Fashion
Indian apparel industry urges urgent govt support
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said the industry had reconciled to a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff but the further burden would make Indian exports uncompetitive. “The additional 25 per cent will close the US market for Indian apparel. Exporters will now face a tariff differential of 30–31 per cent against major competing nations,” AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur told Fibre2Fashion. He urged immediate fiscal support until a bilateral trade agreement can be reached.
India’s apparel industry warns of an existential crisis as US tariffs on exports will soar to above 50 per cent from August 27, 2025.
Exporters face a tariff gap of over 30 per cent against competitors, risking three million jobs and 20,000 factories.
Industry leaders urge urgent fiscal support and stronger diplomatic engagement until a bilateral trade pact is secured.
Jasveen Kaur, Senior Director of Merchandising at New Times Group, described the tariff shock as “seismic,” saying nearly 25 per cent of Tiruppur’s US-bound knitwear orders have already been paused or cancelled. “This is not about two per cent of GDP—it is about millions of jobs and the survival of entire communities,” she said, adding that exporters are slashing prices to keep shipments moving as US buyers renegotiate or withdraw.
Industry estimates suggest around three million jobs and 20,000 factories are at risk. While some exporters are exploring joint ventures in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, Kaur noted that diversifying markets and securing new buyers could take more than a year. “We need decisive government action and stronger diplomatic engagement with the US,” she appealed.
Sanjay K Jain, Chairman of the ICC National Textiles Committee and MD of TT Ltd, echoed these concerns. “The industry is at a standstill, and 50 per cent of orders (for export to the US) will likely be cancelled. The rest can only be retained if exporters absorb losses. The impact of such super-high tariffs will be terrible and felt across the entire value chain,” he warned.
While the government’s recent move to waive the 11 per cent cotton import duty was welcomed, industry players said it offers little relief against the tariff shock. Exporters are focusing on cost optimisation, targeting a 15–20 per cent reset, but say sustained government support is vital to prevent large-scale disruption in India’s apparel sector.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
US brand Calvin Klein unveils Spring 2026 denim with Jung Kook
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)
Fashion
China targets 4.5 to 5% GDP growth for 2026
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)
Fashion
Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025
The group recorded an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) compared with CHF 4 million in the previous year, lifting the EBIT margin to 4.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent. Excluding Cosabella, the combined EBIT margin of Calida and Aubade reached 6.7 per cent, approaching the company’s medium-term target range. Operating net profit improved significantly to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million) from CHF 0.5 million a year earlier, Calida Group said in a press release.
Calida Group has reported net sales of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million) in 2025, down 5 per cent YoY.
EBIT rose to CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) and net profit to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million), supported by strong Calida and Aubade performance.
The group maintained solid liquidity and continued Cosabella repositioning while targeting future profitability improvement.
The group maintained a solid financial base with net liquidity of CHF 25.1 million and an adjusted equity ratio of 67.9 per cent, while free cash flow reached CHF 9.8 million. The board proposed a cash dividend of CHF 0.25 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 23 per cent in line with its long-term dividend policy.
“After a challenging first half of 2025, the Calida Group developed positively in the second half and achieved operational improvements on sales and profitability. By deliberately and systematically forgoing discount-driven growth and strategically positioning Calida and Aubade in the premium segment, the brands were strengthened in the long-term. Overall, 2025 was another year defined by a persistently challenging market environment,” said Thomas Stocklin, CEO of the Calida Group.
“Geopolitical uncertainty, US trade and tariff policies, and muted consumer sentiment in our core markets impacted the entire industry. In this environment, the Calida Group has demonstrated strategic discipline and, step by step, is evolving in the desired direction. Today, our group is more agile and efficient. Combined with our financial strength, this positions the Calida Group to pursue well-considered organic as well as external growth opportunities, allowing us to look to the future with confidence,” added Stocklin.
Operationally, the company continued implementing its efficiency-focused strategy by reintegrating functions into individual brands, streamlining group management structures and strengthening capabilities across product management, marketing, operations and sales.
Brand-wise, Calida generated sales of CHF 145.1 million, declining modestly as store traffic softened, although e-commerce growth and a strong Christmas season supported second-half performance. The brand improved its operating contribution margin through higher gross margins and ongoing cost optimisation while reinforcing its premium market positioning.
Aubade recorded sales of CHF 58 million amid weak consumer sentiment in France and the strategic withdrawal from unprofitable channels following the pandemic-driven demand surge. Nevertheless, margin performance strengthened through strict cost management, ongoing rebranding initiatives and progress in expanding export markets, particularly in the United States.
Cosabella reported sales of CHF 12.8 million, extending its negative growth trajectory and contributing higher losses as the brand remains in an intensive repositioning phase under strategic review. The group is targeting a turnaround towards operational break-even in 2026.
Overall, the group indicated that organisational restructuring, inventory optimisation and disciplined channel management enhanced agility and cost efficiency, positioning the company for future growth while aiming to improve group profitability further as Cosabella’s performance stabilises.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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