Fashion
BCC sees modest 2025 uplift but flags weak UK growth beyond
The last month’s budget is unlikely to kickstart economic growth, with the first major post-budget forecast from a leading business body pointing to a subdued outlook. The growth prospects remain modest despite a marginal upward revision for 2025, BCC said in its latest economic forecast.
UK GDP growth for 2025 is forecast to edge up to 1.4 per cent, driven by public spending, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
Last month’s Budget is unlikely to revive the economy.
Growth in 2026 and 2027 remains subdued, with weak business investment, slowing exports, and rising unemployment.
Inflation is easing, but only modest interest rate cuts are expected.
In 2026, manufacturing growth is forecast at 0.9 per cent, and by 2027, growth is projected to improve to 1.8 per cent in manufacturing.
Business investment is expected to weaken sharply next year. After an estimated rise of 3 per cent in 2025, investment growth is forecast to slow to just 0.9 per cent in 2026, before recovering modestly to 1.5 per cent in 2027. The BCC attributed the weakness to sustained cost pressures on firms and the absence of direct growth-boosting measures in the budget.
Exports are forecast to rise by 1.8 per cent in 2026 and 2.4 per cent in 2027, sharply lower than earlier expectations of 3.3 per cent and 3.2 per cent. Imports are projected to grow by 3.8 per cent this year, before easing to 1.4 per cent in 2026 and then rising to 2.8 per cent in 2027.
Inflation is forecast to continue easing, with consumer price inflation expected to fall to 2.1 per cent by the end of 2026 and reach the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target by the fourth quarter of 2027. Average earnings growth is also expected to cool, from 4.3 per cent by the end of this year to 3.8 per cent in 2026 and 3.5 per cent in 2027.
With inflation easing but growth remaining weak, interest rate cuts are expected to be limited. The BCC forecast sees the policy rate at 3.75 per cent by the end of this year, falling only slightly to 3.5 per cent by December 2026.
Unemployment is projected to rise further, reaching 5.1 per cent in 2026 as labour market conditions loosen and firms rein in hiring amid cost pressures and sluggish productivity. The rate is then expected to ease to 4.8 per cent in 2027.
“Our forecast suggests last month’s Budget is unlikely to be a growth game-changer for the UK economy,” said David Bharier, head of research at the BCC. “The outlook for SMEs in 2026 will continue to be challenging with business investment and export growth struggling. Inflationary pressures, specifically from rising labour and energy costs, are likely to persist, meaning only modest cuts in the interest rate. Unemployment will be a key indicator to track as labour costs rise and automation costs ease.”
“Taken together the forecast paints a picture of an economy remaining stuck in low gear. Businesses are showing remarkable resilience and innovation, but many are weighed down by political uncertainty and the cumulative cost pressures,” added Bharier. “Delivery on growth is now key—the government has published industrial, trade, and infrastructure strategies, and these must translate into action. The UK is trapped in a low growth cycle, with consequences for both the fiscal and political landscape. Maximising the AI roll-out and global trading opportunities could help break the deadlock.”
“Businesses will be steering through choppy waters once again next year after a Budget that lacked the growth measures so desperately needed,” said Vicky Pryce, chair of the BCC economic advisory council. “Getting inflation back down towards the Bank’s 2 per cent target is good news, but that masks the continuing cost pressures for businesses. Significant interest rate cuts, that would make a huge difference to businesses and households, are not guaranteed next year by any means.
“Rising unemployment will be a key part of the economic landscape next year, pushing down consumer spending and presenting further challenges for firms of all sizes,” added Pryce.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
Netherlands’ goods exports to US fall 4.7% in Jan-Oct 2025
The data showed that the decline was driven mainly by weaker domestic exports, with goods produced in the Netherlands down 8 per cent YoY. In contrast, re-exports to the US rose 3.9 per cent during the period. Exports to the US have fallen every month on a YoY basis since July, CBS said in a press release.
Trade flows were influenced by uncertainty around US import tariffs. In the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries continued to grow, possibly as companies advanced shipments ahead of announced tariff measures.
Goods exports from the Netherlands to the United States fell 4.7 per cent YoY to €27.5 billion (~$33 billion) in the first ten months of 2025, driven by an 8 per cent drop in domestic exports, according to CBS.
Re-exports rose 3.9 per cent, while tariff uncertainty weighed on trade.
Imports from the US increased 1.9 per cent to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion).
