The need to redefine what one wears has definitely led to demand for denim, seeing a steady rise and outpacing apparel in the first three months of the year. It also has a lot to do with shoppers looking to pick up something off the shelf, which is both trendy and fits their everyday needs.

Kasia Davies, data journalist of consumer goods at Statista, in an interview with Fibre*Fashion, said that last year the barrel jeans and super wide leg trend had picked up steam, and it could continue into this year. “I do not think the wide leg is fully gone out of fashion, but I think the cigarette silhouette, which is a kind of not skinny jeans, not wide leg, but a bit more tailored … maybe coming back this year,” Davies said.

The UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) finalised recently will remove an estimated £580 million (~$779 million) in duties a year, based on current UK exports to the GCC, once the agreement is fully implemented, with £360 million (~$483.5 million) worth of these duties to be removed on day one of the agreement entering into force, according to a Department for Business and Trade policy paper.

GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom is the first G7 nation to strike a comprehensive FTA with the GCC.

The UK-GCC FTA finalised recently will remove an estimated $779 million in duties a year, based on current UK exports to the GCC, once the pact is fully implemented, with $483.5 million worth of these duties to be removed on day one of the pact entering into force, the UK government said.
It secures long-term market access, reduces barriers for UK exporters and unlocks investment in high-growth sectors.

The agreement aligns with the UK’s trade and industrial strategies by securing long-term market access, reducing barriers for UK exporters and unlocking investment in high-growth sectors, the white paper noted.

It reinforces the ‘backing your business’ small and medium business (SME) growth strategy by opening new opportunities for smaller UK businesses to scale and compete globally, it said.

The deal is estimated to boost the UK economy by £3.7 billion a year in the long run compared to 2040 projections, and increase real wages by £1.9 billion annually, creating new opportunities for businesses and workers across the United Kingdom, said the white paper.

It also has far-reaching digital provisions which will drive innovation and support the use of emerging digital technologies for UK tech companies, including in areas like artificial intelligence, paperless trade and clean energy.

The agreement will reduce tariffs and ensure simple and efficient customs, with a clear commitment to clear goods within 48 hours (six hours for perishable goods), provided that all requirements are met.

It will provide certainty for services, businesses and investors, boost regulatory transparency and support digital trade.

“This deal is great news for the UK economy; it will open up new opportunities for inward investment, exports and supply chains,” William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said in a release.

“There is great potential to expand our trade with this key region, which already generates £57 billion a year for the UK economy. Securing long-term economic benefits with close trade partners, like the GCC, is vital for tens of thousands of UK firms with high ambitions on export growth,” he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

New Balance announced the signing of international standout Yunus Musah to its growing global football roster. With 47 caps already at 23 years old, Yunus continues the brand’s momentum of attracting the game’s best young talent, following the recent additions of Yan Diomande, Djed Spence, Samu Aghehowa and Tyler Dibling earlier this year.

Born in New York to Ghanaian parents, Yunus developed at Arsenal before beginning his senior career in La Liga with Valencia CF in 2020, quickly rising through the club’s youth and reserve teams. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest non-Spanish goalscorer in Valencia’s history, announcing himself as a fearless, explosive presence in the midfield. 

New Balance has signed US international midfielder Yunus Musah to its global football roster, strengthening its line-up of young talent.
The 23-year-old has earned 47 caps for the USMNT and was named US Soccer Young Male Player of the Year in 2022 after standout World Cup performances.
His signing follows recent additions including Yan Diomande, Djed Spence, Samu Aghehowa and Tyler Dibling.

Yunus continues to make his mark at the highest levels of the game, competing both domestically and internationally. A key figure for the US Men’s National Team, he became the youngest American to start a match on the game’s biggest global stage. At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, he earned international praise as a breakout young player, highlighted by standout performances against England and Iran. That same year, he was named US Soccer Young Male Player of the Year. On loan from AC Milan, Yunus currently plays for Atalanta BC, a New Balance-sponsored club.

“From my first meeting with the brand, I could tell New Balance was the right fit,” said New Balance athlete Yunus Musah. “I immediately noticed the quality of the kits, and when I put on my first pair of boots, I could feel how well-crafted and comfortable they were. Knowing that we share the same shared vision and values, I’m excited about what we can build together and where our relationship can go.”

“Yunus represents an exciting young talent in global football and has already made his mark on the international stage with the United States,” said Andrew McGarty, Senior Director of Global Football Sports Marketing at New Balance. “He’s a dynamic, versatile midfielder with a fearless approach to the game, and as an American brand, we’re proud to welcome him to our roster and excited about what we can build together as he continues to grow at the highest level.”

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 (JP)