous year.
Table: Textile & apparel exports (excluding jute, carpet & handicrafts)
|
Particulars |
Feb-24 |
Feb-25 |
% Change |
Apr'23-Feb'24 |
Apr'24-Feb'25 |
% Change |
|
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
1,027.12 |
981.8 |
-4.41 |
10,589.32 |
10,938.03 |
3.29 |
|
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
431.73 |
395.65 |
-8.36 |
4,239.78 |
4,432.09 |
4.54 |
|
Textiles |
1,814.38 |
1,681.07 |
-7.35 |
17,928.47 |
18,759.23 |
4.63 |
|
Apparel |
1,476.34 |
1,534.94 |
3.97 |
13,059.37 |
14,458.00 |
10.71 |
|
Textile and Apparel |
3,290.72 |
3,216.01 |
-2.27 |
30,987.84 |
33,217.23 |
7.19 |
Looking at the broader picture, from April 2024 to February 2025, Indian textile exports grew by 4.63 per cent compared to the previous year. The cumulative exports of textiles and apparel during this period also registered a healthy growth of 7.19 per cent as compared to April 23-February 24.
The data highlights a nuanced picture of the Indian textile and apparel export market. While the textile sector experienced a setback in February 2025, its overall performance shows resilience. The apparel sector, on the other hand, is a bright spot, driving overall growth. This mixed performance highlights the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for stakeholders to adapt to evolving market conditions.
A comparative picture
For a more comprehensive view, of the export trends here is the data for the last two months of 2024 and early 2025.
Table: Textile and apparel exports
|
Particulars |
Dec-24 |
Jan-25 |
Feb-25 |
|
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
- |
1,038.55 |
981.8 |
|
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./made-ups etc. |
- |
425.82 |
395.65 |
|
Textiles |
- |
1,796.29 |
1,681.07 |
|
Apparel |
- |
1,606.42 |
1,534.94 |
|
Textile and Apparel |
- |
3,402.71 |
3,216.01 |
The comparison between January and February 2025 reveals a downward trend in exports across all categories. Textile exports decreased from $1,796.29 million in January to $1,681.07 million in February. Similarly, apparel exports dropped from $1,606.42 million to $1,534.94 million. The overall textile and apparel exports also saw a decline from $3,402.71 million in January to $3,216.01 million in February.
While the data for December 2024 is unavailable in the provided source, the trend from January to February 2025 indicates a slowdown in export activity. This decline could be attributed to various factors such as seasonal fluctuations, changes in demand, or other economic influences. Further investigation into these factors would be essential to understand the reasons behind this trend.
The three-month analysis indicates a fluctuating trend in India’s textile and apparel exports. The increase from December to January could be attributed to seasonal demand or other market factors, while the subsequent decline in February suggests a potential slowdown or correction in the market. It's crucial for industry stakeholders to monitor these trends closely and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Despite minor variations, the CEPEA/ESALQ Index for cotton prices in Brazil reached its highest point in a year by mid-March, as per by the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).
From February 28-March 14, 2025m the Index (with payment in eight days) increased by 1.92 per cent, closing at BRL 4.2582 (approximately $0.75) per pound. This is the highest level since March 14, 2023 (BRL 4.2754 per pound), in nominal terms.
Market participants are primarily focused on securing long-term contracts, particularly for the international market, where deals have been finalized at higher prices than those seen domestically, CEPEA stated in its latest bi-weekly report on the Brazilian cotton market.
Recent price increases in the global market have strengthened sellers' confidence, leading them to maintain firm pricing strategies for new spot market transactions. Meanwhile, demand remains steady, with industry buyers purchasing batches to replenish inventories or fulfill immediate production requirements.
As per data from Secex, Brazil exported 274.63 thousand tons of cotton in February, a record high for that month. However, exports decreased by 33.9 per cent compared to January 2025. Over the past 12 months (March 2024 – February 2025), Brazilian cotton exports exceeded 2.9 million tons.
The latest report from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) indicates that global cotton production for the 2024/25 season could increased by 0.55 per cent to 25.688 million tons, in March, registering a 6.52 per cent rise compared to 2023/24.
Global cotton consumption is also projected to increase, with estimates reaching 25.527 million tons, a 2.27 per cent Y-o-Y rise. This leaves only a 0.63 per cent difference between supply and demand.
Amazon has introduced a new service to help companies in its value chain invest in high-quality carbon credits, supporting their net zero climate goals. The initiative aims to tackle market challenges such as transparency and quality by leveraging Amazon’s scale and expertise.
The service will focus on three key areas: preventing deforestation, restoring forests, and advancing technological carbon removal. Amazon will work with third-party experts to validate projects and employ rigorous evaluation methods rather than relying solely on existing standards.
An expansion of Amazon’s Sustainability Exchange platform, the service will be available to Amazon suppliers, enterprise customers, and Climate Pledge signatories. Eligible companies must have net zero targets covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, publicly report their carbon footprint, and implement science-based decarbonization strategies.
