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)
Published
January 16, 2026
British luxury streetwear brand Represent has a new country president to lead its North American ambitions. Jim Anfuso, described as a veteran of the footwear and streetwear industry with “pivotal experience” managing the high-profile Adidas Yeezy business, has joined Represent’s executive leadership team.
He’s tasked with accelerating Represent’s foothold in the US, “currently the brand’s fastest-growing market”. In his new role, Anfuso will oversee all countrywide operations, including retail expansion, wholesale partnerships, and the scaling of its performance line 247.
The role will also leverage Anfuso’s “deep experience in the footwear sector to refine Represent’s footwear strategy, a category the brand has identified as a key growth pillar”.
Represent noted the appointment “comes at a critical inflection point”, following the opening of the brand’s West Hollywood flagship and the “rapid adoption” of the 247 label.
As the brand “shifts from a cult British label to a global powerhouse”, it said Anfuso “brings a rare dual expertise in high-heat product strategy and operational infrastructure, a skillset honed during his tenure managing one of the most significant footwear partnerships in history”.
CEO Paul Spencer added: “As we enter our next phase of global expansion, the US market represents our most significant opportunity.
“Jim’s track record speaks for itself. From the minute we met… we knew he would be a great cultural fit with the wider leadership team and with [co-founder] George [Heaton] working side by side in our LA. office. Jim’s ability to navigate complex operational landscapes while maintaining brand integrity is exactly what Represent needs right now.”
George Heaton also said: “We have built Represent on ‘Relentless Effort’, and to crack the US market, we needed a leader who understands both the culture of streetwear and the mechanics of a billion-dollar operation. Jim shares our obsession with product and precision. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for the US business”
Anfuso said of his appointment: “Represent has achieved something rare: a hyper-loyal community that spans luxury, streetwear, and performance. My focus is now on operationalising that energy for the US market building the infrastructure, the team, and the strategy to take us from a ‘cult favourite’ to a dominant market leader.
“We are going to execute with the same level of precision and ambition that defined my previous work in this space.”
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The collection features distinct women’s and men’s capsules designed for movement, comfort and self-expression.
H&M India has launched its official Lollapalooza India 2026 merchandise collection, marking its second year as festival sponsor.
The limited-edition drop features bold graphics, vibrant colours and relaxed silhouettes.
With separate women’s and men’s capsules, the range includes graphic tees, caps and tote bags designed for comfort, movement and self-expression from day to night performances.
“Lollapalooza India is a strong cultural moment, and a natural space for H&M to connect with a younger generation. Fashion today is about self-expression and confidence, and through this collaboration we reinforce our commitment to creating accessible, culturally relevant fashion that empowers individuality,” said Helena Kuylenstierna, Director, H&M India.
The range features graphic merchandise tees for both women and men, along with festival essentials such as caps and tote bags. Each piece is designed to move seamlessly from day sets to night performances.
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)
Apparel imports (code **) eased to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion), compared with Au$*.*** billion a year earlier. In November ****, imports fell sharply by **.** per cent year on year to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion) from Au$*.*** billion. The November contraction points to retailers delaying replenishment amid weak consumer confidence, promotional stock overhangs, and a preference for tighter inventory management ahead of the peak sales season.
Imports of textile yarn, fabrics, and made-up articles (code **) increased *.** per cent to Au$*.*** billion (~$*.*** billion) from Au$*.*** billion in the same period last year. However, November **** shipments under this category slipped to Au$*** million, down from Au$*** million in November ****, indicating short-term moderation after earlier restocking by manufacturers and converters.
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Represent names former Adidas Yeezy boss as its North America president
H&M India unveils official Lollapalooza India 2026 collection
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