The top stories from our latest weekly.

The Trump administration is enacting tariff exemptions for goods like coffee and bananas that are not available domestically because it has reached a “critical mass” of bilateral trade deals, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Friday, touting new agreements with four Latin American countries and a pact with Switzerland as crucial steps.

SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — November 12, 2025 — Bangladesh’s Knittex Industries Ltd. is known for its commitment to top-quality knitwear and responsible production. To further enhance fabric quality, the company has invested in a Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straightener. Installed by Tootal Quality Resources, the system ensures perfect fabric alignment and supports Knittex’s goal of continuous improvement. Since its foundation in the late 2005s, Knitex Dresses Ltd. has grown into one of Bangladesh’s leading knit composite manufacturers. As a part of the renowned Mondol Group, the company stands for high-quality production, vertical integration, and a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. The company has two campus which are located at Sardagong, Gazipur and Mirzapur, Tangail.  Knitex Dresses Ltd. covers the full textile value chain – from knitting and dyeing to printing, finishing, and garmenting.  This allows for maximum quality control, flexibility, and efficiency. With a workforce of more than 2.500 people, Knitex produces a wide range of knitwear for global customers. Its daily capacities include around 25,000 kg each in knitting and dyeing, plus several tens of thousands of garments across different categories. The company philosophy combines quality, employee welfare, and sustainability. All those term are deeply anchored in the group’s DNA. Focus on quality To remain a trusted partner for global brands, Knitex Dresses Ltd. continuously invests in modern machinery. The latest example in this strategy: the installation of a Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straightener. Mahlo’s classic optical weft straightener corrects fabric distortions in nearly all applications, ensuring perfect fabric quality right from the start of the finishing line. The machine was installed and commissioned by Mahlo’s long-term trusted partner in Bangladesh, Tootal Quality Resources, guaranteeing smooth integration and professional support. Outlook With the new Mahlo technology in operation, Knitex Dresses Ltd. strengthens its ability to deliver flawless fabrics, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This investment once again demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and uncompromising product quality – values that define both Knitex Dress Ltd.and Mahlo. Posted: November 14, 2025 Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 13, 2025 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applauds today’s frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with El Salvador and Guatemala that incorporate key features vital for the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry. Steve Lamar, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) “We are grateful to President Trump and his trade negotiating teams for this bold step to support U.S. workers and communities whose lives and livelihoods are directly enabled by U.S.-Central American trade. These actions bolster key U.S. export markets in Central America, reduce costs for American consumers, and reinforce the competitiveness of integrated regional supply chains that rely on U.S. cotton and other textiles,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA president and CEO. Under these frameworks, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on products that qualify for the U.S./Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR). These actions follow each country’s commitments to take steps to strengthen their trade partnerships with the United States. The removal of tariffs on these CAFTA-DR qualifying products — items like textiles and apparel that are already subject to strict rules of origin — ensures that the U.S./Central American partnership can continue to support workers and communities throughout the United States. “We urge these agreements to be finalized soon so that these gains can quickly take effect and encourage the United States to incorporate similar provisions in forthcoming agreements with our other CAFTA-DR partners,” added Beth Hughes, AAFA vice president of trade and customs policy. Posted: November 14, 2025 Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 14, 2025 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Dr. Perc Pineda, has released a new economic analysis showing that despite limited federal data availability due to the U.S. government shutdown, the nation’s automotive market remains fundamentally strong—supported by resilient consumer demand, steady production, and continued opportunities for plastics manufacturers. Perc Pineda, Chief Economist, PLASTICS Dr. Pineda explains, “The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has created significant hurdles for economists and analysts who depend on timely federal data. This is especially true in the automotive sector, where understanding motor vehicle demand and supply dynamics requires up-to-date statistics from agencies like the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the U.S. Census Bureau. With official releases stalled, piecing together a clear picture of light vehicle sales—encompassing automobiles and light trucks—over the past two months has become a patchwork effort. Despite these challenges, industry reports and alternative sources paint a picture of resilient demand, tempered by policy-driven fluctuations in electric vehicles (EVs) and fleet purchases.” To read the full analysis on the PLASTICS blog: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/blog/navigating-the-u-s-automotive-market/ Posted: November 14, 2025 Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The trade groups said the Trump administration's decision to reinstate free trade under the provisions of CAFTA-DR is a step in the right direction.

Discussion of the Origin and Impact of the Quality and Audit Programme (QAP) and How It’s Reshaping Supply Chains in the Hygiene Products Sector. In early 2018, EDANA and its ... The post Elevating Standards: A Deep Dive into EDANA’s Quality and Audit Programme appeared first on International Fiber Journal.

DHL will expand an automated sorting hub in Delhi, and upgrade facilities for its Indian delivery subsidiary as the country's global trade influence grows.

