Switzerland-based luxury group Richemont reported a strong performance in the third quarter (Q3) of fiscal 2026 (FY26) ended December 31, with group sales reaching €6.4 billion (~$7.424 billion). Sales increased 11 per cent at constant exchange rates despite demanding double-digit comparatives a year earlier, while growth was 4 per cent at actual exchange rates.

All geographic regions recorded growth at constant exchange rates, with particularly strong double-digit performances in the Americas, Japan, and the Middle East and Africa. Sales in the Americas climbed 14 per cent at constant rates, supported by robust local demand across all business areas and major markets. Europe recorded 8 per cent growth, underpinned by local demand and supportive tourist spending, especially from North American and Middle Eastern visitors, with the UK and Italy delivering notable performances.

Richemont SA has posted a strong Q3 FY26, with sales reaching €6.4 billion (~$7.424 billion), up 11 per cent at constant exchange rates, led by retail strength and broad regional growth.
The Americas, Japan, and Middle East & Africa delivered double-digit gains.
Nine-month sales rose 10 per cent at constant rates, while disciplined investment supported growth amid currency and cost pressures.

The Middle East and Africa emerged as the fastest-growing region, with sales up 20 per cent, led by strong momentum in the United Arab Emirates and double-digit growth across all business areas. Asia Pacific sales increased 6 per cent at constant rates. Sales in China, Hong Kong and Macau combined rose 2 per cent, largely driven by solid activity in Hong Kong, while South Korea and Australia posted robust growth. Japan delivered a standout performance, with sales rising 17 per cent, Richemont said in a press release.

By distribution channel, retail continued to lead growth, with sales up 12 per cent at constant exchange rates and accounting for 72 per cent of group sales. Online retail sales rose 5 per cent at constant rates.

The ‘Other’ business area of the group remained broadly stable. Within this segment, Fashion and Accessories Maisons posted a 3 per cent increase in sales.

During the quarter, the group benefited from new product launches and impactful communication, with Peter Millar and Gianvito Rossi posting solid momentum within the Fashion and Accessories segment.

For the nine-month (9M) period of FY26, Richemont reported sales of €17 billion, representing growth of 10 per cent at constant exchange rates and 5 per cent at actual rates. Growth over the period was broad-based across regions, channels and business areas.

The group continued to invest consistently in nurturing the long-term growth prospects of its Maisons amid a complex macroeconomic environment characterised by weaker major trading currencies and rising material costs, which continued to weigh on margins. Richemont ended the period with a robust net cash position of €7.6 billion, compared with €7.9 billion a year earlier.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Ludhiana saw a declining trend in polyester-cotton yarn, with prices easing by ****;* per kg over the past week. However, polyester spun yarn remained stable amid muted demand. A trader from the Ludhiana market told Fibre*Fashion, “The market was feeling pressure due to tariff concerns. There was uncertainty regarding the India-US trade deal. Summer garment demand is yet to pick up in north India. Local demand may provide support, but it will take some time.”

In Ludhiana, ** count PC combed yarn (**/**) traded at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg (GST inclusive); ** count PC carded yarn (**/**) at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg (GST inclusive); ** recycled polyester yarn at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg (GST extra); ** count virgin polyester spun at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg (GST inclusive); recycled polyester fibre (PET bottle fibre) at ****;**–** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg and virgin polyester fibre at ****;**.** (~$*.**) per kg.

India’s Jute Commissioner has revised stock limits for raw jute to ensure fair distribution, curb hoarding, and check speculative practices amid a sharp rise in prices. The revised limits have been issued under the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, replacing the earlier notification dated December 18, 2025.

The move comes as raw jute prices have climbed well above the minimum support price for the 2025-26 season, triggering concerns among stakeholders over availability and market volatility, the Ministry of Textiles said in a press release.

India’s Jute Commissioner has revised raw jute stock limits under the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2016, amid prices rising well above MSP levels.
The move aims to curb hoarding, stabilise supply, and check speculation.
Entities must declare stocks fortnightly, reduce excess holdings within ten days, and face penalties under the Essential Commodities Act for violations.

Under the revised norms, raw jute balers with baling presses on their premises are permitted to hold a maximum of 1,200 quintals at any time. Other stockists, excluding balers, can hold up to 25 quintals, while unregistered raw jute traders are restricted to a maximum of 5 quintals. Jute mills and processing units are allowed to stock raw jute equivalent to a maximum of 45 days’ consumption, based on current production levels.

All entities engaged in stocking raw jute have been directed to declare and update their stock positions fortnightly on the Jute SMART portal. Those holding stocks beyond the prescribed limits must reduce excess quantities within ten days of the order, physically deliver the surplus to consignees, and submit compliance reports with supporting documents to the Jute Commissioner’s office no later than February 10, 2026.

The order also clarifies that where raw jute is stored at a single premise under the names of multiple traders, stockists, or balers, the total quantity at that location must remain within the applicable limits.

To ensure strict compliance, authorised officials have been empowered to inspect premises and records and seize excess stocks found in violation of the order. State governments have also been requested to assist in enforcement actions against entities involved in hoarding.

Any violation of stock declaration requirements or stock limits will invite punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Penalties, confiscation of stocks, and action against false statements will be taken under the relevant sections of the Act, added the release.

According to the government, unchecked price volatility and speculative increases pose a risk to the jute industry, potentially disrupting production and employment. The revised stock limits are aimed at stabilising raw jute supply, preventing market manipulation, and safeguarding the interests of farmers, manufacturers, and consumers across the country.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)