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In a meeting with Mahmund Hasan Khan, President, BGEMA, a delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka reiterated the importance of aligning Bangladesh's labor laws with international standards .This expectation was shared earlier by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Union, and other development partners.
The US delegation included Leena Khan, Labor Attaché; Paul G Frost, Foreign Commercial Service Attaché; and Erin Covert, Foreign Agricultural Service Attaché. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication on labour-related issues to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
Discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral trade and expanding Bangladesh's exports to the US market. A key topic was a recent US executive order allowing garments from Bangladesh to receive a proportionate exemption from an additional 20 per cent duty - provided that at least 20 per cent of raw materials used are sourced from the United States.
Welcoming the initiative, Khan said the industry is keen to access this facility. He also sought clarification on the formula for calculating the US-origin raw material content and emphasised the need for transparency and traceability across the supply chain.
BGMEA leaders proposed setting up a warehouse near Chattogram Port to facilitate the import of US cotton. To be initiated by Bangladesh, the United States, or as a joint venture, the proposed facility aims to reduce lead times in the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
In addition to cotton, BGMEA expressed interest in importing man-made fibers such as polyester and nylon, if available from the US textile industry. Frost assured, the embassy would engage relevant US departments and share further information.
The meeting also touched on collaboration with the US Cotton Council and addressed domestic challenges, including gas and electricity shortages. BGMEA leaders voiced optimism about potential future imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. Khan said since assuming office, his board has engaged with 81 workers' federations to promote harmonious industrial relations and has advanced legal reforms to safeguard workers' welfare.
The US side also encouraged BGMEA to participate in SelectUSA, a major investment promotion event scheduled for May 2026, as a platform to boost exports and connect with American buyers.
The Board of Directors of Gap Inc has approved a dividend of $0.165 per share for Q3, FY25. The dividend is payable on or after October 29, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 8, 2025.
Gap Inc. is the largest specialty apparel company in the US and a purpose-driven house of iconic brands. Its brands - Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta - offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women, and children. These products are available worldwide through company-operated and franchise stores, as well as e-commerce sites. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has been creating products and experiences that shape culture while committing to doing right by its employees, communities, and the planet.
Asics has reported strong financial performance in its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, with quarterly sales increasing by 26.6 per cent in Q2, FY25. The growth was seen across all channels, with a particularly strong performance in wholesale, which saw a year-on-year increase of 36.8 per cent.
Asics' sales in North West Europe grew by 58.4 per cent in Q3, FY25 while sales in North East Europe increased by 36.6 per cent. The company's success in EMEA was driven by profitable growth across all categories, with SportStyle seeing particularly strong growth of 52.9 per cent Y-o-Y. Asics remained the top premium performance-running brand in Europe. The brand saw growth across all sales channels, including wholesale, its own retail stores, and e-commerce.
Following the strong quarterly results, Asics revised its financial targets for its Mid-Term Plan 2026 (MTP 2026), now aiming for an operating profit of at least ¥130.0 billion as against the previous target of ¥80.0 billion and an operating margin of at least 17 per cent (up from around 12%). This indicates a strong confidence in continued growth.
A sweater unit of Team Group, South End Sweaters has been granted LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
This achievement makes the company, the 258th USGBC-certified green garment factory in the country. Of these, 109 have Platinum status, 133 are Gold, 12 are Silver, and 4 are Certified.
To achieve Platinum status under USGBC standards, factories must score at least 80 out of 110 points. South End Sweaters earned 85 points. A score of 60–79 is needed for Gold, 50–59 for Silver, and 40–49 for Certified status.
With South End Sweaters, Team Group now operates three LEED-certified factories. The others are its outerwear unit, 4A Yarn Dyeing (LEED Platinum), and its woven unit, Brothers Fashion (LEED Gold).
Notably, 4A Yarn Dyeing is the world’s first outerwear manufacturing company to become a signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which was convened by the UNFCCC.
