During the last fiscal, apparel and accessories accounted for *.* per cent of Japan’s total imports, which stood at ***,***,*** million yen. Imports of textile yarn and fabric inched up *.* per cent to *,***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion), representing * per cent of total imports.

On the export side, textile yarn and fabric shipments decreased *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion). Textile machinery exports rose *.* per cent to ***,*** million yen (~$*.** billion), contributing *.* per cent to Japan’s total exports of ***,***,*** million yen.

British lifestyle brand Mulberry Group plc has reported a solid recovery in the second half (H2) of fiscal 2026 (FY26), with total group sales rising 13.6 per cent on a constant currency basis in the 52-week period ended March 28, 2026, helping lift full-year growth to 5.7 per cent.

At reported exchange rates, group sales increased 5 per cent in FY26, reversing a 3.9 per cent decline in the first half. Growth was driven by a broad-based improvement across channels, with retail (omni-channel) sales rising 11.1 per cent in H2 and franchise and wholesale expanding 31.2 per cent.

Andrea Baldo, CEO at Murlberry Group said the company has delivered ‘decisive progress’ despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, adding that the turnaround strategy is gaining traction across markets, with improved sales quality, stronger margins, and rising customer engagement.

Mulberry Group plc has reported a strong H2 FY26 recovery, with sales rising 13.6 per cent at constant currency, lifting full-year growth to 5.7 per cent.
Gains were driven by retail and wholesale channels, alongside improved digital and store performance.
All regions posted LFL growth.
The ‘Back to Mulberry Spirit’ strategy supported margins, brand momentum, and customer engagement.

Digital sales returned to growth in H2, up 9.2 per cent, while store sales rose 12.5 per cent, reflecting improved consumer engagement and stronger in-store performance. Over the full year, digital sales edged up 1.1 per cent and stores gained 2.9 per cent, Mulberry said in a press release.

Regionally, all markets posted positive like-for-like (LFL) growth in H2. The UK recorded a 13.7 per cent increase across retail and digital, while the US rose 20.1 per cent. Europe (excluding the UK) led with a 37.8 per cent surge, and Asia Pacific advanced 20.8 per cent.

The performance reflects progress under Mulberry’s ‘Back to Mulberry Spirit’ strategy, aimed at simplifying operations, reinforcing brand identity, and strengthening customer relationships. The company maintained a focus on full-price sales while reducing discounting, supporting improved gross margins.

Product and brand initiatives also contributed to momentum. The ‘Rooted in Craft’ campaign boosted brand visibility, while the Bayswater Limited Edition sold out rapidly following its February launch. The Boston bag continued to perform strongly, highlighting the appeal of Mulberry’s refreshed product direction.

The appointment of Christopher Kane as Ready-to-Wear Creative Director marks a strategic step in revitalising the brand’s creative direction, with new collections expected in the current financial year, added the release.

The CEO added that the group is simplifying its business, restoring full-price discipline, strengthening connections with customers, and reasserting Mulberry’s position as a distinctive British lifestyle brand. He noted that early results indicate improved sales quality, stronger margins, and growing engagement from both existing and new customers.

“While we remain focused on the work ahead, we are building momentum at pace. We are confident in our strategy and in our ability to build a sustainable, profitable business for the long term,” he said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

The Delhi cotton yarn market witnessed price rise of ****;*–* per kg over the past couple of days. Mills are raising cotton yarn prices to pass on increase in cotton prices. However, consumer industry feels that spinning mills are increasing cotton yarn prices disproportionately. A trader from Delhi market told Fibre*Fashion, “Spinning mills have booked their production for the next **–** days in the export market. Therefore, they face minimal pressure to sell cotton yarn in the domestic market and are quoting higher prices for the local consumer industry.”

In Delhi, ** count combed knitting yarn was traded at ****;***–***(~$*.**–*.**) per kg (GST extra), ** count combed at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, ** count carded at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, and ** count carded at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg today, according to market sources.