The Fashion Awards 2024 Credits: BFC by Karolina Wielocha The British Fashion Council has named Australian-born stylist Sam Woolf as the recipient of the Pandora Style Moment of the Year Award, a category that reflects the rising visibility and commercial value of styling within the wider fashion ecosystem. Woolf will be honoured at the Fashion Awards 2025 on 1 December at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with the award presented by model and actress Iman. Woolf, now a prominent figure in Hollywood’s red-carpet circuit, was recognised for his work with musician Doechii, whose dramatic aesthetic shifts throughout 2025, from the Grammys and BET Awards to the Met Gala and Glastonbury, became some of the year’s most shared and scrutinised fashion moments. His approach, which blends meticulous narrative-building with a willingness to push silhouette and texture into theatrical territory, has helped position Doechii as a fashion disruptor rather than simply a celebrity in designer clothing. Laura Weir, the BFC’s chief executive, said Woolf’s collaborative process stood out in a crowded field. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, she noted that each look “begins with a clear vision and a commitment to character”, adding that his work “uses fashion to build identity and narrative”. The sentiment was echoed by Pandora’s chief marketing officer, Berta de Pablos-Barbier, who described styling as “a powerful way to translate individuality into visual narratives that resonate far beyond the moment”. The award was determined by a panel of commentators, critics and digital creators whose influence increasingly shapes fashion’s public conversation, including figures from Style Not Com, Dazed and Vogue, signalling the BFC’s continued engagement with the culture-shifting power of social media and red-carpet virality. The Fashion Awards, positioned as both an industry ceremony and a major fundraising event for the BFC Foundation, continue to broaden their scope beyond traditional design categories. With a focus on the interplay between fashion, music, film and performance, the 2025 edition aims to underscore the extent to which image-making, often driven by stylists and digital culture, now defines the global fashion narrative as much as the collections themselves.

John Furner, incoming president and CEO of Walmart. Credits: Walmart. US retail chain Walmart has announced the scheduled departure of its current president and chief executive officer, Doug McMillon. The executive, who took up the helm of the company in 2014, will retire effective January 31, 2026. John Furner has been named as McMillon’s successor. Furner has also been elected to the board of directors, a position he will take up immediately. McMillon will remain on the board until the next annual shareholder meeting in June 2026 and will stay on as an advisor to Furner through FY27. McMillon first joined Walmart in 1984, moving up the ranks in roles of increasing responsibility, eventually leading all of Walmart’s divisions: US, international and Sam’s Club. His career trajectory mirrors that of his successor, Furner, who has been serving as president and CEO of Walmart US since 2019. Prior to this, Furner, another veteran of the company, where he has been since 1993, was president and CEO of Sam’s Club US. Furner’s own successor at Walmart US will be announced before the end of FY26. In a statement, Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart Inc., called Furner “the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation”. His over 30 years of experience with the company allows him to understand every dimension of the business, Penner added, while his six-year leadership of Walmart US “during a time of rapid change”, “has positioned us for continued success”. Penner went on to thank McMillon for his leadership and impact on the company. “Over more than a decade as CEO, Doug led a comprehensive transformation by investing in our associates, advancing our digital and e-commerce capabilities, and modernising our supply chain, resulting in sustained, robust financial performance,” he continued. In his own statement, Furner added: “As we enter a new retail era fueled by innovation and AI, our purpose and our people will continue to guide us. Together, we’ll find new ways to serve customers, support our associates, and strengthen the communities we call home.”

The smart textile vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments. Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. Fraunhofer IZM will be showcasing the system at Compamed 2025, the […] The post Smart textile vest is catching heart disease early appeared first on Textilegence Magazine and Digital Platform.

Dollar Industries has reported a strong Q2 FY26 with total income up 5.6 per cent to ₹47,329 lakh (~$53.34 million) and gross profit rising 9.6 per cent. Operating EBITDA jumped 23.3 per cent, while PAT grew 32.7 per cent. A major milestone was the proposed merger of nine promoter group companies, consolidating brand ownership and strengthening long-term strategic alignment.

Dollar Industries has reported a strong Q2 FY26 with total income up 5.6 per cent to ₹47,329 lakh (~$53.34 million) and gross profit rising 9.6 per cent. Operating EBITDA jumped 23.3 per cent, while PAT grew 32.7 per cent. A major milestone was the proposed merger of nine promoter group companies, consolidating brand ownership and strengthening long-term strategic alignment.

The U.S. has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said early on Friday, adding that details would be released later in the day.

The Supreme Court upheld a Delhi High Court order reviving Crocs' passing-off suit against Indian footwear manufacturers like Bata India. The court ruled that a passing-off action is maintainable for a trade dress registered as a design, allowing Crocs to proceed with its claims of imitation.

Dollar Industries has reported a strong Q2 FY26 with total income up 5.6 per cent to ₹47,329 lakh (~$53.34 million) and gross profit rising 9.6 per cent. Operating EBITDA jumped 23.3 per cent, while PAT grew 32.7 per cent. A major milestone was the proposed merger of nine promoter group companies, consolidating brand ownership and strengthening long-term strategic alignment.

ASICS has posted strong 9M FY25 results with net sales up 19 per cent to ¥625.06 billion (~$4.04 billion) and operating profit rising 39.4 per cent to ¥127.61 billion (~$825.1 million), supported by improved margins and broad demand across regions. SportStyle and Onitsuka Tiger led growth. Net assets strengthened. Full-year forecast to ¥800 billion (~$5.17 billion) in sales.

