The fashion world grappled with tariffs, trade policy and cyberattacks in 2025, which caused upheaval across supply chains. In other news, the world waited as Europe debated the future of corporate sustainability law, ultimately settling on a somewhat diluted version of the original. Meanwhile, Shein continued to assert its dominance in the fashion world as the US and Europe outlined steps to crack down on its growing popularity.
US renewal of AGOA, HELP acts will ‘restore diversified sourcing’
The US fashion sector and a fashion supply chain expert share their support for the extension of key trade bills with Haiti and Africa to boost US competitiveness and fashion supply chain diversification.
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Mauritius looks beyond US to keep apparel sector relevant
Mauritius’ apparel sector is looking to diversify its apparel market from the US after the removal of AGOA and the negative impact of reciprocal tariffs.
No evidence of forced labour in Leicester garment sector
A report presented to the UK Parliament has concluded there is no evidence of widespread modern slavery in Leicester’s garment industry, challenging earlier claims about the extent of worker exploitation in the sector.
Value to remain king of apparel trends through 2029
Fashion brands like Shein and Uniqlo will remain popular beyond 2025 as consumers continue to prioritise quality and value for money.
EU backs plan for watered down corporate sustainability reporting rules
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have approved a revision to the EU’s corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.
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 GlobalDataGlobal disruption impacts supply planning and forecasting
The latest Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index revealed a three-point decline in the planning and forecasting category due to tariff uncertainty and global tensions.
Expert says Shein reputation hangs in balance as France weighs suspension
As the French government takes steps to suspend Shein’s operations in the country following a dispute over the sale of sex dolls alleged to have ‘childlike’ appearances, one industry expert warns of serious risks to the fast-fashion giant’s business model and reputation.
Tariffs push US import volumes to two-year low
Monthly US import volumes are set to dip below 2m TEU for the rest of 2025, as rising tariffs and early seasonal stockpiling reshape trade flows across key container ports, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
US textile sector praises end of de minimis exemption for all countries
The US Government has eliminated the duty-free ‘de minimis’ exemption for all countries, a move applauded by the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO).
US tariffs erode apparel’s CAFTA-DR benefits in Central America
The US’ reciprocal tariffs on Central American textile and apparel exports have altered the competitive landscape of the region’s sector, which currently employs 500,000 people.
Tariff delays choke growth as industry demands clear US-China trade terms
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has expressed concern over the perpetual cycle of tariff deadline extensions as the unclear US-China trade terms have left American businesses and consumers in a state of uncertainty.
India subject to 50% duties on US exports after latest Trump tariff hike
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, including apparel, “in response to its continued purchase of Russian Federation oil”.
Impact of US-Vietnam tariffs on China’s fashion, textile investors
Vietnam’s in principle agreement with the US on tariffs could pose a problem for investors from China that were mainly focused on re-exporting fashion and textile goods to the US.
Nike warns of $1bn hit from China tariff effect as Q4 profits sink 86%
Nike has reported a downturn in sales and profits for the fiscal year ending 31 May 2025, as it projects $1bn hit from US tariffs and expects “headwinds to moderate”.
EU Commission stuns with ‘plan to shelve’ greenwashing proposal
Industry trade bodies have voiced their concerns over reports the EU Commission is to abandon the incoming Green Claims Directive aimed at tackling greenwashing.
Lawmakers in France back bill to tackle fast fashion’s environmental toll
The French Senate has passed a legislative proposal on its initial reading, designed to mitigate the environmental footprint of the fast fashion sector.
M&S is back online but cyberattack may have cost it around £130m so far
Industry onlookers say it’s going to be a painful journey in the short term for UK High Street retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) which begins to count the cost of a cyberattack that knocked out its online trading platform for several weeks.
India-UK trade deal set to boost India’s fashion export market
India’s fashion and textile exporters are optimistic about increasing sales, with bilateral trade relations with the US and UK providing extra advantages compared to regional competitors such as Bangladesh, reports Mini Pant Zachariah in Mumbai.
Shein ‘weighs’ Hong Kong IPO on London delay
Singapore-headquartered ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein is reportedly seeking a Hong Kong IPO as it continues to wait on Chinese regulators to approve its London listing.
US textile sector urges Trump to close de minimis for all countries
The US National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has commended the Trump Administration’s move to end the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, but urges him to extend this to all countries in the near future.
