CareEdge Global Ratings believes India’s recent trade deals with the United States and the European Union (EU) along with the fiscal policy path outlined in the budget for fiscal 2026-27 (FY27) uphold the country’s BBB+/stable credit profile.

These developments could enhance the diversification and scale of India’s exports and support medium-term growth prospects, it noted in a release.

At the same time, the budget signals a steady and calibrated approach to fiscal consolidation, anchored in maintaining deficit target with continued emphasis on capital investment, it said.

CareEdge Global Ratings believes India’s recent trade deals along with its fiscal policy path uphold the BBB+/stable credit profile.
These could enhance the diversification and scale of exports and back medium-term growth.
While India’s public debt levels and interest burden are high, resilient domestic demand, diversified growth drivers and comfortable external buffers may back macroeconomic stability.

From a credit perspective, the improved tariff setting supports near-term growth prospects and enhances the predictability of export-linked revenues.

By placing India on a more competitive footing relative to other emerging market exporters, these agreements could support export momentum amid a fragmented global trade environment, remarked CareEdge Global.

While India’s public debt levels and interest burden remain elevated, resilient domestic demand, diversified growth drivers and comfortable external buffers are expected to support macroeconomic stability over the near to medium term, it said.

Sustained progress on revenue mobilisation, delivery on disinvestment targets and effective debt management will be critical to maintaining fiscal credibility and supporting India’s credit profile over the medium term, it added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) have welcomed the signing of a reciprocal tariff agreement with the United States, describing it as a positive development for the apparel sector.

The agreement was signed after nine months of negotiations.

BGMEA and AmCham Bangladesh have welcomed the signing of a reciprocal tariff pact with the US, terming it as a positive development for the apparel sector.
Garments manufactured using US inputs will be exempt from such tariffs and that will improve Bangladesh’s market access to the US, BGMEA noted.
The provision can encourage deeper supply-chain integration and promote value addition, AmCham said.

Garments manufactured in Bangladesh using cotton and man-made fibres imported from the United States will be exempt from such tariffs and that will improve Bangladesh’s market access to the United States, BGMEA noted.

It, however, emphasised that proper evaluation and traceability mechanisms must be ensured to fully benefit from the provision allowing the use of US-origin raw materials.

The trade body observed that while US cotton is of better quality, it is relatively expensive as well. If local spinning mills can ensure competitively priced yarn, the agreement could create substantial opportunities for export growth, it added.

The deal reflects constructive engagement between two longstanding economic partners and sends a positive signal to global investors amid heightened uncertainty in international trade, an AmCham statement said.

The provision that allows zero-tariff access for certain products manufactured with US inputs has the potential to encourage deeper supply-chain integration, promote value addition and strengthen backward linkages between US producers and Bangladeshi manufacturers, it added.

Fibre2Fashion (DS)

Australian wool prices extended their upward trajectory at this week’s auctions, with most descriptions trading dearer despite a stronger Australian dollar (Au$), which typically weighs on local returns. The market defied currency headwinds, as spot prices moved higher, led by a sharp rebound in the carding sector.

Carding wool prices jumped 4.5 per cent over the week, marking the standout performance across the catalogue. Cardings, which are shorter staple wools used in woollen spun yarns such as locks, crutchings and lambs wool, have historically led sustainable market rallies. After lagging other wool types during the past six months of steady price gains, the strong lift in this segment may encourage renewed buying interest from both domestic and overseas buyers, the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) said in its commentary for week 33 of the current wool marketing season.

Supply conditions continue to underpin sentiment. Test house data show a seasonal 10 per cent decline in volumes, while wool representatives in growing regions report lower sheep numbers and reduced wool flows into stores due to challenging climatic conditions. The most striking figure was a 21 per cent year-on-year drop in wool tested last month. Over the past two years, Australia’s wool production has fallen by an amount equivalent to the entire South African wool clip, highlighting the scale of tightening supply in the global Merino market, the AWI commentary added.

Australian wool prices rose again this week, led by a 4.5 per cent surge in carding wool, despite a stronger Australian dollar.
Supply concerns intensified as wool tested fell 21 per cent year on year and sheep numbers declined.
China expanded its export share to 88.4 per cent, while Italy increased imports 6.3 per cent.
Auctions will resume on February 24, 2026, after a scheduled break.

Export data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that China extended its dominance in the first half of the 2025-26 season, accounting for 88.4 per cent of Australian wool exports by volume. India held a 5.4 per cent share, while Italy accounted for 3.3 per cent. Italy was the only major destination to increase imports year on year, with volumes rising 6.3 per cent compared to the same period last season.

The market will pause next week at the request of major customers observing their Spring festival and New Year celebrations, with auctions scheduled to resume on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)