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JAAF hails UK origin rule reforms for Sri Lankan apparel exports

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JAAF hails UK origin rule reforms for Sri Lankan apparel exports



The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) today welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of liberalised rules of origin under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which will come into effect in early 2026.

The reforms will allow Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100 per cent of inputs for garments from any country worldwide while continuing to enjoy tariff-free access to the UK market. This represents a significant upgrade to existing trade arrangements, reducing restrictions on processing and aligning Sri Lanka’s apparel sector with the same rules available countries enjoying ‘Comprehensive Preferences’ under the DCTS.

Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum hailed the UK’s plan to liberalise rules of origin under the DCTS from 2026, allowing garment makers to source 100 per cent of inputs globally while retaining tariff-free UK access.
The move boosts competitiveness, jobs, and exports, with officials noting stronger trade ties and benefits for brands, consumers, and Sri Lanka’s economy.

The UK remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important export destinations for apparel. The simplified rules will enable manufacturers to compete more effectively in global markets, diversify sourcing strategies, and maintain consistent access to UK buyers. The changes will also support Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted, value-added supplier within global fashion supply chains, JAAF said in a release.

“This reform is a timely recognition of Sri Lanka’s role as a resilient and responsible sourcing destination. By removing restrictions on input sourcing, the UK has levelled the playing field for our manufacturers, giving them the flexibility to deliver greater value to global brands and UK consumers alike. We see this as an opportunity to expand trade, strengthen industry competitiveness, and secure more jobs and livelihoods across Sri Lanka’s apparel sector,” JAAF secretary general Yohan Lawrence, said welcoming the announcement.

JAAF acknowledged the constructive engagement between the UK High Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Sri Lankan apparel industry in advocating for this change. The new rules are expected to boost exports, improve efficiency, and strengthen the long-standing trade partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka.

The apparel industry is Sri Lanka’s largest export earner, directly employing over 350,000 people and supporting the livelihoods of more than a million across its value chain. Liberalised trade arrangements such as this ensure the sector continues to drive the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth.

“We are pleased to confirm further details of the reforms to the DCTS. I know from my discussions with the JAAF, Sri Lankan manufacturers and UK brands that the changes are likely to have a significant positive impact on garment sector in Sri Lanka, while helping lower prices on the UK high street,” said British high commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, as quoted by local media.

“The upcoming changes to the DCTS will further strengthen Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK. This is a particular success story for Sri Lanka’s garment industry where the proposed changes will mean that more of Sri Lanka’s garment exports to the UK could qualify for zero tariffs. The Council for Business with Britain is very supportive of these changes and looks forward to continuing our work with businesses to promote trade between the UK and Sri Lanka,” Mark Surgenor, president of the council for business with Britain, added.

The Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides preferential trading arrangements for 65 developing countries. Sri Lanka currently enjoys Enhanced Preference status, offering tariff reductions across multiple product categories.

In addition to the garment-specific reforms, the UK announced in June the creation of a new Asia Regional Cumulation Group of 18 countries that Sri Lanka can source from for other eligible products. Inputs sourced from within this group will be treated as originating in Sri Lanka, supporting greater value addition and wider access to preferential tariffs, according to local media reports.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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Bangladesh’s RMG exports up 4.7% in Q1 FY26, but Sept shipments dip

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Bangladesh’s RMG exports up 4.7% in Q1 FY26, but Sept shipments dip



Woven garment exports slightly outpaced knitted garment exports in terms of growth. Knitwear exports (Chapter **) rose by *.** per cent to $*.*** billion, compared to $*.*** billion in the same period of fiscal ******. Woven apparel exports (Chapter **) increased by *.** per cent to $*.*** billion, up from $*.*** billion in July–September ****, EPB data showed.

Home textile exports (Chapter **, excluding ******) also grew, rising by *.** per cent to $***.** million, compared to $***.** million in the same period of the previous fiscal. Collectively, exports of woven and knitted apparel, clothing accessories, and home textiles accounted for **.** per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports, which stood at $**.*** billion during the period. Higher demand for diversified and value-added textile products supported this growth.



