The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media.

  • Whitefly has destroyed two-thirds of the total cotton crop in India’s Fazilka district. Although the pest population is less than the threshold, the presence of whitefly has put the Punjab agriculture department and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on alert. HINDUSTAN TIMES

  • The United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), has announced its support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement. The decision to endorse TPP came after an in-depth review of the finalised text of the agreement. TPP was signed in February by the United States and eleven other countries and awaits congressional approval. USIFI

  • The Kenyan government is to implement a plan next month to reduce the impact of second-hand clothes – commonly known as mitumba – on its local textile industry. The government will supply clothes produced at Economic Processing Zones (EPZs) to mitumba traders, which will retail at the same price as imported second-hand clothes. Mitumba imports were valued at at KES1.56bn (US$15.4m) in 2014. THE STAR

  • The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has asked the Karachi federal government to fix a uniform tariff of 5% on imports of all kinds of dyes.The FPCCI says the government has levied a 3% import duty on one section of dyes but the 16% import duty on other dyes is a threat to both the textile industry and exports. It claims the discretion will open “floodgates of under-invoicing” and genuine importers will suffer financial losses. PAKISTAN DAILY TIMES

  • Pou Chen Corp, the world’s largest contract shoemaker, says it will continue expanding its production base in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar to reduce its reliance on China. The company says its strategy is supported by the government, as it looks to reduce costs, enticed by cheaper labour in the region. NIKKEI

    GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

    US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

    Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

    By GlobalData

  • One in every seven women working in the garment industry in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru have been raped or forced into a sexual act at work, claims a new report from the women’s rights groups Sisters for Change and Bengaluru-based Munnade. An estimated 500,000 workers work in and around Bengaluru, a major hub for southern India’s garment industry, and the report claims violence, intimidation and unwanted sexual attention are part of the daily abuse faced by female workers in Bengaluru’s 1,200 garment factories which supply many global brands. REUTERS

just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

Just Style Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Style Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now