Fashion
ASEAN manufacturing hits 14-month high in September
Output and new orders expanded solidly, with demand recording its joint-fastest growth in nearly two-and-a-half years. Purchasing activity also increased at the strongest pace in 13 months. Firms reported renewed hiring for the first time in seven months, though overall job creation remained marginal. Backlogs of work accumulated at the quickest rate in a year, pointing to rising pressure on capacity, S&P Global said in a press release.
Inventories showed mixed trends, with pre-production holdings broadly unchanged, while post-production stocks fell as companies tapped into inventories to meet demand. Input costs rose further, though inflationary pressures stayed historically moderate.
The ASEAN manufacturing sector strengthened in September, with the PMI rising to 51.6 from 51.0 in August, its highest since July 2024, according to S&P Global.
Output and new orders grew solidly, while purchasing activity hit a 13-month high.
Firms resumed hiring after seven months, though modestly, as backlogs surged.
Inventories showed mixed trends and business confidence reached a six-month peak.
Business confidence improved to a six-month high, as manufacturers cited stronger demand conditions and optimism for output growth over the coming year.
“The ASEAN goods-producing sector concluded the third quarter of the year on a strong note, underscored by solid expansions in new orders and output. Additionally, purchasing activity increased, and employment rose for the first time in seven months,” said Maryam Baluch, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Furthermore, the fresh accumulation of backlogs, coupled with the ongoing reduction of post-production inventories, suggests that manufacturers should have opportunities to further expand their workforce.”
“Although recent data indicates a slight increase in price pressures against a backdrop of easing monetary policy across much of the region and a strengthening demand climate, the rates remain historically muted. This suggests that these pressures are manageable and unlikely to adversely affect demand,” added Baluch.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
The transition marks the formal handover of executive leadership to President and CEO Keun-Chang (Kevin) Yoon, reinforcing management continuity while preserving the founder’s long-term strategic vision.
Misto Holdings founder Gene Yoon has transitioned to honorary chairman in a planned leadership succession, formally handing executive control to president and CEO Kevin Yoon.
The founder, who expanded the group through the FILA global trademark acquisition and the takeover of Acushnet, will continue guiding long-term strategy as the rebranded Misto focuses on governance and sustainable growth.
Gene Yoon founded the business that would become Misto Holdings in the early 1990s, introducing the FILA brand to the Korean market and later leading a series of transformative transactions. In 2007, the company acquired the global FILA trademark rights through a leveraged buyout, followed by the 2011 acquisition of Acushnet Company, owner of the Titleist and FootJoy brands. The transaction was among the largest cross-border deals in Korea’s consumer sector at the time and significantly expanded the group’s global footprint.
Under his leadership, the company evolved into a multi-brand global portfolio spanning sportswear, golf equipment and apparel, generating approximately USD 3.08 billion in annual revenue.
As Honorary Chairman, Gene Yoon will remain closely engaged with the company, providing guidance on long-term strategy and global portfolio development while supporting management from a broader strategic perspective.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter under President and CEO Kevin Yoon, who has spent nearly two decades in senior roles across the group’s global operations, building deep operational and strategic expertise.
The company’s 2025 rebranding to “Misto” underscores its evolution into a global brand house focused on disciplined capital allocation, enhanced shareholder returns and sustainable long-term growth.
“Building on the founder’s legacy, our priority is to expand our global portfolio, strengthen governance and deliver sustainable value creation,” said Kevin Yoon, President and CEO of Misto Holdings.
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)
Total apparel shipments fell by 2.66 per cent year on year to $425.44 million in January 2026, compared with $437.07 million in the corresponding month of 2025. The performance underscored uneven global demand conditions that continue to influence sourcing patterns and order flows for Sri Lankan manufacturers.
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined 2.66 per cent YoY to $425.44 million in January 2026 amid weak global demand.
Shipments to the US and EU softened, while the UK remained stable with slight growth.
Other markets saw sharper contraction.
JAFF highlighted DCTS benefits and tariff changes while suggesting diversification and efficiency to sustain competitiveness.
Exports to the United States, the country’s largest market, decreased by 2.73 per cent to $165.11 million, while shipments to the European Union excluding the United Kingdom, declined by 1.93 per cent to $126.99 million. In contrast, exports to the UK remained broadly stable, rising marginally by 0.23 per cent to $61.71 million. Apparel shipments to other markets dropped more sharply by 6.07 per cent to $71.63 million.
JAAF noted that the UK’s steady performance offers a constructive signal for the sector, particularly as the revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective January 1, 2026, is expected to enhance sourcing flexibility and strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitive position in the British market.
The industry body also highlighted the introduction of a uniform 10 per cent temporary tariff in the US market as a relatively supportive development, reducing the impact of previously higher country-specific rates and providing greater short-term pricing predictability for exporters.
Commenting on the January outcome, JAAF said the moderate decline reflects ongoing volatility in global demand. The association emphasised that the industry remains committed to reinforcing resilience through market diversification, product innovation and operational efficiency, while collaborating with stakeholders to sustain Sri Lanka’s standing as a reliable apparel sourcing destination.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
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