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Dutch manufacturing flat in August, up 1.7% from July: CBS

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Dutch manufacturing flat in August, up 1.7% from July: CBS



In August 2025, the calendar-adjusted output of the Dutch manufacturing sector was at the same level as in August 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Output was down in slightly more than half of the underlying sectors.

Slightly more than half of the various industrial sectors produced less than they did one year previously. Of the eight largest industrial sectors, output rose the most sharply in the repair and installation of machinery, while it fell the most sharply in the transport equipment industry.

A more accurate picture of changes in short-term output is obtained when the figures are adjusted for seasonal effects and the working-day pattern. After adjustment, manufacturing output rose by 1.7 per cent in August relative to July, CBS said in a press release.

In August 2025, Dutch manufacturing output remained unchanged year-on-year, although output declined in over half of the industrial sectors.
After seasonal adjustment, output rose by 1.7 per cent compared to July.
The strongest growth was seen in the repair and installation of machinery, while transport equipment recorded the sharpest decline.

After adjusting for seasonal and working-day effects, manufacturing output often fluctuates significantly. In the spring of 2020, output declined rapidly, reaching a low point in May 2020. This was followed by an upward trend until May 2022. The trend has reversed since then.

Producer confidence was less negative in September than it was in August. Manufacturers were more positive regarding output for the next three months, in particular.

Germany is an important market for the Dutch manufacturing sector. In September, German manufacturers were more negative than they were in August, as reported by Eurostat. In August, the calendar-adjusted output of the German manufacturing sector was down by 5.1 per cent, year on year. Relative to July, output fell by 5.5 per cent, as reported by Destatis.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)



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ADB commits $82.5 mn to drive Cambodia’s energy transition

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ADB commits .5 mn to drive Cambodia’s energy transition



The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the second phase of Cambodia’s Energy Transition Sector Development Programme (ETSDP) for $82.5 million. Cofinanced by the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the Asia–Pacific Climate Finance Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and the United Kingdom through the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, the programme aims to provide comprehensive support for the country’s clean energy transition by combining policy reforms with investment projects in new technologies.  

The first subprogramme, approved in 2022, introduced pivotal policy measures that guided the energy sector toward a more efficient and renewable development pathway. Building on this foundation, subprogramme 2 advances regulatory reforms to strengthen the energy efficiency framework and enhance policy clarity to attract private sector investment. A key milestone under the subprogramme is the introduction of the country’s first set of regulations establishing Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electrical appliances, starting with air conditioners, which account for the largest share of energy consumption in the residential sector, ADB said on its website.

Subprogramme 2 will also establish an Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund aimed at facilitating access to finance for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in energy-efficient technologies. The revolving fund will be set up through a financial intermediation structure to enable local banks to extend loans to SMEs for energy efficiency investments. By mobilizing domestic financial institutions and supporting SMEs, the revolving fund is expected to accelerate the nationwide scale-up of energy efficiency investments.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $82.5 million for Phase 2 of Cambodia’s Energy Transition Sector Development Programme to support clean energy through policy reforms and investments.
The programme introduces energy efficiency standards, establishes a revolving fund for SME financing, and also aims to attract private investment.

“ADB is honoured to support Cambodia in its ambitious and transformative journey in the energy sector. Through a comprehensive reform package, combining policy support with strategic investments, the Energy Transition Sector Development Programme will support turning the government’s ambitious vision into reality,” said ADB acting country director for Cambodia Anthony Gill. “This includes the goal of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy in the power mix by 2030, along with a strong commitment to advancing energy efficiency, which is essential to ensure that Cambodia’s growth remains both sustainable and affordable.”

Subprogramme 2 will be followed by a third phase in 2027, which will further deepen reforms by expanding the energy efficiency regulatory framework and introducing technical standards for renewable energy, buildings, and industry to further attract private sector investment.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)



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