China’s value-added industrial output rose 6.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a steady recovery in the country’s industrial sector, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The growth rate was 1.1 per cent points higher than that recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating improved momentum in industrial activity. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, industrial output increased by 0.28 per cent in March.

China’s industrial output grew 6.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in Q1 2026, accelerating from the previous quarter.
Growth was driven by manufacturing and mining, while utilities posted moderate gains.
On a monthly basis, output rose 0.28 per cent in March, signalling stable industrial momentum.
The data reflects resilience in large-scale enterprises, supported by improving demand conditions.

Industrial output, a key economic indicator, measures the activity of large enterprises with an annual main business turnover of at least ¥20 million (~$2.91 million).

Sector-wise, the mining industry’s value-added output increased by 6 per cent year on year (YoY) during the quarter, while the manufacturing sector registered a stronger growth of 6.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water rose by 4.3 per cent, said Chinese media reports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)

Italy’s apparel exports declined **.** per cent year on year to $*,***.** million in January ****, down from $*,***.** million in January ****. Imports also fell **.** per cent to $***.** million, compared to $*,***.** million a year earlier, indicating a broad-based slowdown in trade flows at the start of the year, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.

The January contraction comes amid a broader environment of cautious retail demand and tighter inventory management across Europe. Nevertheless, the strong full-year **** figures indicate that Italy’s apparel sector continues to maintain stable trade fundamentals, supported by diversified export markets and a balanced sourcing network.

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB), announced that Erinn Murphy will join Kontoor Brands as Vice President, Global Head of Finance and Operations, Helly Hansen and Corporate Investor Relations in early May. Murphy will take an international assignment in Oslo, Norway as a member of the Helly Hansen leadership team as well as oversee corporate investor relations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erinn Murphy to Kontoor Brands,” said executive vice president, chief financial officer & global head of operations, Joe Alkire. “Having led investor relations and corporate strategy from within a high-growth consumer brand and nearly twenty years of experience covering global lifestyle brands as a respected senior equity analyst, she understands what drives long-term value creation from every angle. Her perspective will expand the operational and strategic depth of the Helly Hansen leadership team as we focus on accelerating growth and expanding the brand’s global reach, while also strengthening how Kontoor engages with the investment community.”

Kontoor Brands has named Erinn Murphy VP, global head of finance & operations for Helly Hansen and Corporate Investor Relations, starting May in Oslo.
She joins from Crocs, Inc., bringing nearly two decades of experience across investor relations, strategy and equity research.
Michael Karapetian will expand his role and return in Q3 2026 to support transition and investor engagement.

Murphy joins Kontoor from Crocs, Inc., a global leader in innovative casual footwear, where she served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director of Consumer Equity Capital Markets for leading investment bank, Piper Sandler. She was recently appointed as a member of the board of directors for Revolve Group, Inc. (NYSE: RVLV).

Murphy’s appointment coincides with an expanded role for Michael Karapetian, who will serve as Vice President, Global Brand & Operations Finance and Corporate Investor Relations, with responsibility for all aspects of global brand and supply chain finance and corporate investor relations. Karapetian will return from his international assignment at Helly Hansen in the third quarter of 2026 to allow for a transition period.

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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)