Apparel exports from the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka recorded a modest decline in January 2026, reflecting continued softness across major destination markets despite few pockets of stability, according to a statement issued by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

Total apparel shipments fell by 2.66 per cent year on year to $425.44 million in January 2026, compared with $437.07 million in the corresponding month of 2025. The performance underscored uneven global demand conditions that continue to influence sourcing patterns and order flows for Sri Lankan manufacturers.

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined 2.66 per cent YoY to $425.44 million in January 2026 amid weak global demand.
Shipments to the US and EU softened, while the UK remained stable with slight growth.
Other markets saw sharper contraction.
JAFF highlighted DCTS benefits and tariff changes while suggesting diversification and efficiency to sustain competitiveness.

Exports to the United States, the country’s largest market, decreased by 2.73 per cent to $165.11 million, while shipments to the European Union excluding the United Kingdom, declined by 1.93 per cent to $126.99 million. In contrast, exports to the UK remained broadly stable, rising marginally by 0.23 per cent to $61.71 million. Apparel shipments to other markets dropped more sharply by 6.07 per cent to $71.63 million.

JAAF noted that the UK’s steady performance offers a constructive signal for the sector, particularly as the revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective January 1, 2026, is expected to enhance sourcing flexibility and strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitive position in the British market.

The industry body also highlighted the introduction of a uniform 10 per cent temporary tariff in the US market as a relatively supportive development, reducing the impact of previously higher country-specific rates and providing greater short-term pricing predictability for exporters.

Commenting on the January outcome, JAAF said the moderate decline reflects ongoing volatility in global demand. The association emphasised that the industry remains committed to reinforcing resilience through market diversification, product innovation and operational efficiency, while collaborating with stakeholders to sustain Sri Lanka’s standing as a reliable apparel sourcing destination.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

Italian luxury fashion group Moncler SpA has delivered resilient performance in fiscal 2025 (FY25) ended December 31, reporting consolidated revenues of €3.13 billion (~$3.69 billion), up 3 per cent at constant exchange rates and 1 per cent at current rates compared with €3.11 billion (~$3.67 billion) in 2024.

Profitability remained robust despite a more challenging trading backdrop. Group EBIT stood at €913.4 million, broadly stable year on year (YoY), translating into a 29.2 per cent margin versus 29.5 per cent in FY24. Net profit reached €626.7 million compared with €639.6 million a year earlier, reflecting higher net financial expenses, while maintaining a 20 per cent margin.

Moncler has reported revenues of €3.13 billion (~$3.69 billion) in FY25, up 3 per cent at constant exchange rates, with net profit of €626.7 million (~$739.5 million).
Asia led regional growth, while DTC channels strengthened across brands.
Q4 revenues rose 7 per cent, driven by robust Moncler and Stone Island performance, as the group prepares for continued investment and leadership transition.

Regionally, the group recorded strong momentum in Asia, where revenues rose 7 per cent at constant exchange rates to €1.42 billion, supported by demand in China and Korea and a recovery in tourist flows. The Americas increased 5 per cent to €391.1 million, whereas Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) declined 3 per cent amid subdued tourism-related traffic, Moncler said in a press release.

Channel performance highlighted the continued shift towards direct engagement. Moncler’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenues rose 4 per cent to €2.36 billion, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of brand sales, while wholesale declined 4 per cent as the group continued to enhance distribution quality. Stone Island’s DTC channel expanded 11 per cent to €226.4 million, whereas wholesale decreased 4 per cent.

The group’s financial position strengthened further, with net cash reaching €1.46 billion at year-end after dividend payments of €353.2 million. The board proposed a dividend of €1.4 per share and approved the consolidated sustainability statement.

Remo Ruffini, chairman and CEO of Moncler, said: “Moncler and its board of directors wish to express their most sincere thanks to Gabriele Galateri di Genola for his dedication and the highly valuable contribution he has made throughout his more than ten-year term of office. His significant experience, the vision developed over many years in senior leadership positions at leading industrial and financial organisations, as well as his constant commitment to good governance, have represented a key point of reference for our work. With gratitude, we extend our best wishes to Gabriele Galateri di Genola for the future.”

In the fourth quarter (Q4), the group delivered accelerated momentum, with revenues rising 7 per cent at constant exchange rates to €1.29 billion (~$1.52 billion). Moncler brand revenues reached €1.17 billion, up 6 per cent, while Stone Island posted €123.1 million, surging 16 per cent with double-digit growth across all regions.