Amazon’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kara Hurst, highlighted the importance of credible carbon markets, stressing the need to halt deforestation and restore forests to combat climate change. She noted that the new service will help direct private sector funding into impactful projects.
Africa’s leading e-commerce platform Jiji is set to launch its online classified ads marketplace in Bangladesh, marking its first expansion into Asia. The company plans to invest millions of dollars to capture a significant market share and establish leadership in the classified ads sector.
Jiji, which operates in Africa with over 1.2 crore monthly active users and two lakh business sellers, has successfully outperformed and acquired OLX, Cars45, and Tonaton in different regions. Headquartered in Warsaw, the company has offices in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Warsaw, Dubai, and Kyiv.
CEO Anton Volianskyi sees Bangladesh as a major growth opportunity due to its expanding middle class, rising digital adoption, and largely untapped e-commerce sector. Instead of managing inventory or logistics, Jiji connects price-sensitive buyers and sellers through classified ads.
Jiji has already registered a local subsidiary and aims to build a strong local team. It also plans to expand into two or three additional Asian markets within the next two years.
Bangladesh’s e-commerce market is expected to surpass $12 billion by 2029, with a young, tech-savvy population driving growth. Jiji believes its proven model will help it quickly establish dominance, despite competition from existing players like Bikroy and Bproperty.
Amid global economic challenges, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (TFL) will merge its annual industry meeting with VDMA Textile Machinery’s (TXM) annual conference on June 4-5 in Augsburg, Germany.
The event begins on June 4 at Hotel Maximilian’s with registration and networking, followed by a joint opening. VDMA TFL’s industry meeting featuring discussions on economic trends, global challenges, and a session on ‘Raw Materials and Fashion.’ Delegates will attend an evening event at the Textile and Industrial Museum, including an exclusive guided tour.
On June 5, the program starts with a visit to the ‘Textile Recycling’ test fields at ITA Augsburg. The event continues at the Technology Center Augsburg with key presentations and a high-profile panel discussion, concluding with a company visit in the Augsburg region. Managing Director Elgar Straub highlighted the event’s focus on critical industry issues and collaboration.
Strengthening Bangladesh position in the global markets, three more garment factories in the country have been granted the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificates.
All these three factories - Echotex, Elite Garments Industries and Euro Knit Spinn have been bestowed with Platinum certification, the highest level within the LEED rating system.
With these recent additions, the total number of LEED-certified factories in Bangladesh increased to 240. This includes 98 Platinum and 128 Gold certified factories
Echotex is located in Kaliakoir, Gazipur while Elite Garments Industries is situated in near the National University in Gazipur. Euro Knit Spinn is based in Dhanua, Sreepur, Gazipur.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh is also home to 66 of the world's top 100 LEED-certified garment factories.
Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification,is a globally recognized standard for environmentally sustainable construction. It evaluates factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable materials.
Cotton yarn market in South India is experiencing mixed trends with different regions showcasing contrasting results. While cotton yarn prices in Mumbai have dipped due to sluggish demand and stringent payment terms, the market has remained largely stable in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, a key cotton yarn production center, showcasing a distinct regional divergence. Industry players in Tiruppur are optimistic, anticipating price increases next month as cotton prices rise and payment conditions ease.
Simultaneously, in Gujarat, cotton prices are trending upward, fueled by robust demand from spinners and elevated cotton prices at Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) auctions. This increase in cotton prices is expected to ripple through the cotton yarn market across India. The rising cotton prices in Gujarat are anticipated to stimulate the spinning sector, subsequently boosting cotton yarn production.
These mixed market signals underscore the regional disparities in supply and demand, as well as the impact of external factors such as cotton prices and payment conditions. While Mumbai grapples with difficulties, Tiruppur and Gujarat demonstrate resilience. Overall, industry analysts are optimistic about the cotton yarn market's future, predicting stabilization and growth in the coming months, driven by a healthier balance between supply and demand
The Lenzing Group will present the Lenzing Young Scientist Award at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) from September 10 to 12, 2025, recognizing students for innovative solutions to ecological challenges in the fiber and textile industry. Bachelor’s and Master’s students can win €3,000 for the best thesis, while the top doctoral research will receive € 5,000. Applications close on June 30, 2025.
Now in its fourth edition, the award highlights outstanding research in sustainable fiber development. Under the theme “Unlimited inspiration from nature,” students can submit work on regenerated cellulose fibers, films, and composites. A jury of industry experts will evaluate entries, offering winners a platform to connect with leaders in the textile and fiber sector.
“Lenzing has been pioneering sustainable cellulose fiber production for decades. Supporting young scientists is crucial for driving the transition to a bioeconomy,” said Gert Kroner, Vice President Global Research at Lenzing Group.
The Dornbirn-GFC, organized by the Austrian Fiber Institute, serves as a hub for international knowledge exchange. Founded in 1960, the Vienna-based institute promotes fiber innovations, sustainability, and the circular economy, working closely with CIRFS in Brussels.
With a strong focus on future-driven research, the Lenzing Young Scientist Award reinforces the industry's commitment to sustainability while fostering the next generation of innovators.
