Fashion
EU, US set up framework for balanced trans-Atlantic trade, investment
This builds on the political agreement reached by European Commission President von der Leyen and President Donald Trump on July 27.
The EU and the US today set up a framework for fair, balanced and mutually-beneficial trade and investment.
A joint statement lays out the new US tariff regime towards the EU, with a clear maximum 15-per cent tariff rate for the vast majority of EU exports; sectors already subject to MFN tariffs of 15 per cent or above will be exempt.
The EU will also engage in negotiating a trade agreement with the US.
The joint statement lays out in detail the new US tariff regime towards the EU, with a clear maximum, all-inclusive tariff rate of 15 per cent for the vast majority of EU exports, including strategic sectors. Sectors which are already subject to most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs of 15 per cent or above will not be subject to additional tariffs.
With regard to cars and car parts, the 15-per cent US tariff ceiling will apply in tandem with the EU initiating the procedures for tariff reductions vis-à-vis US products.
Effective as of September 1, a number of product groups will benefit from a special regime, with only MFN tariffs applying. These include unavailable natural resources (such as cork), all aircraft and aircraft parts, generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients and chemical precursors.
Both sides have agreed to continue to ambitiously work to extend this regime to other product categories as well—a key deliverable for the EU.
The EU will also engage in negotiating an agreement on fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade with the United States.
EU-US trade in goods and services has doubled over the last decade, surpassing €1.6 trillion ($1.86 trillion) in 2024, with €867 billion (~$1 trillion) of trade in goods and €817 billion of trade in services.
The EU intends to eliminate tariffs on all US industrial goods and provide preferential market access for a wide range of US seafood and agricultural goods.
Both sides committed to cooperate on ensuring secure, reliable and diversified energy supplies, including by addressing non-tariff barriers that might restrict bilateral energy trade. As part of this effort, the EU intends to procure US liquified natural gas, oil and nuclear energy products with an expected offtake valued at $750 billion till 2028.
In addition, the EU intends to purchase at least $40 billion worth of US artificial intelligence (AI) chips for its computing centres.
The EU further plans to work with the United States to adopt and maintain technology security requirements in line with those of the United States.
European companies are expected to invest an additional $600 billion across strategic sectors in the United States till 2028.
The EU plans to consult with the United States and US traders on digitalisation of trade procedures and implementation of the legislation currently proposed on EU Customs Reform.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The growth rate was 1.1 per cent points higher than that recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating improved momentum in industrial activity. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, industrial output increased by 0.28 per cent in March.
China’s industrial output grew 6.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in Q1 2026, accelerating from the previous quarter.
Growth was driven by manufacturing and mining, while utilities posted moderate gains.
On a monthly basis, output rose 0.28 per cent in March, signalling stable industrial momentum.
The data reflects resilience in large-scale enterprises, supported by improving demand conditions.
Industrial output, a key economic indicator, measures the activity of large enterprises with an annual main business turnover of at least ¥20 million (~$2.91 million).
Sector-wise, the mining industry’s value-added output increased by 6 per cent year on year (YoY) during the quarter, while the manufacturing sector registered a stronger growth of 6.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water rose by 4.3 per cent, said Chinese media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Italy’s apparel exports declined **.** per cent year on year to $*,***.** million in January ****, down from $*,***.** million in January ****. Imports also fell **.** per cent to $***.** million, compared to $*,***.** million a year earlier, indicating a broad-based slowdown in trade flows at the start of the year, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.
The January contraction comes amid a broader environment of cautious retail demand and tighter inventory management across Europe. Nevertheless, the strong full-year **** figures indicate that Italy’s apparel sector continues to maintain stable trade fundamentals, supported by diversified export markets and a balanced sourcing network.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erinn Murphy to Kontoor Brands,” said executive vice president, chief financial officer & global head of operations, Joe Alkire. “Having led investor relations and corporate strategy from within a high-growth consumer brand and nearly twenty years of experience covering global lifestyle brands as a respected senior equity analyst, she understands what drives long-term value creation from every angle. Her perspective will expand the operational and strategic depth of the Helly Hansen leadership team as we focus on accelerating growth and expanding the brand’s global reach, while also strengthening how Kontoor engages with the investment community.”
Kontoor Brands has named Erinn Murphy VP, global head of finance & operations for Helly Hansen and Corporate Investor Relations, starting May in Oslo.
She joins from Crocs, Inc., bringing nearly two decades of experience across investor relations, strategy and equity research.
Michael Karapetian will expand his role and return in Q3 2026 to support transition and investor engagement.
Murphy joins Kontoor from Crocs, Inc., a global leader in innovative casual footwear, where she served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director of Consumer Equity Capital Markets for leading investment bank, Piper Sandler. She was recently appointed as a member of the board of directors for Revolve Group, Inc. (NYSE: RVLV).
Murphy’s appointment coincides with an expanded role for Michael Karapetian, who will serve as Vice President, Global Brand & Operations Finance and Corporate Investor Relations, with responsibility for all aspects of global brand and supply chain finance and corporate investor relations. Karapetian will return from his international assignment at Helly Hansen in the third quarter of 2026 to allow for a transition period.
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)
Wings stifle questions about Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers relationship
China’s industrial output grows 6.1% in Q1 2026
Italy’s apparel export-import plunge after positive trend in 2025
-
Entertainment1 week agoQueen Elizabeth II emotional message for Archie, Lilibet sparks speculation
-
Tech1 week agoAzure customers up in arms over ‘full’ UK South region | Computer Weekly
-
Tech1 week agoAs the Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Global Shipping Will Take Months to Recover
-
Fashion1 week agoCII submits 20-pt agenda to Indian govt to back firms hit by Iran war
-
Tech1 week agoThis AI Button Wearable From Ex-Apple Engineers Looks Like an iPod Shuffle
-
Politics7 days agoIndian airlines hit hardest after Dubai limits foreign flights until May 31
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Trump considers
-
Entertainment4 days agoPalace left in shock as Prince William cancels grand ceremony