Moncler’s DTC channel advanced 7 per cent despite a demanding comparable base in the quarter, supported by Asia and the Americas, while wholesale returned to growth, rising 2 per cent. Stone Island recorded broad-based acceleration, with DTC revenues increasing 16 per cent and wholesale climbing 17 per cent, partly reflecting delivery timing shifts from the previous quarter.

Looking ahead, the group emphasised continued investment in brand development and organisational strengthening, including the appointment of Leo Rongone as group chief executive officer from April 2026, as it seeks to sustain long-term growth and value creation.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Finnish sporting goods company Amer Sports has reported strong financial results for the fiscal 2025 (FY25) ended December 31, with revenue growth of 27 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to $6,566 million. Technical Apparel revenue increased 30 per cent to $2,856 million, Outdoor Performance rose 31 per cent to $2,404 million, and Ball & Racquet Sports advanced 13 per cent to $1,307 million.

The annual gross margin improved by 220 basis points to 57.6 per cent, while operating profit jumped 49 per cent to $702 million. Operating margin expanded 160 basis points to 10.7 per cent, reflecting strong profitability gains across segments. Net income attributable to equity holders increased 489 per cent to $427 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, with adjusted net income rising 131 per cent to $545 million, or $0.97 per diluted share.

Amer Sports has reported FY25 revenue growth of 27 per cent to $6,566 million with margin expansion and strong profitability across segments.
Q4 revenue rose 28 per cent to $2,101 million, driven by Technical Apparel and Outdoor Performance.
Despite higher growth investments, earnings surged and outlook remains positive, with the company projecting double-digit growth momentum into 2026.

Meanwhile, in the fourth quarter (Q4), the company recorded revenue of $2,101 million, up 28 per cent YoY, exceeding guidance and reflecting continued momentum across its portfolio. Segment-wise, Technical Apparel revenue rose 34 per cent to $1 billion, Outdoor Performance increased 29 per cent to $764 million, and Ball & Racquet Sports grew 14 per cent to $337 million, Amer Sports said in a press release.

The gross margin improved by 160 basis points to 57.7 per cent in Q4, while adjusted gross margin reached 57.8 per cent. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 35 per cent to $988 million amid accelerated investments, particularly to support Salomon Softgoods growth initiatives. Operating profit climbed 18 per cent to $228 million, although operating margin declined around 90 basis points to 10.9 per cent due to higher growth investments.

Net income attributable to equity holders surged 752 per cent to $132 million in the quarter, translating to diluted earnings per share of $0.23, while adjusted net income rose 94 per cent to $176 million, or $0.31 per diluted share.

James Zheng, chief executive officer (CEO) of Amer Sports said, “Fourth quarter was a great finish to a breakout year for Amer Sports led by our flagship Arc’teryx brand and rising star Salomon, which surpassed the $2 billion sales mark. In 2025 we delivered 27 per cent revenue growth and more than 150 basis points of operating margin expansion, with double-digit growth across all segments, regions, and channels.”

Zheng added that he was pleased to announce Carrie Ask as the next Wilson President and CEO, describing her as a proven brand leader and C-suite executive with strong prior experience at Helly Hansen, Levi’s and Nike.

“Looking forward, we believe our unique portfolio of technical sports and outdoor brands is very well positioned for strong and profitable growth within the premium sports and outdoor market, which continues to be one of the healthiest segments across the global consumer landscape,” added Zheng.

Andrew Page, chief financial officer of the company, highlighted the group’s financial strength and investment strategy, stating: “We had another strong performance in Q4 with healthy sales growth, gross margin expansion and EPS despite our decision to accelerate investment behind Salomon. The strong sales and profitability profile of the broader Amer portfolio gives us the flexibility to accelerate resources behind the large Salomon Softgoods opportunity while still delivering great results at the Group level.”

He added, “Ending 2025 with only 0.3x net leverage and more than $700 million operating cash flow, we believe our financial foundation has never been stronger. Looking ahead, given the continued momentum from our highest-margin Arc’teryx franchise, accelerating Salomon footwear growth, plus the solid foundation of our equipment franchises, we are confident in our ability to deliver another strong financial performance in 2026.”

Looking ahead, Amer Sports expects FY26 reported revenue growth of 16-18 per cent, supported by favourable foreign exchange conditions, with gross margin projected at around 59.0 per cent and operating margin between 13.1 and 13.3 per cent. The company also anticipates continued segment growth, led by Technical Apparel and Outdoor Performance, alongside steady expansion in Ball & Racquet Sports.

For the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, Amer Sports forecasts reported revenue growth of 22-24 per cent, with operating margin expected between 14 and 14.5 per cent, underscoring sustained momentum as the company advances its growth strategy across premium sports and outdoor categories.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)