The latest Monthly Economic Review released by India’s Department of Economic Affairs foresees a ‘more uncertain’ economic outlook of the country due to the conflict in the Middle East disrupting energy and trade routes, though domestic growth, credit expansion and services exports continue to offer resilience.

The economic trajectory, which remained steady until early 2026, is now facing fresh headwinds as the conflict has disrupted key global supply chains, especially in energy and logistics, critical pillars of India’s economic stability.

The latest Monthly Economic Review by India’s Department of Economic Affairs projects a more uncertain economic outlook, citing disruptions to energy supplies and trade routes amid the Middle East conflict.
However, strong domestic growth, steady credit expansion, and resilient services exports continue to cushion the impact.
Despite rising risks, India has entered this phase from a sector steady.

The scale of disruption is stark. Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly come to a standstill, from 200-300 a week to one a week, the review notes. This dramatic slowdown has tightened global oil and gas supply, pushing prices higher and increasing volatility across international markets.

The report warns of supply disruptions to oil, gas and fertilisers, higher import prices, higher logistics costs, and a possible decline in remittances by Indians in the Gulf countries.

These risks are particularly significant for India, which relies heavily on energy imports and has a large expatriate workforce in the Gulf region, contributing to remittance inflows.

Despite the risks, the review says India entered this phase from a position of strength.

On the domestic front, industrial activity has remained resilient.

“Retail inflation rose to a 10-month high of 3.21 per cent in February 2026, driven primarily by a sharp uptick in food prices,” said the review.

At the same time, the financial system continues to support growth. Bank credit expanded strongly, and the overall flow of financial resources to the commercial sector grew at 33.2 per cent (YoY).

The Finance Ministry review report emphasises the need for policy vigilance amid rising uncertainty.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

Tamil Nadu remained the largest contributing state in India’s total textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, during fiscal 2024–25, accounting for 21.2 per cent of the country’s total exports of ₹3,19,573 crore (~$34.03 billion). Indian Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has provided detailed picture of the outbound shipment in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Tamil Nadu’s exports stood at ₹67,863 crore (~$7.22 billion), reinforcing its leadership driven by strong apparel and knitwear clusters. India’s textile and apparel exports reached ₹3,19,573 crore in 2024–25, reflecting steady expansion from ₹2,33,304 crore (~$24.84 billion) in 2020–21, as per data shared by the minister.

Gujarat followed with exports of ₹50,150 crore (~$5.34 billion), contributing 15.7 per cent to the national total, supported by its strength across fibres, yarns and fabrics. Haryana recorded ₹34,843 crore, while Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh posted ₹33,611 crore (~$3.57 billion) and ₹31,804 crore (~$3.38 billion) respectively, each contributing around 10–11 per cent to India’s overall exports.

Tamil Nadu led India’s textile and apparel exports in FY25 with a 21.2 per cent share (₹67,863 crore), followed by Gujarat (15.7 per cent).
Total exports rose to ₹3.19 lakh crore from ₹2.33 lakh crore in FY21.
Haryana recorded the fastest growth, while Uttar Pradesh also expanded strongly, signalling shifting export dynamics across major states.

In terms of growth, Haryana emerged as the fastest-growing major state, registering a CAGR of 11.9 per cent between 2020–21 and 2024–25, outperforming the national average of 8.2 per cent. Uttar Pradesh also showed strong expansion with a double-digit growth trajectory, reflecting rising competitiveness in apparel exports.

Among southern hubs, Karnataka exported ₹23,961 crore (~$2.55 billion), maintaining steady growth, while Rajasthan reached ₹14,560 crore (~$1.55 billion), showing moderate expansion. In contrast, Punjab’s exports declined to ₹11,820 crore (~$1.25 billion), indicating pressure in certain segments.

Overall, the data highlights a high concentration of export value in leading states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, alongside strong growth momentum in states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, pointing to a gradual shift in India’s textile export dynamics.

 

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) announced the next phase of its Global Citizenship & Sustainability (GC&S) strategy, Timeless by Design 2030. The strategy builds on the Company’s meaningful progress over the past several years to enhance the resilience of the teams, communities, partners and natural resources essential to its business.

Ralph Lauren has introduced Timeless by Design 2030, the next phase of its sustainability and social impact roadmap.
The plan focuses on four pillars, supplier partnerships, natural resource protection, employee engagement and community care.
The company aims to build on earlier gains in emissions, water use and sustainable materials while reporting progress annually.

Guided by the Company’s Purpose to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style – Timeless by Design 2030 is a focused, intentional approach to driving positive impact across Ralph Lauren’s value chain. Since releasing its first GC&S strategy, the Company has made significant advancements and evolved practices throughout its operations to maintain and further advance its progress. This includes reducing GHG emissions; decreasing total water use; meeting at least one sustainable material criteria in 99 per cent of units produced; and expanding its reach and impact in the fight against cancer.

Timeless by Design 2030 is focused on building on these efforts.

“By investing in the resilience of the people who shape our business, the communities we serve and the resources that make our products possible, we are reinforcing the long-term strength and durability of Ralph Lauren,” said Katie Ioanilli, Chief Global Impact & Communications Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “Aligned to Ralph’s timeless vision that inspires everything we do, this work is enduring and foundational to operating a business that stands the test of time.”

Timeless by Design 2030 is built around four pillars, each with clear, measurable goals. In addition to initiatives that advance the Company’s longstanding commitments, each pillar is anchored by a flagship program reflecting where Ralph Lauren can make a unique and positive impact.

The Timeless by Design 2030 pillars and flagship programs are:

• Partner for Impact: This pillar outlines the key partnerships that will help the Company reduce carbon emissions and water use, expand empowerment and life skills programs for workers throughout its supply chain and strengthen strategic supplier relationships. Design with Intent, the Company’s industry-leading work to integrate culturally sustainable design into its product and storytelling, serves as the flagship program.

• Protect Natural Resources: This pillar focuses on initiatives that address climate- and nature-related impacts, including creating products aligned to the Company’s circular principles, enabling circular experiences for consumers and investing in innovative materials. As cotton is Ralph Lauren’s chief material, Cotton Stewardship is the flagship program, accelerating the shift toward regenerative and recycled cotton.

• Engage & Enable Teams: This pillar centers on the programs that support Ralph Lauren employees’ growth and development and foster a culture of belonging that attracts and retains the industry’s best talent. The flagship program, Only at RL, encompasses the unique experience of working at Ralph Lauren and how employees build careers in an environment where everyone feels valued.

• Care for Communities: This pillar advances the Company’s longstanding efforts to give back to the communities it serves, including employee volunteering, philanthropic giving and strategic partnerships. Pink Pony, Ralph Lauren’s global initiative in the fight against cancer, is the flagship program.

Timeless by Design 2030 outlines Ralph Lauren’s priorities for the next five years and enables its Next Great Chapter: Drive strategy. The Company will measure and report progress annually, aligned to the Company’s fiscal year.

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)