Fashion
Bangladesh clears first Free Trade Zone to cut export lead times
Bangladesh has taken a policy step towards strengthening global trade integration by approving the establishment of its first-ever Free Trade Zone (FTZ). The decision was taken at a meeting of the governing board of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), chaired by chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, at the chief adviser’s office in Tejgaon.
Bangladesh has approved a policy decision to establish its first Free Trade Zone in Anowara, Chattogram, to strengthen global trade integration and cut export lead times.
The offshore customs zone will allow duty-free storage, processing and re-export of goods.
Approved by BEZA, the proposal will go to the Cabinet and may see an initial milestone by the end of 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, BEZA executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said the proposed FTZ would be located in Anowara, Chattogram, spanning around 600–650 acres. He described the move as a significant policy shift, noting that Bangladesh currently does not operate any free trade zone.
“Goods kept in the free trade zone will not be subject to customs duties. They can be stored, processed, manufactured or re-exported, as the zone will be treated as technically outside the country’s customs boundary,” Harun said.
The key objective is to sharply reduce time-to-market for raw materials, a critical constraint for Bangladesh’s export-oriented manufacturing sector. Citing American cotton, he explained that long import lead times often make it difficult for manufacturers to fulfil quick-turnaround orders. Under the FTZ model, such raw materials could be stocked in advance and accessed immediately by local manufacturers, or re-exported to other destinations if demand changes, Chowdhury was quoted as saying by local media.
The concept draws inspiration from global benchmarks such as the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, which handles around $190 billion in trade and contributes roughly 36 per cent to Dubai’s GDP, more than Bangladesh’s total trade volume.
While the BEZA board has given policy-level approval, the proposal will now be sent to the Cabinet for final clearance. The FTZ will require amendments to existing laws and regulations, a process expected to be carried forward by the next government. Chowdhury said an initial milestone could be achieved by the end of 2026.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
Currency shift drives Australian wool fall despite firm exports
Australia’s wool market eased in AUD terms this week, driven mainly by currency strength rather than weaker demand.
The EMI fell to 1,665 ac/kg, but USD prices rose, with the EMI reaching its highest level since July 2019.
Merino prices softened, cardings firmed, and clearance rates stayed healthy.
A strong offering of 40,480 bales is due next week.
Source link
Fashion
US brand NikeSKIMS unveils Spring ’26 head-to-toe women’s collection
Crafted to fit every curve, the new Spring line offers a fresh take on performance silhouettes with five apparel collections, the introduction of the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin and updated accessories.
NikeSKIMS will debut its Spring ’26 collection with a head-to-toe system of dress inspired by the modern ballerina.
The range spans five performance-led apparel material stories, updated accessories and the new NikeSKIMS Rift Satin footwear.
Fronted by Lisa and filmed in Paris, the campaign highlights grace, strength and engineered comfort for every body.
“This Spring ‘26 Collection celebrates the timeless poise and elegance of ballerinas but with a distinct modern twist,” says Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS. “We obsessed every detail — from the soft lines and feminine colors to the premium materials. Each piece is a statement of beauty and allows women to move with confidence and grace.”
The Spring line offers five material collections across Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers and Woven Nylon. The Matte collection includes smooth, sculpting pieces with Dri-FIT technology and two levels of compression. Stretch Knit offers styles that are soft to the touch and lightweight with a flattering drape. The Ribbed Seamless collection includes soft and stretchy ribbed styles with a vintage wash and moisture-wicking tech. Weightless Layers pieces are semi-sheer, ultra-lightweight and feature quick-dry tech. Woven Nylon offers relaxed third layers designed for softness, function and movement.
Also new this season is the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin, which brings the brand’s considered design ethos to footwear. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin features the iconic tabi-toe design of the original Nike Rift, a sleek strap across the midfoot for quick entry and a secure fit, a soft satin upper material, a minimalist midsole and a textured logo outsole. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin will be available in two colors, Silt Red and Black.
The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection comes to life through a campaign starring LISA of Blackpink. LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: a rapper, singer, dancer, actress and style icon.
“When I’m performing, it’s all about looking great while still being able to move and dance,” says LISA. “The NikeSKIMS collection is so comfortable and light that I feel confident wearing it everywhere — from rehearsals to traveling or even relaxing at home. It’s easy to move in, looks amazing and fits perfectly into my everyday life.”
Directed by Sergio Reis, the campaign film celebrates the grace and strength of motion and form while spotlighting LISA’s artistry and passion for movement and dance. Filmed in Paris, the campaign also features professional ballerinas and dancers who helped bring the Spring ’26 Collection look book to life.
NikeSKIMS offers women a complete system of dress that is built on the strength of both brands. From footwear to foundational pieces and bold silhouettes, every product has been meticulously designed to sculpt and engineered to perform for every body.
“The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection is a true head-to-toe system of dress, designed to make women feel confident and feminine,” says Jamie Jeffries, VP, Global Apparel, Nike. “We’ve paid attention to every detail — from style and function to comfort — so every piece works together seamlessly. By combining Nike’s expertise in performance innovation with SKIMS’s inclusive fit and sculpting technologies, we’re delivering something truly unique for women everywhere.”
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)
Fashion
South Indian cotton yarn steady ahead of Union Budget
In the Mumbai market, cotton yarn prices did not see significant movement after last week’s rise. The market reported average demand for cotton yarn from the consumer industry. A Mumbai-based trader told Fibre*Fashion, “Cotton yarn demand is expected to improve in the coming weeks. Buyers want to wait for the outcome of the Union Budget, although there is little possibility of major changes for the textile industry. Cash flow is another cause for concern. Traders are diverting funds into precious metals and the stock market for quicker and more lucrative returns, which is slowing payment flows across the textile value chain.”
In Mumbai, ** carded yarn of warp and weft varieties were traded at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.**) and ****;*,***–*,*** per * kg (~$**.**–**.**) (excluding GST), respectively. Other prices include ** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, ** carded weft at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.** per *.* kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg and **/** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, according to trade sources.
-
Business1 week agoSuccess Story: This IITian Failed 17 Times Before Building A ₹40,000 Crore Giant
-
Business1 week agoSilver ETFs Jump Up To 10%, Gold ETFs Gain Over 3% On Record Bullion Prices
-
Tech1 week agoRuckus gears up for networking partnership with TGR Haas F1 Team | Computer Weekly
-
Fashion1 week agoSouth Korea tilts sourcing towards China as apparel imports shift
-
Sports1 week agoTransfer rumors, news: Saudi league eyes Salah, Vinícius Jr. plus 50 more
-
Sports5 days agoPSL 11: Local players’ category renewals unveiled ahead of auction
-
Entertainment1 week agoTrump touts ‘total access’ Greenland deal as Nato asks allies to step up
-
Entertainment1 week agoTikTok seals deal for new US joint venture to avoid American ban
