India is set to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) projected to expand 6.5 per cent in fiscal 2026 (FY26), matching the growth rate of fiscal 2025 (FY25), according to Crisil, an S&P Global company. The outlook reflects India’s domestically driven resilience, though global tariff shocks and slowing external demand present risks.

Crisil highlighted that favourable monsoons, easing crude oil prices averaging $65–$70 per barrel, and reduced interest rates will support growth. Inflation is expected to ease towards the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4 per cent target, enabling monetary policy flexibility. Income tax cuts and potential goods and services tax rationalisation are expected to bolster consumption, particularly in rural areas, Dharmakirti Joshi said in an article on S&P Global.

India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to rise 6.5 per cent in FY26, matching FY25, according to S&P.
Growth will be supported by favourable monsoons, easing oil prices, and lower interest rates.
Risks include US tariffs, and weaker export demand.
Strong services exports, capex push, and policy support will cushion India’s economic outlook.

India’s macroeconomic growth trajectory shows a return to its pre-pandemic trend, averaging 6.6 per cent annually in the decade to 2020. While stimulus and a low base lifted growth to 8.8 per cent between FY22–FY24, higher inflation and fiscal normalisation moderated expansion thereafter. For FY26, the HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index signals sustained momentum across both manufacturing and services.

Yet, challenges loom. US tariffs are likely to erode competitiveness of Indian exports, with nearly 20 per cent directed to the US, where economic growth is slowing to 1.7 per cent in 2025. The eurozone, accounting for 17.3 per cent of exports, also faces weak demand. Rising risks of low-cost imports from China further threaten domestic industries, the article added.

Despite these headwinds, buffers remain. Services exports—constituting 47 per cent of India’s total exports—are expected to provide resilience as they are less exposed to global trade shocks than goods. The current account deficit is projected to stay manageable at around 1 per cent of GDP, backed by robust foreign exchange reserves of $702.8 billion.

The government capex remains a priority, with central and state expenditure rising strongly in early FY26 despite deficit-reduction goals. Monetary easing and fiscal support are expected to provide cyclical momentum, though fiscal space remains constrained.

Looking ahead, policymakers face the dual task of sustaining growth drivers at home while navigating an uncertain global trade environment. Success in balancing domestic reforms, infrastructure investment, and foreign trade agreements will be key to India’s long-term ambition of achieving developed nation status by 2047, concluded the article.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

South African minister of trade Parks Tau recently initiated talks with US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, DC, to negotiate a rollback of the high tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

The 30-per cent US tariff poses a significant threat to South Africa’s economy grappling with growth challenges and high unemployment. It could also lead to substantial job losses.

South African trade minister Parks Tau recently met US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, DC, to discuss a rollback of the high tariffs imposed by the US administration.
The 30-per cent tariff poses a significant threat to South Africa’s economy grappling with growth challenges and high unemployment.
Both sides want to set up a road map for future engagement.

Both sides want to set up a road map for future engagement and resolve ongoing trade and diplomatic issues.

While South Africa’s trade ministry reported a constructive meeting, US trade officials have been silent on the deliberations.

Trump earlier accused the South African government of discrimination against the white minority, affecting bilateral relations.

The United States remains a key trade and investment partner for South Africa, with bilateral trade at $15.1 billion in 2024, the American Chamber of Commerce’s chapter in the country reported.

South Africa’s exports to the United States were valued at $8.2 billion in 2024; while US imports into the former were worth $6.9 billion. There are over 600 US companies in South Africa and more than 22 South African companies in the United States.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Yasmin Le Bon is returning as the face of the latest George at Asda collection for the new season but this time she’s also starring with her daughter Amber.

Launching 22 September, the collection is priced from £8-£45 and the appearance of Le Bon senior and junior is key because George said it “blends modern and timeless style, celebrating individuality and cross-generational fashion”.

The campaign was shot in the Cotswolds countryside by photographer Simon Emmett. It focuses on statement outerwear, utility jackets, soft checks, laidback denim, and tactile textures evoke the ease of rural life while remaining effortless and wearable for every day.

George added that “at 60, Yasmin continues to prove that style is timeless, while Amber brings a fresh perspective, showing how the same pieces can be styled across generations. Together, they embody the emotional thread of inherited style, fashion as a shared language, passed down but always made one’s own”.

While Asda is currently undertaking a turnaround and has struggled to ignite sales growth, its George fashion offer is one of its most successful categories, so much so that it’s been experimenting with a pilot standalone George store.

Only this summer it was also reported that the retailer wants to overtake Primark in UK clothing retail and is doubling down on its focus on the George brand.