Abdullah Hil Nakib, Deputy Managing Director, Team Group, says, the company has always aimed to set benchmarks not only in business standards but also in sustainability. Their efforts to achieve LEED certifications are a testament to their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Brazil Government has launched a new plan to support local exporters impacted by the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump. Named ‘Sovereign Brazil,’ the plan includes a series of measures designed to help companies endure the economic shock.
President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva introduced the initiative as a crucial first step to assist affected businesses. The highlight of the plan is a substantial credit of 30 billion reais ($5.5 billion) to provide financial stability for exporters. Additionally, the government will postpone tax charges for companies hit by the tariffs and offer 5 billion reais ($930 million) in tax credits specifically for small and medium-sized businesses until the end of 2026. The plan also expands access to insurance against canceled orders, offering another layer of protection for exporters.
Lula emphasizes, the tariffs are an opportunity for the country to innovate, stating, the crisis will help them create new things.
Beyond financial aid, the ‘Sovereign Brazil’ plan encourages public institutions to prioritize purchasing goods that can no longer be exported to the US. This measure aims to create a domestic market for products that would otherwise struggle to find a buyer, helping to maintain production and employment levels.
With these comprehensive measures, the Brazil Government hopes to mitigate the economic fallout from the US tariffs and support its export-driven industries during this period of trade uncertainty.
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and a Kaixi Group subsidiary Kaixi Garments Bangladesh have signed a $40.05 million agreement to build a new intimate garments and accessories facility. This new factory will be located in the BEPZA Economic Zone (EZ) at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka.
To produce 18 million pairs of lingerie and undergarments and 20 million bra foams and cups annually, the new facility is expected to create 3,003 local jobs.
Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Executive Chairman, BEPZA, states, Kaixi Group’s decision to reinvest just over a year after beginning its first operations shows increasing confidence from foreign investors in the zone.
Approved in November 2022 with a $60.85 million investment, Kaixi’s initial BEPZA EZ venture started production in June 2024 and employs about 3,700 workers. With operations now in both the Dhaka EPZ and the BEPZA EZ, the group supports around 6,000 jobs in total. The authority’s largest initiative, the BEPZA EZ has so far attracted more than $1 billion in investments from 45 companies, with four already in commercial production.
Continuing the declining trend seen in recent years, US textile and apparel (T&A) exports fell by 2.7 per cent Y-o-Y in value to $11.2 billion during H1 FY25 spanning January-June 2025.
The decline wasn't uniform across all product types. While apparel exports increased in volume, fabric and yarn exports declined, suggesting a shift in the composition of US exports.
A significant factor contributing to this volatility and decline is uncertainty surrounding tariff policies. Recent tariff hikes, particularly those targeting a major export partner like India, have been cited as a cause for concern among exporters, leading to a halt in some production and orders.
In contrast to the exports decline, the US’ T&A imports rose by 4.3 per cent in value to $51.4 billion during the period. This indicates a growing trade deficit for the sector.
Despite the overall decline, T&A exports by some countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India to the US saw robust growth in H1, FY25. This highlights a shift in global supply chains and sourcing patterns.
In summary, the US textile and apparel sector faced headwinds in H1, FY25, with a notable decline in exports driven by factors like trade policy uncertainty and a shift in global market dynamics. At the same time, imports into the country grew, widening the trade deficit in this sector.
UK retail sales rose by 2.5 per cent Y-o-Y in July 2025 accompanied by a strong’ consumer card spending, particularly in clothing. However, industry leaders say, the growth ‘barely touches the sides’ of the £7 billion in new costs from the latest budget.
The uptick in UK retail sales was against the 0.5 per cent growth observed last July and the 12-month average growth of 1.9 per cent, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG data.
Helen Dickinson, CEO, BRC, says, with sales growth at these levels, it is barely touching the sides of covering the £7 billion new costs imposed on retailers at the last Budget.
If the upcoming Autumn Budget sees more taxes levied on retailers’ shoulders, many will be forced to make difficult choices about the future of shops and jobs, and ongoing pressure would push prices higher.
Ultimately, this means more families struggling, particularly those on lower incomes, reduced consumer spending and a drag on economic growth.
