Fashion
UK–eurozone inflation gap to shrink, Fitch forecasts
UK headline inflation may gradually align with eurozone levels, ending the unusual divergence that has persisted through 2025, according to Fitch Ratings. The easing of both headline and core inflation underpins the agency’s view that the Bank of England (BoE) will cut rates once more by year-end, followed by a further 50 basis points of easing in 2026.
UK headline CPI climbed by 1.3 percentage points (pp) this year to 3.8 per cent in September, while eurozone HICP has held near 2 per cent. Fitch attributes around half of this gap to energy costs.
UK electricity and gas inflation is currently above 9 per cent year on year (YoY), up sharply from minus 6.8 per cent in December 2024, largely due to Ofgem’s price-cap adjustments tied to wholesale gas prices. The divergence is expected to narrow as the October UK price-cap increase was limited to 2 per cent, compared with a 9.5 per cent rise in October 2024, Fitch said in a release.
“The combination of stubbornly high wage growth, alongside rising consumer inflation expectations, has left the Bank of England searching for the ECB’s ‘good place’. But we think that the weakening in the UK labour market means that wages and price inflation are now firmly on the way back down. We are sticking to our forecast for Bank Rate to fall to 3.75 per cent by year-end and to 3.25 per cent by end-2026,” said Jessica Hinds, director at Fitch Ratings.
UK headline inflation is expected to move closer to eurozone levels, with easing price pressures supporting Fitch Ratings’ view of one more BoE rate cut this year and further easing in 2026.
The CPI’s rise to 3.8 per cent and high energy inflation explain much of the gap.
Fitch says a softening labour market will pull wages and inflation lower, enabling rates to fall to 3.25 per cent by end of 2026.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
Bangladesh commerce minister seeks Chinese investment in jute sector
Fashion
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports down 2.6% in January 2026
Total apparel shipments fell by 2.66 per cent year on year to $425.44 million in January 2026, compared with $437.07 million in the corresponding month of 2025. The performance underscored uneven global demand conditions that continue to influence sourcing patterns and order flows for Sri Lankan manufacturers.
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined 2.66 per cent YoY to $425.44 million in January 2026 amid weak global demand.
Shipments to the US and EU softened, while the UK remained stable with slight growth.
Other markets saw sharper contraction.
JAFF highlighted DCTS benefits and tariff changes while suggesting diversification and efficiency to sustain competitiveness.
Exports to the United States, the country’s largest market, decreased by 2.73 per cent to $165.11 million, while shipments to the European Union excluding the United Kingdom, declined by 1.93 per cent to $126.99 million. In contrast, exports to the UK remained broadly stable, rising marginally by 0.23 per cent to $61.71 million. Apparel shipments to other markets dropped more sharply by 6.07 per cent to $71.63 million.
JAAF noted that the UK’s steady performance offers a constructive signal for the sector, particularly as the revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective January 1, 2026, is expected to enhance sourcing flexibility and strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitive position in the British market.
The industry body also highlighted the introduction of a uniform 10 per cent temporary tariff in the US market as a relatively supportive development, reducing the impact of previously higher country-specific rates and providing greater short-term pricing predictability for exporters.
Commenting on the January outcome, JAAF said the moderate decline reflects ongoing volatility in global demand. The association emphasised that the industry remains committed to reinforcing resilience through market diversification, product innovation and operational efficiency, while collaborating with stakeholders to sustain Sri Lanka’s standing as a reliable apparel sourcing destination.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
Italy’s Moncler FY25 revenue reaches $3.69 bn with resilient margins
Profitability remained robust despite a more challenging trading backdrop. Group EBIT stood at €913.4 million, broadly stable year on year (YoY), translating into a 29.2 per cent margin versus 29.5 per cent in FY24. Net profit reached €626.7 million compared with €639.6 million a year earlier, reflecting higher net financial expenses, while maintaining a 20 per cent margin.
Moncler has reported revenues of €3.13 billion (~$3.69 billion) in FY25, up 3 per cent at constant exchange rates, with net profit of €626.7 million (~$739.5 million).
Asia led regional growth, while DTC channels strengthened across brands.
Q4 revenues rose 7 per cent, driven by robust Moncler and Stone Island performance, as the group prepares for continued investment and leadership transition.
Regionally, the group recorded strong momentum in Asia, where revenues rose 7 per cent at constant exchange rates to €1.42 billion, supported by demand in China and Korea and a recovery in tourist flows. The Americas increased 5 per cent to €391.1 million, whereas Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) declined 3 per cent amid subdued tourism-related traffic, Moncler said in a press release.
Channel performance highlighted the continued shift towards direct engagement. Moncler’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenues rose 4 per cent to €2.36 billion, accounting for nearly 87 per cent of brand sales, while wholesale declined 4 per cent as the group continued to enhance distribution quality. Stone Island’s DTC channel expanded 11 per cent to €226.4 million, whereas wholesale decreased 4 per cent.
The group’s financial position strengthened further, with net cash reaching €1.46 billion at year-end after dividend payments of €353.2 million. The board proposed a dividend of €1.4 per share and approved the consolidated sustainability statement.
Remo Ruffini, chairman and CEO of Moncler, said: “Moncler and its board of directors wish to express their most sincere thanks to Gabriele Galateri di Genola for his dedication and the highly valuable contribution he has made throughout his more than ten-year term of office. His significant experience, the vision developed over many years in senior leadership positions at leading industrial and financial organisations, as well as his constant commitment to good governance, have represented a key point of reference for our work. With gratitude, we extend our best wishes to Gabriele Galateri di Genola for the future.”
In the fourth quarter (Q4), the group delivered accelerated momentum, with revenues rising 7 per cent at constant exchange rates to €1.29 billion (~$1.52 billion). Moncler brand revenues reached €1.17 billion, up 6 per cent, while Stone Island posted €123.1 million, surging 16 per cent with double-digit growth across all regions.
Moncler’s DTC channel advanced 7 per cent despite a demanding comparable base in the quarter, supported by Asia and the Americas, while wholesale returned to growth, rising 2 per cent. Stone Island recorded broad-based acceleration, with DTC revenues increasing 16 per cent and wholesale climbing 17 per cent, partly reflecting delivery timing shifts from the previous quarter.
Looking ahead, the group emphasised continued investment in brand development and organisational strengthening, including the appointment of Leo Rongone as group chief executive officer from April 2026, as it seeks to sustain long-term growth and value creation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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