Fashion
JAAF hails UK origin rule reforms for Sri Lankan apparel exports
The reforms will allow Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100 per cent of inputs for garments from any country worldwide while continuing to enjoy tariff-free access to the UK market. This represents a significant upgrade to existing trade arrangements, reducing restrictions on processing and aligning Sri Lanka’s apparel sector with the same rules available countries enjoying ‘Comprehensive Preferences’ under the DCTS.
Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum hailed the UK’s plan to liberalise rules of origin under the DCTS from 2026, allowing garment makers to source 100 per cent of inputs globally while retaining tariff-free UK access.
The move boosts competitiveness, jobs, and exports, with officials noting stronger trade ties and benefits for brands, consumers, and Sri Lanka’s economy.
The UK remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important export destinations for apparel. The simplified rules will enable manufacturers to compete more effectively in global markets, diversify sourcing strategies, and maintain consistent access to UK buyers. The changes will also support Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted, value-added supplier within global fashion supply chains, JAAF said in a release.
“This reform is a timely recognition of Sri Lanka’s role as a resilient and responsible sourcing destination. By removing restrictions on input sourcing, the UK has levelled the playing field for our manufacturers, giving them the flexibility to deliver greater value to global brands and UK consumers alike. We see this as an opportunity to expand trade, strengthen industry competitiveness, and secure more jobs and livelihoods across Sri Lanka’s apparel sector,” JAAF secretary general Yohan Lawrence, said welcoming the announcement.
JAAF acknowledged the constructive engagement between the UK High Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Sri Lankan apparel industry in advocating for this change. The new rules are expected to boost exports, improve efficiency, and strengthen the long-standing trade partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka.
The apparel industry is Sri Lanka’s largest export earner, directly employing over 350,000 people and supporting the livelihoods of more than a million across its value chain. Liberalised trade arrangements such as this ensure the sector continues to drive the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
“We are pleased to confirm further details of the reforms to the DCTS. I know from my discussions with the JAAF, Sri Lankan manufacturers and UK brands that the changes are likely to have a significant positive impact on garment sector in Sri Lanka, while helping lower prices on the UK high street,” said British high commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, as quoted by local media.
“The upcoming changes to the DCTS will further strengthen Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK. This is a particular success story for Sri Lanka’s garment industry where the proposed changes will mean that more of Sri Lanka’s garment exports to the UK could qualify for zero tariffs. The Council for Business with Britain is very supportive of these changes and looks forward to continuing our work with businesses to promote trade between the UK and Sri Lanka,” Mark Surgenor, president of the council for business with Britain, added.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides preferential trading arrangements for 65 developing countries. Sri Lanka currently enjoys Enhanced Preference status, offering tariff reductions across multiple product categories.
In addition to the garment-specific reforms, the UK announced in June the creation of a new Asia Regional Cumulation Group of 18 countries that Sri Lanka can source from for other eligible products. Inputs sourced from within this group will be treated as originating in Sri Lanka, supporting greater value addition and wider access to preferential tariffs, according to local media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
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Directed and shot by Mert Alas, the new chapter sharpens the focus on denim as the ultimate expression of personal style through icon Jung Kook’s distinctive and influential point of view as he lives in the moment.
Calvin Klein, owned by PVH Corp., has unveiled its Spring 2026 denim campaign fronted by BTS icon Jung Kook.
Directed and photographed by Mert Alas, the cinematic film fuses music, movement and city energy, highlighting 90s Straight, Baggy and reworked Trucker silhouettes.
A special appearance by Rosie Perez amplifies the brand’s signature visual storytelling.
The campaign unfolds across a series of immersive worlds, unified and guided by Jung Kook’s style, attitude and way of living. The high-impact film fuses fashion and entertainment, moving to an instantly recognizable soundtrack and brought to life through the artist’s signature choreography and commanding presence. The interplay of music and movement – complete with a cameo from New York City legend Rosie Perez – captures the impact synonymous with Calvin Klein’s iconic visual storytelling.
Calvin Klein jeans are at the center of the wardrobe with hero silhouettes leading the narrative: the effortless attitude of the 90s Straight; the relaxed and nostalgic proportions of the Baggy; and new interpretations of the iconic Trucker jacket — all reimagined with elevated washes and designed for versatility. Casual logo tees and oversized bombers complete the looks, reinforcing denim as both uniform and statement.
“I love Calvin Klein jeans because they’re designed to be lived in,” said Jung Kook. “The looks I wore for this campaign nod to ‘90s style while feeling completely modern. It was exciting to bring together my love of music, dance and fashion against the energy of the city.”
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 (RM)
Premier Li Qiang, who delivered the report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, said the growth target is “well aligned with the country’s long-range objectives through the year 2035 and is broadly in line with the long-term growth potential of China’s economy, with favorable conditions in place for achieving this target.”
China has set a GDP growth target of 4.5–5 per cent for 2026, alongside goals to stabilise employment, manage inflation, maintain grain output and cut emissions.
The plan also preserves flexibility for structural reforms under the 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to balance steady economic expansion with long-term, high-quality and sustainable development.
Main development targets for 2026 also include a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 per cent, creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, a rise in the consumer price index of around 2 per cent, personal income growth in step with economic growth, a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, grain output of around 700 million tonnes, and a drop of around 3.8 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP.
Qiang said the targets took into account the need to leave room for structural adjustments, risk prevention and reform in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period, to lay a solid foundation for improved performance in the coming years. Government at local level should, taking into account their own conditions, make solid efforts to deliver positive outcomes, he added.
Analysts said the 2026 target reflects a pragmatic approach in recognising structural and cyclical challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy, while pursuing reasonable growth in line with high-quality development.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
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