INSIGHTS · Canada and Brazil, which now holds the rotating presidency of the Mercosur bloc, recently announced that they will resume talks for an FTA that have been stalled since 2021. · Canada's renewed interest in restarting talks with Mercosur is due to the uncertainty caused by US tariffs. · The bloc also includes Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, while the process of Bolivia turning a full-time member is under way. Brazil, which now holds the rotating presidency of the S

INSIGHTS US' move to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff, raising duties on Indian goods to 50 per cent from August 27, will severely hit MSMEs in textiles, according to Crisil. Readymade garments face the steepest impact, with tariffs at 61 per cent versus 31 per cent for Bangladesh and Vietnam, threatening Tiruppur exports. It noted India-UK and potential EU trade deals could partly offset losses. United States’ decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, e

On the morning of August 25, a freight carry 16 40-foot containers of fabrics and other goods worth 500 million yuan slowly departed from Qianqing Freight Yard in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, heading for Ili, Xinjiang. After transferring to an international intermodal train, the goods will eventually reach Kazakhstan and other four Central Asian countries. This marks the addition of a new, efficient, and convenient international logistics channel for exported textiles from Keqiao "China Textile

INSIGHTS • China agreed in principle to reopen the Shipki-La pass in Himachal Pradesh's (HP) Kinnaur district for cross-border trade with India during the recent visit of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, the HP government recently said.• The trade route had been suspended in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak.• The state would now approach the central commerce ministry for completing the codal formalities. China has agreed in principle to reopen the Shipki-La pass in Himachal P

INSIGHTS • Sixteen per cent of UK trading businesses reported increased turnover month on month in July, while 24 per cent reported their turnover had dropped, according to the Office of National Statistics. • Around 15 per cent reported they expect their turnover to drop in September. • Economic uncertainty was the most reported challenge affecting turnover for trading businesses in early August 2025 at 25 per cent. Sixteen per cent of trading businesses in the United Kingdom rep

Insights The US imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian textile and apparel imports is triggering a major shift in sourcing strategies. Many retail giants have reportedly paused sourcing from India, creating uncertainty among Indian exporters. Analysts predict an estimated revenue loss of $4 to $5 billion for the Indian textile sector. The 25 per cent additional US tariff on Indian goods is just round the corner, and a significant shift is underway in sourcing strategies&mdas

Insights Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a sustainable method using cottonseed oil to finish cotton fabrics—offering a safer alternative to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and PFAS. These methods aim to make fabrics smooth and durable without compromising environmental or human health. Graduate student Taylor Kanipe presented the findings at the ACS Fall 2025 meeting. Researchers of North Carolina State University have developed a sustainable method usi

Insights Many within the industry are worried that the abrupt increase in US tariffs could derail their businesses completely. The duties on Indian textiles and apparel exports to US, across categories, will reach alarming levels. Carpets will reportedly face a 52.9 per cent tariff, knitted garments 63.9 per cent, woven garments 60.3 per cent, and textiles & made ups 59 per cent. As textile and apparel hubs across India brace for US President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent additional ta

Insights BRAC Institute of Governance and Development recently launched a project funded by the Danish embassy in Bangladesh that will assess energy use in textile and garment factories, provide strategic recommendations to improve efficiency and encourage renewable energy adoption. The aim is to generate evidence-based policy recommendations to support a sustainable and competitive garments sector. BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) recently launched a project funded by the

Insights Egypt's apparel exports in H1 2025 were worth nearly $1.608 billion—up by 25 per cent YoY, according to Apparel Export Council of Egypt, which has projected an annual export growth of 25-30 per cent for the sector. The council targets $12 billion in exports by 2031 by raising the sector's global competitiveness and feels the need to expand exports to African markets. Egypt’s apparel exports in the first half (H1) this year were worth nearly $1.608 billion—up by 25 p