LC openings in January 2025 stood at $6.85 billion.

The value of import letters of credit (LCs) opened in January in Bangladesh rose to $6.61 billion—the highest in 11 months—as businesses stepped up purchases ahead of the national election and the fasting month of Ramadan.
LC settlements in January this year amounted to $6.16 billion.
The surge is being attributed to a rise in import of essential commodities and a renewed sense of business confidence.

LC settlements in January this year amounted to $6.16 billion.

The surge is being attributed to a rise in import of essential commodities and a renewed sense of business confidence surrounding the February elections. Traders also brought in some capital machinery in anticipation of improved economic conditions, according to domestic media outlets.

The January spike in LC openings suggests a seasonal boost in trade activity, though sustained momentum will depend on broader improvements in investment and business confidence.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Central to the new agreements is the mobilisation of private fleets during national emergencies.

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has expanded its logistics network, bringing in private partners to address three vulnerabilities in the national supply chain: disaster response, export competitiveness and inter-island trade.
The aim is to ensure operations of essential supply chains even under challenging conditions and secure movement of goods that protects both businesses and consumers.

The aim is to ensure operations of essential supply chains even under challenging conditions and secure movement of goods that protects both businesses and consumers.

The inclusion of the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) and the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc is designed to bridge the gap between local production and global markets, a release from the department said.

To reduce prices for consumers, the department is leveraging the last-mile expertise of courier companies J&T Express, Shopee Xpress and JRS Business Corporation. This move aims at creating a seamless flow of products across the country’s 7,600 islands, making it as affordable to ship goods between provinces.

The Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC), established in June 2025, serves as the primary hub for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to navigate these new networks. Through its portal, small businesses can access real-time service referrals and cost-saving regulatory guidance.

The event also saw the activation of the SCLC Guild, an advisory body of industry veterans who provide pro bono technical support to help MSMEs optimise their delivery routes and reduce overhead.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Directly operated retail, including e-commerce, dropped 11 per cent on a comparable basis, while wholesale revenue decreased 9 per cent as the Group tightened distribution to enhance exclusivity.

Kering’s FY25 revenue fell to €14.7 billion (~$17.493 billion), with operating income and margins declining amid weaker luxury demand and tighter distribution.
Gucci remained under pressure, while Yves Saint Laurent stayed resilient and Bottega Veneta posted growth.
Other Houses faced restructuring losses.
Kering targets a return to growth and margin improvement in 2026.

Recurring operating income stood at €1.6 billion, down 33 per cent year on year (YoY), with recurring operating margin narrowing to 11.1 per cent from 14.5 per cent in 2024, reflecting lower revenue. Recurring net income attributable to the Group reached €532 million, while net income from continuing operations turned slightly negative at €-29 million after restructuring and optimisation charges.

Free cash flow from operations amounted to €4.4 billion, or €2.3 billion excluding major real estate transactions, marking a 35 per cent decline.

Gucci remained the largest contributor but continued to face pressure, with revenue of €6 billion, down 22 per cent as reported and 19 per cent on a comparable basis. Retail sales fell 18 per cent and wholesale dropped 34 per cent, the group said in a financial release.

However, fourth-quarter trends improved sequentially as new collections, including La Famiglia, helped revive consumer interest. Gucci posted recurring operating income of €966 million with a 16.1 per cent margin.

Yves Saint Laurent delivered relatively resilient performance, with revenue of €2.6 billion, down 8 per cent as reported and 6 per cent on a comparable basis.

Fourth-quarter sales stabilised, supported by growth in North America and a return to positive momentum in Western Europe. The House maintained a 20 per cent operating margin and generated €529 million in recurring operating income.

Bottega Veneta showed strength, with revenue of €1.7 billion, stable as reported and up 3 per cent on a comparable basis. Fourth-quarter sales reached a record level, driven by North America and the Middle East, alongside improving trends in Asia Pacific. Recurring operating income reached €267 million, with margin expanding to 15.6 per cent.

The Other Houses segment reported revenue of €2.9 billion, down 10 per cent as reported and 6 per cent on a comparable basis. Retail performance improved in the fourth quarter, with Balenciaga returning to positive retail growth. However, the division posted a recurring operating loss of €112 million, weighed down by restructuring at Alexander McQueen.

Kering enters 2026 aiming to return to growth and improve margins despite a still uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. The Group plans to prioritise disciplined execution, sharpen brand positioning across Houses and provide required operational support as it seeks to reignite demand and restore profitability.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)