Separate figures from Barclays show, consumer card spending grew 1.4 per cent Y-o-Y in July 2025 up from a decline of 0.1 per cent in June 2025 - with discretionary spending up 2.4 per cent as changeable weather led shoppers to both sunny and rainy day activities and items.
Barclays found clothing performed strongly, rising by 4.2 per cent, while growth in online retail spending excluding groceries reached 4.9 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in June, as shoppers made the most of discounted items and sales events including Prime Day.
However, confidence in the UK economy’s strength dipped once again in July, falling three points 22 per cent M-o-M to 22 per cent, the lowest level seen since January.
Karen Johnson, Head-Retail, Barclays, says, the summer sales, changeable weather and shoppers seeking the 'feel-good factor led' to a strong July for retailers, particularly among beauty, clothing and furniture stores.
While confidence in the UK economy remains subdued, prudent money management, supported by the growing popularity of AI tools to help with budgeting, is contributing to a continued resilience in personal and household finances, she adds.
Owned by the Kimberly Cotton Company, the $60 million Kimberley Cotton Gin cotton gin facility has officially opened in Kununurra, Australia, heralding a new era for the region's cotton industry.
The new facility will eliminate the need for local farmers to transport their cotton over 2,175 miles (3,500 k,) to Queensland for processing. This move is expected to significantly cut costs and streamline operations.
According to Daniel Draheim, Construction Manager, Namoi Cotton, the project is a game-changer as a big part of cotton and growing cotton is logistics. The processing facility will provide the capacity for the already successful industry to expand, he notes.
The facility is slated to initially process between 100,000 and 120,000 bales annually and is projected to create more than 1,000 jobs over the next decade. Cotton grown in the area will not only be processed locally but also exported through the nearby Wyndham Port.
Tony Chafer, CEO, Cambridge Gulf, states, the port is working to secure First Point of Entry status to handle container imports—a crucial step that will facilitate cotton exports. During a visit to Kununurra in January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the federal government's support for granting First Point of Entry status to Wyndham Port. The Western Australian government has also pledged $14 million to upgrade port infrastructure.
Madeleine King, Federal Resources Minister and state government representatives were among the hundreds who attended the official opening of the Kimberley Cotton Gin. The federal government's $34 million loan through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will be the most impactful, notes King. Built on a 196-acre (79.4-hectare) site, the gin operates entirely on hydro-electricity, making its power supply 100% renewable.
Ohenstein India plans to host the Oeko-Tex Summit & Exhibition 2025 in Mumbai from December 9–10, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO). This summit will bring together global Oeko-Tex standards with India's dynamic textile, leather, and footwear sectors.
The event will act as a powerful platform for stakeholders across the entire value chain - from raw material producers to final product manufacturers - to explore sustainable solutions and forge new international partnerships. It will feature eleven pavilions dedicated to various product categories, including fibers, yarns, fabrics, garments, and home textiles. The event will also feature a special International Pavilion housing global certifiers, experts, and regulators, making it a truly global affair.
The summit is particularly beneficial for professionals involved in buying, sourcing, merchandising, production, and compliance, especially those who export to major markets like Europe, the US, the UK, and Australia. It provides a unique opportunity to network with Oeko-Tex certified supply chains, source compliant and innovative materials, and showcase sustainable manufacturing capabilities. High-value knowledge sessions and panel discussions will offer the latest insights into compliance, traceability, and transparency.
Vinod Kumar, Managing Director, Hohenstein India & SL, highlights, the even aims to strengthen India's integration into the Oeko-Tex certified global supply chain from Fibre to Fashion.’ The summit will promote sustainable choices and serve as a platform for industry players to ‘source, share, and grow,’ he emphasizes.
The Oeko-Tex Summit & Exhibition 2025 promises to be a hub where innovation meets influence, offering attendees exclusive visibility and engagement with key decision-makers. It provides a prime opportunity for business growth within the certified textile market and a chance to build new global partnerships that will drive the future of sustainable textile production.
