Fashion
AI to take centre stage at Global Sourcing Expo 2025 seminar
As part of the Expo’s Global Sourcing Seminar Program, the session ‘Growth, e-commerce and AI in Fashion’ on Tuesday, November 18 at 3 pm will bring together leading voices from across the fashion and lifestyle sectors to explore how technology and creativity are combining to drive smarter, more sustainable business growth.
AI’s transformative role in fashion will take centre stage at the Global Sourcing Expo’s seminar, ‘Growth, e-commerce and AI in Fashion,’ on November 18.
Led by Elizabeth Formosa with panellists Kelly Slessor and Christina Exie, the session explores how AI drives smarter, more sustainable growth, enhances creativity, and empowers brands—big or small—to innovate responsibly and reduce waste.
Led by Elizabeth Formosa, Founder of Fashion Equipped, the discussion features Kelly Slessor (Founder, The Ecommerce Tribe & Tribe Gen AI) and Christina Exie (Co-Founder, Stacked Studio), who together will share practical strategies and real-world examples that reflect the industry’s rapid digital evolution.
AI in Fashion: From Hype to Real-World Impact
Formosa says the conversation around AI in fashion has moved beyond the buzzwords:
“AI is changing how our entire industry operates, from design and sourcing to marketing and customer experience. Brands are no longer asking if they should use AI, but how to use it effectively and responsibly. It’s not just about technology; it’s about transformation and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving market.”
According to Formosa, AI is now integral to how fashion businesses grow and connect with their audiences.
“AI helps brands understand their customers on a much deeper level. It allows them to personalise experiences, predict demand, and make smarter, faster decisions. From optimising assortments to improving marketing spend, it’s about using data to support creativity, not replace it.”
Empowering Every Brand to Innovate
For smaller or emerging brands, Formosa believes that embracing AI doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
“Start simple and strategic. Identify one area where AI can make a real difference — whether that’s analysing sales data, creating content, or improving your customer experience — and start there. Keep it aligned to your goals and values, learn as you go, and build confidence through small wins.”
She also emphasises the importance of education and community:
“Attending events like the Global Sourcing Expo is a great way to gain practical insights and knowledge from leaders on the front line of our industry.”
Technology as a Tool for Creativity and Sustainability
Formosa describes this as an “incredible time to be in fashion,” with AI helping the industry work smarter and make more responsible choices.
“AI gives brands the clarity to make better decisions and the freedom to innovate with purpose. It’s helping reduce waste through smarter forecasting, improved inventory management, and better product development. By predicting demand more accurately, we can minimise overproduction — one of fashion’s biggest sustainability challenges.”
Actionable Insights for a Fast-Moving Market
The Global Sourcing Seminar Program is designed to complement the Expo’s vibrant show floor, offering attendees expert-led education sessions that turn ideas into action.
Elizabeth Formosa’s session promises to deliver practical, actionable takeaways across sourcing, brand development, digital strategy, and AI adoption.
“This session will empower attendees to take immediate action,” says Formosa. “You’ll leave with the clarity, confidence, and tools to grow and strengthen your business in today’s fast-moving market.”
Attendees are also encouraged to download Fashion Equipped’s free guide, Navigating the Global Sourcing Expo, which includes tips and checklists to help businesses prepare, engage with manufacturers effectively, and maximise results from their Expo experience.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
India’s textile outlook is turning structurally complex.
The EU pact targets ~99.5 per cent trade coverage with phased duty relief, while rupee weakness supports exports.
However, crude volatility, >80 per cent import energy dependence, polyester cost inflation and US market softness (≈28 per cent share) are fragmenting performance, reinforcing a shift towards cotton-led, EU-focused exporters.
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Official data showed that 186 transactions were completed under the zero-tariff policy, covering goods worth nearly ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), reflecting a 1.46-fold rise compared to the previous year. The policy also resulted in duty exemptions totalling ¥271 million (~$37.6 million).
The figures were released at a press conference held ahead of the 100-day milestone of the policy’s implementation.
Hainan Free Trade Port recorded trade exceeding ¥80 billion (~$11.6 billion) in its first 100 days of special customs operations, up 32.9 per cent YoY.
A total of 186 zero-tariff transactions were completed, covering goods worth ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), while duties worth ¥271 million (~$37.6 million) were exempted, reflecting strong early momentum.
Launched on December 18, the island-wide special customs operations aim to facilitate smoother entry of overseas goods, expand the scope of zero-tariff items, and create a more business-friendly trade environment.
Positioned as the world’s largest free trade port by area, Hainan FTP is expected to play a strategic role in advancing China’s trade liberalisation and economic openness.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
The measure implements tariff reduction commitments made under the ‘Early Harvest Arrangement of the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development’ between the two countries.
China will implement preferential tariff rates on selected imports from the Republic of the Congo starting April 1 under the Early Harvest Arrangement of their economic partnership agreement.
The move announced by the Customs Tariff Commission, is aimed at fulfilling tariff reduction commitments, enhancing bilateral trade cooperation and advancing long-term economic ties between the two countries.
The commission said the move is in line with China’s tariff law and reflects the country’s continued efforts to expand opening-up and strengthen trade ties with African partners.
Officials stated that the preferential tariff treatment will help deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and support the development of a higher-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo.
The Early Harvest Arrangement, signed in November 2025, marked the first such agreement of its kind between China and an African country, paving the way for broader market access and phased tariff reductions.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
EU gains meet a harsh reality in India: War, rupee, energy shock
Hainan free trade port crosses $11.6 bn trade in 100 days
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