Meanwhile, imports from the United States rose 1.9 per cent YoY to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion) in the first ten months of 2025.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
Philippines revises Q3 2025 GDP growth down to 3.9%
The Philippines’ economic growth for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 has been revised slightly lower, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 3.9 per cent year on year (YoY), down from the preliminary estimate of 4 per cent.
Gross national income growth for the quarter was also revised to 5.4 per cent from 5.6 per cent, while net primary income from the rest of the world was adjusted to 16.2 per cent from 16.9 per cent.
The Philippine Statistics Authority has revised down the country’s third-quarter 2025 GDP growth to 3.9 per cent from an earlier estimate of 4 per cent.
Gross national income growth was also lowered to 5.4 per cent, while net primary income from abroad eased to 16.2 per cent.
The PSA said the adjustments reflect its standard, internationally aligned revision policy.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said the revisions were made in line with its approved revision policy, which follows international standards for national accounts updates.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
US’ Levi Strauss reports solid FY25, driven by organic growth
Operating margin improved sharply to 10.8 per cent from 4.4 per cent in FY24, while adjusted EBIT margin increased to 11.4 per cent from 10.7 per cent, marking the third consecutive year of margin expansion. The net income from continuing operations more than doubled to $502 million from $210 million, with adjusted net income rising to $537 million.
Levi Strauss & Co has delivered a strong FY25, with net revenues rising 4 per cent to $6.3 billion and organic growth of 7 per cent, alongside sharp margin expansion and higher profitability.
Q4 saw 5 per cent organic growth, led by Europe, Asia and DTC, which accounted for nearly half of revenues.
The company expects mid-single digit growth and further margin gains in FY26.
Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased to $1.26 from $0.52 in the previous year, while adjusted diluted EPS rose to $1.34 from $1.24. The company generated $530 million in operating cash flow and $308 million in adjusted free cash flow. The company returned $363 million to shareholders during the fiscal, up 26 per cent YoY, LS&Co said in a press release.
In the fourth quarter (Q4) ended November 30, 2025, the company reported net revenues of $1.8 billion, up 1 per cent on a reported basis and 5 per cent organically compared with Q4 FY24. Growth was broad-based, supported by strong momentum in Europe, Asia and Beyond Yoga, alongside high-single digit comparable growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC).
Europe recorded reported revenue growth of 8 per cent and organic growth of 10 per cent, while Asia delivered growth of 2 per cent reported and 4 per cent organically. In the Americas, revenues declined 4 per cent reported but increased 2 per cent organically, with the US business flat on an organic basis. Beyond Yoga continued to outperform, posting reported growth of 37 per cent and organic growth of 45 per cent.
DTC revenues increased 8 per cent on a reported basis and 10 per cent organically, driven by strength across all regions. E-commerce revenues rose 19 per cent reported and 22 per cent organically, with DTC accounting for 49 per cent of total quarterly revenues. Wholesale revenues declined 5 per cent reported and were flat organically.
Operating margin in the quarter was stable at 11.9 per cent, while adjusted EBIT margin declined to 12.1 per cent from 13.9 per cent a year earlier due to tariff-related pressure on gross margins and higher adjusted SG&A expenses. Gross margin stood at 60.8 per cent versus 61.8 per cent in Q4 FY24. Net income from continuing operations was $160 million, with diluted EPS of $0.4 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.41.
“Over the past few years, we’ve taken bold steps towards becoming a DTC-first, head-to-toe denim lifestyle brand,” said Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We are well on our way toward realising our strategic ambitions. We have narrowed our focus, improved operational execution and built greater agility across the organisation. As a result, we’ve elevated the Levi’s brand and delivered faster growth and higher profitability as reflected by our Q4 and full year 2025 results. While we still have important work ahead, the company is at an inflection point—emerging as a stronger, more resilient global business ready to define the next chapter of LS&Co.”
“We are sustaining our momentum, delivering 5 per cent organic growth in the fourth quarter on top of 8 per cent growth in the prior year. Our success in denim lifestyle has enabled us to expand our addressable market, positioning us for mid-single digit growth in 2026 and beyond,” said Harmit Singh, chief financial and growth officer of Levi Strauss & Co. “Our disciplined approach to converting growth into profitability has improved adjusted EBIT margin again in 2025 for the third year in a row, and we are on track to expand margins further as we strive toward 15 per cent. Our confidence in this trajectory is reflected in a new $200 million ASR program.”
Looking ahead, the company expects mid-single digit revenue growth in fiscal 2026 alongside further adjusted EBIT margin expansion, supported by continued DTC momentum, disciplined cost management and ongoing brand strength, added the release.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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