Fashion
Global commodity prices to hit six-year low in 2026: World Bank
Falling energy prices are helping to ease global inflation, while lower rice and wheat prices have helped make food more affordable in some developing countries. Despite the recent declines, however, commodity prices remain above pre-pandemic levels, with prices in 2025 and 2026 projected to be 23 per cent and 14 per cent higher, respectively, than in 2019.
“Commodity markets are helping to stabilise the global economy. Falling energy prices have contributed to the decline in global consumer-price inflation. But this respite will not last. Governments should use it to get their fiscal house in order, make economies business-ready, and accelerate trade and investment,” Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s chief economist and senior vice president for development economics, said in a press release.
World Bank forecasts global commodity prices to fall seven per cent in 2025 and 2026, hitting a six-year low amid weak growth, rising oil surpluses, and policy uncertainty.
Energy prices are expected to drop further, helping cool inflation.
The World Bank urges governments to use this window for fiscal reform, while warning that geopolitical and climate shocks could reverse the downward trend.
The global oil glut has expanded significantly in 2025 and is expected to rise next year to 65 per cent above the most recent high, in 2020. Oil demand is growing more slowly as demand for electric and hybrid vehicles grows and oil consumption stagnates in China. Brent crude oil prices are forecast to fall from an average of $68 in 2025 to $60 in 2026—a five-year low. Overall, energy prices are forecast to fall by 12 per cent in 2025 and a further 10 per cent in 2026.
Commodity prices could fall more than expected during the forecast horizon if global growth remains sluggish amid prolonged trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Greater-than-expected oil output from OPEC+ could deepen the oil glut and exert additional downward pressure on energy prices. Electric-vehicle sales, which are expected to increase sharply by 2030, could further depress oil demand.
Conversely, geopolitical tensions and conflicts could push oil prices higher and boost demand for safe-haven commodities such as gold and silver. In the case of oil, the market impact of additional sanctions could also lift prices above the baseline forecast. Extreme weather from a stronger-than-expected La Niña cycle could disrupt agricultural output and increase electricity demand for heating and cooling, adding further pressure to food and energy prices.
“Lower oil prices provide a timely opportunity for developing economies to advance fiscal reforms that promote growth and job creation,” said Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s deputy chief economist and director of the Prospects Group. “Phasing out costly fuel subsidies can free up resources for infrastructure and human capital—areas that create jobs and strengthen long-term productivity. Such reforms would help shift spending from consumption to investment, rebuilding fiscal space while supporting more durable job creation.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
Fashion
France’s LVMH posts $96.96 bn 2025 revenue as currency headwinds weigh
Profit from recurring operations stood at €17.8 billion, translating into an operating margin of 22 per cent, which was affected by unfavourable currency movements. Net profit attributable to the group declined 13 per cent to €10.9 billion, while operating free cash flow rose 8 per cent to €11.3 billion. Net financial debt fell sharply by 26 per cent to €6.9 billion, underscoring strong cash discipline.
French luxury group LVMH has reported €80.8 billion (~$96.96 billion) revenue in 2025, down 5 per cent reported and 1 per cent organically, amid currency headwinds.
Profit from recurring operations reached €17.8 billion, while net profit fell 13 per cent.
Performance stabilised in H2 and Q4, supported by US demand and strong cash generation, reinforcing confidence for 2026.
Region-wise, sales in Europe declined in the second half of the year, while the United States recorded growth, supported by solid local demand. Japan saw a decline compared with 2024, when tourist spending had been boosted by a much weaker yen. In contrast, Asia excluding Japan showed a ‘noticeable improvement’ compared with 2024, returning to growth in the second half, LVMH said in a press release.
Despite the full-year decline, performance improved in the second half, with organic revenue growth of 1 per cent, reflecting better trends across business groups after the slowdown seen since 2023. Fourth-quarter organic revenue growth also came in at 1 per cent, in line with the third quarter, signalling stabilisation towards year-end.
In Fashion & Leather Goods, revenue declined YoY in 2025, although LVMH reported an improvement in the second half, supported by local customers after 2024 had benefited from tourist-led demand, particularly in Japan. Profit from recurring operations fell 13 per cent, largely due to currency effects, while the division maintained a very high operating margin of 35 per cent. The group highlighted Louis Vuitton’s product and experiential strength, including The Louis in Shanghai, alongside strong brand momentum driven by fashion shows, and new store concepts. Dior’s creative reset, major store openings, and renewed creative leadership at Celine, Loewe, Givenchy and Fendi were also cited as contributing to fresh energy across the portfolio.
“Once again in 2025, LVMH demonstrated its solidity and effective strategy upheld by its highly engaged teams. The Group was buoyed by the loyalty and growing demand shown by our local customers. This momentum was once again underpinned by the powerful desirability of our brands, which embody creative passion and the pursuit of the utmost quality, and by our ambition of offering our customers extraordinary stores and cultural experiences, as demonstrated by The Louis in Shanghai, and our House of Dior stores in a number of cities around the world,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH.
“In 2026, in an environment that remains uncertain, our Maisons’ ability to inspire dreams—coupled with the highest levels of vigilance with regard to cost management, and our environmental and social commitments—will once again be a decisive asset underscoring our leadership position in the luxury goods market. We will remain true to our entrepreneurial tradition as a forward-looking family group focused on sustainable creativity in high-quality products, exceptional spaces and the long-term future of our outstanding craftsmanship,” added Arnault.
Selective Retailing delivered 4 per cent organic revenue growth and a 28 per cent rise in profit from recurring operations, lifting operating margin by 2 percentage points to 9.7 per cent. DFS showed stabilisation, with streamlining measures improving profitability despite weak international conditions. In January 2026, LVMH signed an agreement with China Tourism Group Duty Free to acquire DFS’ business in Greater China, including the Gallerias in Hong Kong and Macao.
LVMH also reported progress under its Life 360 environmental programme, accelerating circular design initiatives. Forty-one per cent of materials used for products and packaging were sourced through recycling processes, up 8 per cent versus 2024. The proportion of certified raw materials increased further, with cotton at 84 per cent and wool at 76 per cent.
Looking ahead, LVMH said it remains confident for 2026, despite continued geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. The group will continue to focus on brand development, innovation, disciplined cost management and long-term sustainability, aiming to further strengthen its global leadership position in luxury goods.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
Japan imports $4.2 bn trousers in Jan-Nov; China tops with low prices
China remained Japan’s largest supplier, accounting for imports valued at $*.*** billion and ***.*** million units during the period. This represented more than two-fifths of total import volumes, underscoring China’s continued dominance in mass-market sourcing. However, the average unit price of Chinese trousers and shorts stood at $*.**, well below Japan’s overall average, highlighting China’s strong cost competitiveness. Compared with earlier years, China’s unit prices have steadily softened from $*.** in **** and $*.** in ****, indicating sustained pricing pressure amid intense competition and a buyer focus on affordability, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.
Imports from Bangladesh were worth $***.*** million during January–November ****. Shipments totalled **.*** million units, with an average price of $*.** per unit, the lowest among the three leading Asian suppliers. Bangladesh’s pricing has declined notably from $*.** per unit in **** and $*.** in ****, suggesting aggressive pricing strategies to defend and expand market share in Japan’s highly competitive import landscape.
Fashion
Renewable energy uptake grows, but textile decarbonisation lags
Despite rising renewable installations, global textile decarbonisation remains slow and uneven.
Coal-heavy thermal processes, especially in large tier-2 facilities, continue to dominate emissions, while renewables still form a small share of total energy use.
Progress hinges on accelerating coal exit, electrification, and targeted action in high-impact facilities.
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