The apparel climate story has moved out of the ESG report and into the cost sheet. In ****–****, climate risk is showing up as cotton quality loss, import dependence, energy volatility, cooling capex, carbon-price exposure and mandatory textile-waste fees. For brands and suppliers, the question is no longer whether climate action is ‘responsible’. It is whether delay will make product margins uncompetitive.

The latest data makes the shift visible. Textile Exchange says global fibre production reached *** million tonnes in **** and could hit *** million tonnes by **** if business continues as usual. Polyester alone now makes up ** per cent of global fibre output, with ** per cent still fossil-based. That scale gives apparel a low-cost material engine, but it also ties the sector to fossil energy, petrochemical volatility and future carbon accounting.

Vietnam has recorded a strong rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade in the first four months of 2026, underlining its growing role in global manufacturing and export supply chains.

Total registered FDI, including newly registered and adjusted capital, along with foreign investors’ contributions and share purchases, reached $18.24 billion as of April 27, up 32 per cent year on year (YoY), according to the Ministry of Finance’s National Statistics Office (NSO).

Vietnam attracted $18.24 billion in FDI in January–April 2026, up 32 per cent, driven by manufacturing and processing.
Realised FDI hit a five-year high, signalling continued capacity expansion.
Trade surged to $344.17 billion, supported by strong US demand and rising imports from Asia, highlighting deeper global supply chain integration and export momentum.

A total of 1,249 new projects were licensed with combined registered capital of $12.15 billion, reflecting a 3.7 per cent annual increase in project numbers and a 2.2-fold rise in value. Manufacturing and processing dominated, attracting $8.12 billion, or 66.8 per cent of total newly registered capital.

Realised FDI in the January–April period was estimated at $7.40 billion, up 9.8 per cent YoY and marking the highest level for the period in the past five years. Of this, the manufacturing and processing sector disbursed $6.12 billion, accounting for 82.7 per cent. Meanwhile, 316 existing projects registered additional capital of $3.13 billion, representing a sharp 51 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. Combining newly registered and adjusted capital, total FDI into manufacturing and processing reached $10.49 billion, or 68.6 per cent of the total.

Foreign investors carried out 976 capital contribution and share purchase transactions worth $2.96 billion, up 61.9 per cent YoY. Among these, 325 deals increased enterprises’ charter capital by $445.13 million, while 651 share acquisitions without capital increases totalled $2.51 billion. Wholesale and retail trade led these investments, capturing $1.89 billion, or 63.9 per cent.

Among 53 countries and territories with newly licensed projects, Singapore was the largest investor with $6.05 billion, accounting for 49.8 per cent of the total. It was followed by the Republic of Korea with $4.08 billion (33.6 per cent), China with $524.1 million (4.3 per cent), Japan with $462 million (3.8 per cent), Hong Kong (China) with $329.2 million (2.7 per cent), and the Netherlands with $318.5 million (2.6 per cent).

On the trade front, Vietnam’s total trade with the rest of the world was estimated at $344.17 billion in the first four months of 2026, a significant increase from $277.21 billion in the same period last year, the NSO said. In April alone, trade volume reached an estimated $94.32 billion, rising 8 per cent from March and 26.7 per cent YoY.

The United States remained the largest importer of Vietnamese goods, with imports valued at $53.9 billion, while China continued as the top supplier with $69 billion. Imports from traditional markets also surged, with South Korea and ASEAN recording growth rates of 57.8 per cent and 44.3 per cent, respectively.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)

Cider, the global fashion brand known for its mood-driven collections and digital-first approach to community and design, announces the opening of its first permanent location at The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove in Los Angeles. The launch signals Cider’s official expansion into long-term brick-and-mortar experiences, marking a major milestone as the brand brings its online-native shopping experience into a permanent physical space.

The store translates Cider’s digital identity into an exciting retail experience through its signature “Pick a Mood” concept. The space is organized across multiple distinct moods: Cute, Elegant and Free, alongside dedicated occasion-based categories including Vacation, Workwear, Essentials, Special Occasion, and Lingerie & Intimates.

Cider’s first permanent LA store marks its transition from a digital-first model to an omnichannel strategy, bringing its ‘Pick a Mood’ concept into a physical, immersive retail space.
The move strengthens community engagement through curated in-store experiences, local collaborations and events, while signalling broader expansion plans and deeper brand visibility.

Paying homage to its new home at The Original Farmers Market, the brand will debut a Farmers Market–inspired collection, available in-store and globally online on April 17. The Original Farmers Market Collection will feature a playful assortment of food-inspired graphics, checkered prints, and handcrafted details such as crochet, embroidery, and linen textures across apparel, swim, and accessories.

“We chose The Original Farmers Market because it’s one of the most vibrant and influential retail destinations in LA and even California,” said Fenco Lin, Co-Founder of Cider. “It brings together culture, energy, and everyday life in a way that truly reflects how our Cider community shops and lives. For our first store, we’re excited to create a space where people can not only discover Cider in person, but also feel inspired, relaxed, and connected to the brand.”

From April 17 to 19, 2026, Cider celebrated its grand opening with a curated lineup of in-store moments designed for discovery and connection, from shareable photo experiences to exclusive gifts with purchase and limited Los Angeles–inspired giveaways.

Extending beyond opening weekend, the brand will host “Cider Sundays,” a weekly series of community-led gatherings featuring collaborations with Los Angeles–based creators, neighborhood cafés and local businesses, alongside stylist-led Cider Club experiences that bring the #cidergang together IRL.

The 7,800-square-foot retail space marks Cider’s first permanent store, opening at Los Angeles’ Original Farmers Market. As a key market and home base for the brand, Los Angeles provides a natural setting for this milestone, while the Farmers Market’s longstanding reputation as a hub of culture and community makes it an ideal destination to bring the Cider audience together in person.

Following the brand’s Los Angeles debut, Cider plans to expand with a second retail location at Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose later this summer.

The store officially opened April 17, 2026, and is located at 6333 W 3rd St, Ste P-20. The store will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST. The Original Farmers Market collection will be available online April 2nd, 2026.

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 (MS)