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Tariffs drive down US import volumes, NRF warns of economic strain

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Tariffs drive down US import volumes, NRF warns of economic strain



Import cargo volumes at the US major container ports are projected to close 2025 about 5.6 per cent lower than in 2024, as new tariffs weigh on international trade, as per the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

The forecast comes as tariffs on dozens of countries around the world that had been announced, postponed and then finally enacted after months of negotiations and deals began to take effect this week.

Major US ports’ import volumes in 2025 are forecast to end 5.6 per cent below 2024 as new tariffs bite, according to NRF and Hackett Associates.
July likely surged to 2.3 million TEU on pull-forward, with August–December sharply lower YoY.
H1 2025 rose 3.6 per cent to 12.53 million TEU, but the full-year outlook is 24.1 million TEU, reflecting policy uncertainty and inflated late-2024 comps.

The ports have not yet reported numbers for July, but Global Port Tracker projected that the month surged to 2.3 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) as retailers brought in merchandise ahead of this month’s tariffs. That would be the highest number in a year, up 17.3 per cent from June and down just 0.5 per cent YoY, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the NRF and Hackett Associates.

August is forecast at 2.2 million TEU, down 5 per cent YoY, and September at 1.83 million TEU, down 19.5 per cent YoY. October is forecast at 1.82 million TEU, down 18.9 per cent YoY; and November at 1.71 million TEU, down 21.1 per cent for the lowest total since 1.78 million TEU in April 2023. December is forecast at 1.72 million TEU, down 19.3 per cent YoY.

While the falling aggregate totals in September through December are related to pulling cargo forward during the first half of the year due to tariffs, the large YoY percentage declines are partly because imports in late 2024 were elevated due to concerns about East Coast and Gulf Coast port strikes.

The first half of 2025 totalled 12.53 million TEU, up 3.6 per cent YoY. Volume forecast for the remainder of the year would bring 2025 to a total of 24.1 million TEU, down 5.6 per cent from 25.5 million TEU in 2024, added the report.

US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.96 million TEU—one 20-foot container or its equivalent—in June, the latest month for which final data is available. That was up 0.7 per cent from May but down 8.4 per cent YoY.

“While this forecast is still preliminary, it shows the impact the tariffs and the administration’s trade policy are having on the supply chain,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy. “Tariffs are beginning to drive up consumer prices, and fewer imports will eventually mean fewer goods on store shelves. Small businesses especially are grappling with the ability to stay in business. We need binding trade agreements that open markets by lowering tariffs, not raising them. Tariffs are taxes paid by US importers that will result in higher prices for US consumers, less hiring, lower business investment and a slower economy.”

“The hither-and-thither approach of on-again, off-again tariffs that have little to do with trade policy is causing confusion and uncertainty for importers, exporters and consumers,” said Ben Hackett, founder at Hackett Associates. “Friends, allies and foes are all being hit by distortions in trade flows as importers try to second-guess tariff levels by pulling forward imports before the tariffs take effect. This, in turn, will certainly lead to a downturn in trade volumes by late September because inventories for the holiday season will already be in hand. Meanwhile, US exporters are being left with unsold products as counter tariffs are applied.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Wolford reports 23.4% drop in first-half sales

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Wolford reports 23.4% drop in first-half sales


By

DPA

Translated by

Nazia BIBI KEENOO

Published



August 28, 2025

The Austrian luxury hosiery manufacturer Wolford reported a 23.4% drop in sales for the first half of the year on Thursday.

Wolford reports 23.4% decline in first-half sales – shutterstock

Compared to the previous year, revenue decreased by €10.1 million to €33.0 million (H1 2024: €43.1 million). The company attributed this mainly to the lingering impact of delivery delays and store closures that had been initiated in the previous year. Although Wolford stated that these issues were structurally resolved by the end of 2024, their effects continued to impact sales during the first quarter of 2025.

Despite the steep revenue decline, the company reduced its cost base, resulting in a relatively stable EBIT compared to last year. Recent streamlining and efficiency measures contributed to this outcome. Wolford did not disclose specific figures and plans to publish its full half-year report on 19 September.

The results should be viewed “in the context of the expected ongoing transition phase in which the company is actively implementing a comprehensive operational transformation aimed at restoring long-term resilience and profitability.” The company expects the first signs of recovery to appear in the second half of the year.

Looking ahead to 2025, Wolford — part of the Lanvin Group — said it does not anticipate trade policy or the broader economic environment to have a significant negative impact on earnings or sales for the second half or the full year.

FNW with dpa

This article is an automatic translation.
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Germany’s Boss unveils FW25 campaign featuring rising stars

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Germany’s Boss unveils FW25 campaign featuring rising stars



BOSS proudly unveils its Fall/Winter 2025 brand campaign, placing a bold emphasis on the “Be” in its iconic “Be Your Own BOSS” platform. At the heart of this exciting new chapter are two electrifying talents: Aaron Pierre, the classically trained English actor and upcoming DC Studios superhero, and Ishaan Khatter, the Indian actor and dancer taking Hollywood by storm with his starring role in the 2025 Cannes Film festival darling HOMEBOUND.

These two rising stars embody the drive, determination, and vision it takes to “Be the Next” BOSS, bringing their unique energy and ambition to the forefront of the campaign. They are joined by familiar BOSS talents who are emerging, breaking boundaries, and making their mark across film, sport, music, and fashion: S.COUPS, the globally acclaimed K-pop superstar and SEVENTEEN leader; Taylor Fritz, the fastest-rising star on the professional tennis circuit; and Amelia Gray, one of the fashion industry’s most sought-after new faces.

