Fashion
APAC CEOs positive about domestic growth, doubt global growth: KPMG
In 2023, 73 per cent of APAC CEOs were optimistic about global economic prospects; however, it was down to 64 per cent in 2025. Globally, only 68 per cent of CEOs remain upbeat about this—the lowest level seen in four years.
APAC CEOs reported much more optimism in 2025 about the growth prospects of their own economies over the next three years, while confidence in global economic prospects dropped, KPMG said.
Optimism about their own country’s prospects was the highest in Australia and lowest in India last year.
About four-fifths of APAC CEOs also saw substantial growth opportunities for their organisations and industries.
Optimism about their own country’s prospects was the highest in Australia (90 per cent) and lowest in India (71 per cent) last year, a KPMG release said citing its latest annual ‘APAC CEO Outlook’.
The declining confidence of APAC CEOs in the global landscape also reflects ongoing uncertainty and volatility that has plagued the global markets, stemming from an evolving geopolitical landscape, persistent supply chain constraints and intensifying scrutiny on sustainability, KPMG noted.
Furthermore, about 80 per cent of APAC CEOs also saw substantial growth opportunities for their organisations and industries, in line with the global average.
In fact, in 2025, executives appear more certain that their companies are on an upward trajectory compared to the previous year: 61 per cent of respondents expect earnings to increase by more than 2.5 per cent this year, compared to just 52 per cent in 2024.
CEOs in Japan (76 per cent) are particularly optimistic about their earnings outlook compared to global and regional peers, reflecting its solid domestic demand and stable GDP performance.
This positivity is driving many in APAC to continue investing in their businesses, with executives noting that there is strong appetite for increased hiring (92 per cent) and mergers and acquisitions (87 per cent) over the next three years, and a substantial number (82 per cent) of APAC CEOs expecting to spend more than 10 per cent of their budgets on artificial intelligence (AI) in the next 12 months.
This clearly indicates that subdued global outlook has not dampened optimism around companies’ prospects in APAC, KPMG remarked.
Confidence in the growth prospects of the global economy is lowest among Chinese companies (58 per cent). This likely reflects, in part, the impacts of an uncertain tariff environment. Strained relations with its main export partner and uncertainty around global demand are likely some areas of concern among firms in China.
Global trade risks topped the minds of APAC CEOs last year, especially as geopolitical tensions and trade realignments dominated headlines. These trends have persisted in 2025, with supply chain resilience remaining a top three driver of organisational decision-making in the short term.
However, the landscape is shifting with the arrival of emerging technologies like generative AI. AI integration is the top issue driving APAC executives’ short-term decision-making, a notable contrast with global peers who are more focused on cybersecurity issues and supply chain resilience, KPMG added.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Geopolitical tensions are raising textile costs by 10-15 per cent, disrupting supply chains and slowing apparel trade.
Synthetic segments are facing pressure, while cotton remains stable.
Technical textiles are surging, driven by defence and industrial demand.
The industry is shifting from volume apparel to high-value, performance-driven textiles.
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Hawley received the award from former Vogue editor Anna Wintour and actor Anne Hathaway, thanking the Academy and her creative team while describing costume designers as “artisans, alchemists and dream weavers.”
The film, directed by Guillermo del Toro and inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (published in 1818), features richly layered costumes that blend Victorian aesthetics with gothic fantasy. Hawley’s designs employ colour symbolism and intricate textures to reinforce the narrative’s themes of life, death and obsession.
New Zealand costume designer Kate Hawley won the Best Costume Design award at the Academy Awards (Oscars) for the film Frankenstein.
Her elaborate, colour-driven costumes blend gothic aesthetics with Victorian influences, using symbolism and layered textures to enhance the film’s narrative and character development inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel.
Throughout the film, colour motifs, particularly shades of red, play a central storytelling role, symbolising the memory of Victor Frankenstein’s mother and recurring emotional themes. Victor’s wardrobe combines Romantic-era silhouettes with flamboyant touches inspired by figures such as David Bowie and Mick Jagger, reflecting the character’s rebellious personality.
Hawley also created intricate costumes for Elizabeth, portrayed by Mia Goth, incorporating botanical and insect-inspired patterns and jewellery elements that highlight the character’s connection to nature. The garments were built with multiple layers and textures to create a painterly, atmospheric visual style aligned with the film’s gothic tone.
The Oscar marks Hawley’s first Academy Award and follows earlier recognition for Frankenstein at the Costume Designers Guild Awards, where the film also won in the period film category.
With its dramatic silhouettes, symbolic colour palette and meticulous craftsmanship, the film’s costume design has been widely praised for helping shape the visual identity of del Toro’s ambitious adaptation of the classic tale.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
The most traded May 2026 contract settled at 67.18 cents per pound, down 0.13 cent. May contract has recorded cumulative loss of 159 points in the last four sessions.
ICE cotton futures declined as softer crude oil prices and profit booking weighed on the market.
The May 2026 contract settled at 67.18 cents/lb, extending recent losses.
Easing geopolitical tensions reduced polyester costs, while weak sentiment and lower trading volumes added pressure, though stable stocks and outlook limited the downside.
Total trading volume reported at 68,955 contracts, significantly lower than previous week’s average of 106,740 contracts.
The decline in crude oil prices, triggered by easing geopolitical tensions, weighed on cotton through its linkage with polyester prices. Comments by Donald Trump on ongoing US–Iran negotiations—despite Iran’s denial—along with reports of a five-day delay in planned US strikes on Iran’s energy facilities, eased fears of supply disruptions and pressured crude prices.
This development led to a sharp plunge in oil prices, which had been supported earlier due to Middle East tensions. Iran’s denial of talks helped limit further fall in crude oil, thereby capping downside in cotton and grains.
Market sentiment turned weak as prices slipped below recent highs, reflecting profit booking and external pressure.
Market analysts said that Trump’s statements supported equity markets and indirectly stabilised cotton sentiment.
According to BMI Research outlook, US cotton prices expected to average 68–70 cents per pound, supported by competitiveness against synthetic fibres and weaker 2026-27 crop outlook.
According to CFTC data, speculators added 37,050 contracts, shifting from net short to net long position of 3,561 contracts.
ICE deliverable stock (No.2 cotton) remained unchanged at 115,640 bales as of March 20, indicating stable supply availability
This morning (Indian Standard Time), ICE cotton for May 2026 was traded at 66.74 cents per pound (down 0.44 cent), cash cotton at 65.18 cents (down 0.13 cents), the July 2026 contract at 68.91 cents (down 0.40 cent), the October 2026 contract at 71.31 cents (down 0.13 cent), the December 2026 at 71.44 cents (down 0.40 cent) and the March 2027 contract at 72.51 cents (down 0.43 cent)). A few contracts remained at their previous closing levels, with no trading recorded so far today.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
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