Fashion
JAAF hails UK origin rule reforms for Sri Lankan apparel exports
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)
Published
December 1, 2025
Modella Capital is fast becoming one of the most acquisitive businesses on the UK high street and the latest retailer in its sights is footwear chain Wynsors World of Shoes.
That’s according to Sky News, which said the investment firm is targeting a takeover of the privately owned footwear retailer and is currently in “advanced talks”.
Wynsors trades from around 50 standalone shops across the north of England and Modella is now “the likeliest buyer” of the business, with expectations of a deal before the end of the year.
Modella was recently in the news as the buyer of Claire’s UK business. It also recently bought the non-travel locations of WH Smith (now renamed TG Jones) and owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop too. It had earlier hoped to add Poundland to its portfolio but missed out on that one.
Wynsors has been looking to sell for around two months and accountancy firm RSM had been hired explore interest from prospective bidders, Sky News said.
The chain trades from around 50 standalone stores and 40 concessions. It sells brands including Adidas, Skechers, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Nike, kickers and more. And although its sells footwear for women, men and children, it focuses particularly on school shoes.
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Published
December 1, 2025
US Black Friday retail sales rose 4.1%, Mastercard SpendingPulse has revealed. But while online surged, in-store visitor traffic was down a separate report from RetailNext showed. That said, both reports showed a better result for apparel than for other sectors.
First, the Mastercard numbers. They exclude autos and are based on the payment cards giant measuring in-store and online retail sales across all payment types.
The company said this year’s event “tells a story of comfort, connection, and savvy shopping” as consumers prepared for meaningful moments with family and friends.
Spending growth on apparel was particularly strong both online and in-store, “suggesting shoppers refreshed wardrobes while leaning into value-driven choices and convenience”.
In fact, apparel climbed 5.7% (online 6.1%, in-store 5.4%), as “chilly temperatures and seasonal deals encouraged spending on new fashions”. Jewelry also rose 2.75% (online 4.2%), “as consumers opted for gifts that shine”.
Overall, e-commerce retail sales excluding autos jumped 10.4%, “as shoppers increasingly value speed and convenience”. In-store sales grew more modestly (1.7%) but “remain essential to consumers for tactile experiences”.
Mastercard also said the surge in online shopping “showcases how technology is transforming the way consumers pay. Shoppers are enjoying seamless checkout experiences across devices, from smartphones to connected home assistants, making holiday shopping faster, safer, and more intuitive than ever before”.
Which leads us on the that drop for in-store shopping traffic. RetailNext said initial data reveals an average of a 5.3% year-over-year decrease for foot traffic across Black Friday and Saturday.
Visitor numbers dropped 3.6% on Friday itself and a massive 8.6% on Saturday. By store type, apparel stores saw traffic down 2.3% across the two days with just a 0.7% drop on Friday and 5.3% on Saturday.
For footwear, the weekend, Friday and Saturday falls were 6%, 6% and 5.9%, respectively. For healthy & beauty they were drops of 4.7%, 2.1% and 9.6%, and for jewelry they were 3.6%, 2% and 6.6%.
“Black Friday 2025 didn’t kill the holiday; it changed how shoppers approached it,” said Joe Shasteen, Global Head of Advanced Analytics at RetailNext. “Foot traffic was down on Friday and on Saturday, but that wasn’t disinterest, it was intention. Shoppers showed they’re done with the impulse-driven, one-day frenzy. Prices, tariffs, and tighter budgets pushed people to shop with discipline, not adrenaline, and they responded by turning Black Friday into a value calculation”.
RetailNext said one of the clearest signals is the 3.6% drop on Black Friday, which was meaningfully better than the 6.2% decline seen from Sunday through Wednesday (23 November to 26 November). It shows that even in a cautious year, “shoppers are still willing to attend major promotional events; they’re simply being more selective about when those events are worth the trip”.
“Despite the declines, Black Friday again delivered the highest in-store traffic of any day this year, reaffirming its role as the anchor of the holiday shopping season, but the weekend’s performance was shaped more by real-world factors than waning interest,” added Shasteen. “Consumers are still willing to shop, they’re just demanding proof it’s worth leaving the house. Retailers who treated November as a month-long build, rather than a single-day spectacle, saw the strongest in-store performance.”
Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
A review of the trade and sustainable development provisions of the ITA is under way.
EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Kaja Kallas recently met Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren. Both co-chaired the first EU-Chile Joint Council under the Advanced Framework Agreement in Brussels.
The EU and Chile are committed to deepening their trade and investment relations under the Interim Trade Agreement, which came into force on February 1 and will remain in force until the new Advanced Framework Agreement has been fully ratified.
Both sides will continue to cooperate on ensuring reliable and sustainable supply chains, including through diversification and support to strategic investments.
The first EU-Chile Trade Council meeting was held under the new ITA, according to an EU release.
The EU is Chile’s third-largest trade partner and the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Both sides will continue to cooperate on ensuring reliable and sustainable supply chains, including through diversification and support to strategic investments, a joint statement issued said.
Chile welcomed the interest of the EU in establishing a dialogue with the member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both parties affirm their ambition to translate this dialogue into a shared agenda.
Both sides remain committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the Advanced Framework Agreement, and to achieving its full ratification.
The provisional application of the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement began on June 1, 2025.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Gross GST collections for November stand at over Rs 1.70 lakh crore; up 0.7 per cent – The Times of India
Modella eyeing another acquisition, this time it’s the Wynsors footwear chain
Duchess Sophie risks security as she breaks protocol for tragic accident
-
Sports1 week agoWATCH: Ronaldo scores spectacular bicycle kick
-
Entertainment1 week agoWelcome to Derry’ episode 5 delivers shocking twist
-
Politics1 week agoWashington and Kyiv Stress Any Peace Deal Must Fully Respect Ukraine’s Sovereignty
-
Business1 week agoKey economic data and trends that will shape Rachel Reeves’ Budget
-
Tech6 days agoWake Up—the Best Black Friday Mattress Sales Are Here
-
Politics1 week ago53,000 Sikhs vote in Ottawa Khalistan Referendum amid Carney-Modi trade talks scrutiny
-
Fashion1 week agoCanada’s Lululemon unveils team Canada kit for Milano Cortina 2026
-
Tech6 days agoThe Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop Punches Above Its Weight