With Aaron Pierre and Ishaan Khatter bringing fresh perspectives and S.COUPS, Taylor Fritz, and Amelia Gray continuing their inspiring journeys with the brand, the Fall/Winter 2025 campaign is a powerful celebration of ambition, self-expression, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Together, this diverse cast represents the spirit of those striving to define their own paths and inspire others to do the same.

The campaign film captures the five talents journeying through a symbolic tunnel, moving towards a bright light that represents their aspirations and achievements. As they emerge, intimately shot portraits reveal their individuality, styled in the elegant, texturally rich, and tonally harmonious looks of the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Each star shares their personal interpretation of what it means to “Be the Next” BOSS, and reveals who they are striving to become.

With its newest collection, BOSS brings richness and warmth to the cooler months with an emphasis on key tonal combinations: a palette of sage greens, and dusky marled greys contrasted with decadent chocolate hues. This striking spectrum of tones elevates the mood of the campaign, and communicates the elegant cohesion found in BOSS’s 2025 cold-weather looks.

Licensed products, including BOSS Watches, Jewelry, and Eyewear, also feature in the campaign, with S.COUPS, Fritz, and Gray appearing in the coming season’s freshest optical and sunglass frames. Gray is also joined by Dutch model Parker Van Noord to showcase further highlights from the watches and jewelry selection from BOSS launching this coming season.

The campaign will be supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign amplified across large-scale outdoor advertising in key cities around the globe. Digital and static billboards in high-traffic areas will bring the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 campaign to a wide audience.

The BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be available at BOSS stores worldwide, on boss.com, and through wholesale partners.

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.

Boss unveils its Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, spotlighting ‘Be Your Own Boss’ with rising stars Aaron Pierre and Ishaan Khatter, joined by S Coups, Taylor Fritz, and Amelia Gray.
The campaign film showcases ambition and individuality, styled in rich sage, grey, and chocolate hues.
The campaign is backed by global 360° marketing and will be available in stores and online.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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US tariff blow puts Indian MSMEs on the brink

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US tariff blow puts Indian MSMEs on the brink



The United States’ decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, raising the total duty to 50 per cent, is sending shockwaves through India’s business landscape. 

The US’ imposition of 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian imports has raised the total duty to 50 per cent, creating deep uncertainty for the MSMEs.
As per reports, Panipat and Ludhiana are amongst the hardest hit by the US tariffs.
However, the latest media reports suggest the government is now planning dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries to counter the steep US tariffs.

Reports indicate nearly 50 per cent of India’s exports to the United States, valued at around $87.3 billion, will face the steep 50 per cent tariff. This will significantly impact the key sectors, including textiles and apparel, gems and jewellery, seafood, and leather goods.

Meanwhile, analysts estimate a GDP reduction between 0.2 per cent and 1 per cent in FY26, with a potential economic contraction of $7 billion to $25 billion, depending on price adjustments and finding new markets while a CRISIL report highlighted that higher US tariffs will have a significant impact on Indias MSME sector, which accounts for approximately 45 per cent of the countrys total exports. Among the hardest hit will be textiles and gems & jewellery, which together make up an estimated 25 per cent of India’s exports to the US.

In cities like Panipat and Ludhiana — two major industrial hubs and home to a large number of MSMEs— the abrupt escalation of US tariffs has triggered a fresh wave of uncertainty, particularly among MSMEs, which form the backbone of the export economy.

Known as India’s “Textile City,” Panipat in Haryana is globally recognised for its production of yarn, home textiles, and recycled fabrics. However, since the imposition of the initial 25 per cent reciprocal tariff by the US, Panipat’s supply chains had been facing serious disruptions, and now, with the additional 25 per cent tariff coming into effect, the implications are going to be devastating expressed fears some industry stakeholders interacting with Fibre2Fashion. 

Panipat’s yarn industry, which boasts an annual turnover of about ₹60,000 crore, relies on exports worth ₹20,000 crore — 60 per cent of which are destined for the US, as per some estimates. This makes the city one of the most exposed to Washington’s aggressive trade stance. Already strained by ongoing global crises such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, high freight costs, and inflation in key international markets like Europe and South America, the industry is struggling to absorb yet another external shock.

For the city’s yarn spinners, exporters, and small-scale crafters, the implications are dire. Increased duties mean Indian products will be significantly less competitive in the US market. Order volumes are expected to drop drastically as American buyers seek cheaper alternatives in other countries. Local businesses, especially the smaller ones, are worried about payment delays, the spectre of cancelled contracts and mass layoffs. 

Meanwhile, Ludhiana, an important export hub in the state of Punjab, is also said to be facing its own set of challenges. The city, which exports a wide range of goods including textiles, hosiery, auto parts, hand tools, and machinery, is said to be staring at a revenue loss of over ₹10,000 crore because of the US tariffs, as per some estimates. 

According to reports, more than 300 companies in Ludhiana are directly engaged in trade with the American market, and the sudden cost escalation will only push them into crisis mode. With roughly ₹6,000 crore worth of textile and hosiery goods shipped annually to the US, as per some estimates, the stakes for Ludhiana’s manufacturers could not be higher.

The tariffs come at a time when exporters in Ludhiana are already under pressure from fluctuating demand, rising input costs, and stiff global competition. The industry now faces the grim prospect of large-scale order cancellations, job loss and even existential threat for some.

However, there now appears to be a glimmer of hope. According to the latest media reports, the Government is now planning dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries to counter the steep US tariffs. The list reportedly includes key markets such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Turkiye, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Experts have long emphasised that diversifying into new markets and exploring alternative geographies is crucial for survival, and with the Government’s active help, hopefully the industry is able to navigate its way out of the crisis soon.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)



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