The EU Parliament has endorsed reduced reporting duties and due diligence requirements for companies. Parliament members consider that only businesses employing on an average over 1,750 employees and with a net annual turnover of over €450 million should have to carry out social and environmental reporting. Reporting standards would be further simplified and reduced, and smaller firms would be protected.

M&S has reopened in Bristol with a new 80,000 square feet flagship at Cabot Circus, offering a fresh market-style foodhall, a 200-seater Coffee Shop, the retailer’s biggest in-store beauty range, extensive womenswear, home and kidswear, and the latest Autograph menswear. The three-floor store has created over 150 jobs and marks a major investment as M&S expands ahead of Christmas.

BASF now offers Ultradur specialty grades, including flame-retardant and hydrolysis-resistant versions, from India, improving supply speed, reliability, and flexibility for local customers. The move supports growth in automotive and electronics sectors. Ultradur’s strength, stability, and durability make it suitable for EVs, connectors, electronics, and industrial uses.

The EU Parliament has endorsed reduced reporting duties and due diligence requirements for companies. Parliament members consider that only businesses employing on an average over 1,750 employees and with a net annual turnover of over €450 million should have to carry out social and environmental reporting. Reporting standards would be further simplified and reduced, and smaller firms would be protected.

M&S has reopened in Bristol with a new 80,000 square feet flagship at Cabot Circus, offering a fresh market-style foodhall, a 200-seater Coffee Shop, the retailer’s biggest in-store beauty range, extensive womenswear, home and kidswear, and the latest Autograph menswear. The three-floor store has created over 150 jobs and marks a major investment as M&S expands ahead of Christmas.

BASF now offers Ultradur specialty grades, including flame-retardant and hydrolysis-resistant versions, from India, improving supply speed, reliability, and flexibility for local customers. The move supports growth in automotive and electronics sectors. Ultradur’s strength, stability, and durability make it suitable for EVs, connectors, electronics, and industrial uses.

Credits: Marc Cain “Echo of Now” is the collection theme for Fall/Winter 2026. The collection creates pieces to remember – designs that transcend the moment and leave a trace, like notes lingering in the air after the final chord. Each piece tells its own story through unique prints and vibrant colours that capture movement, light, and rhythm. The new season begins with a fresh, energetic lime green, grounded by timeless navy blue and ecru. On trend are warm chocolate brown and muted butter yellow, complemented by a cool mint tone. Monochrome outfits showcase each hue in striking fashion. Burgundy remains a key accent but gains a new twist paired with lilac. Stone shades and black provide a neutral frame. Credits: Marc Cain One of the sources of inspiration is the animal world – the classic leopard print appears in irregular spots, various sizes, and diverse backgrounds. Romantic florals range from minimal to maximal scale, capturing the fleeting beauty of autumn. An abstract paisley motif unites the theme’s colour palette, appearing as both all-over and panneaux prints. Alongside, bold geometric designs with sharp lines add an industrial touch. Checks are also key, looking most contemporary when styled with stay black jeans, or leather pants. The materials are as diverse as the styles. Light bouclé knits are perfect companions for the changing seasons. Especially relevant for Bodelshausen knitwear are innovative yarn blends combining natural and synthetic fibres for greater stability and unique textures. Elaborate jacquards demonstrate the brand’s knitting expertise. Premium quality comes through in wool, silk, cashmere, mohair, and alpaca, while textural cotton yarns play a strong role transitioning into autumn. A luxurious appeal emanates from fine goat suede, lamb nappa leather, and satin finishes. Shimmering lurex brings a touch of shine and everyday glamour. Denim appears in darker tones with a more refined look. And for fashion pieces with a sense of fun, colourful faux fur is a must. Credits: Marc Cain Skirts take centre stage this season, whether mini or midi. Their versatility makes them prized styling partners. Wide-leg pants remain current, joined by mom-, O-shapes, and flared legs. Belts draw attention to the waist, significantly reshaping the silhouette. Lacquered short trench coats and reversible double-face coats are also key players. Feminine touches come through in ruffles and lace – contrasted by the influence of the 1980s and subtle punk elements, seen in strong shoulder accents, chain details, and piercing-inspired buttons. Patent leather in the iconic leopard design appears on baguette bags and pointed kitten-heel boots. Tonal fringes are a trendy detail across bags of various sizes. Boots and ankle boots come in square-toe or pointed styles, while chunky loafers add effortless cool. Silk scarves featuring the collection’s prints complete the accessories portfolio. Credits: Marc Cain

ASICS has posted strong 9M FY25 results with net sales up 19 per cent to ¥625.06 billion (~$4.04 billion) and operating profit rising 39.4 per cent to ¥127.61 billion (~$825.1 million), supported by improved margins and broad demand across regions. SportStyle and Onitsuka Tiger led growth. Net assets strengthened. Full-year forecast to ¥800 billion (~$5.17 billion) in sales.