Relief in Southeast Asia As Trump’s Tariffs Level Playing Field
Major garment producers like Vietnam and Cambodia now face similar tariff rates of around 20 percent, lower than previously threatened.
Global Markets
A guide to unlocking opportunity in emerging and frontier fashion markets.
Tariff Turmoil Hits Vulnerable Fashion Manufacturers in Southeast Asia
Looming ‘reciprocal’ US tariffs threaten the profitability of larger suppliers and the viability of smaller ones in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia where some factories already face cancelled orders and worker layoffs.
Tariff Turmoil Hits Vulnerable Fashion Manufacturers in Southeast Asia
Looming ‘reciprocal’ US tariffs threaten the profitability of larger suppliers and the viability of smaller ones in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia where some factories already face cancelled orders and worker layoffs.
Trump to Levy 25% Tariffs on Japan, South Korea in August
The 25 percent rates do not include any sectoral-specific tariffs that the Trump administration would separately implement on goods imported in key industries.
Worldview | Iran’s Fashion Retailers Still Reeling from War
This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Nike’s Chinese suppliers, South African e-tailer Takealot and the Japanese textile firm in trouble in Ecuador.
What the Israel-Iran Conflict Could Mean for Fashion
While a ceasefire is in place, shipping, supply chains and consumer sentiment remain threatened as tensions in the Middle East persist.
Can Korean Fashion Be as Big as K-Beauty, or K-Pop?
K-fashion made significant inroads in becoming a part of a global fashion conversation in 2025, with brands like Post Archive Faction and Gentle Monster grabbing attention. But scaling the category to become as big as other cultural exports remains challenging.
Can Korean Fashion Be as Big as K-Beauty, or K-Pop?
K-fashion made significant inroads in becoming a part of a global fashion conversation in 2025, with brands like Post Archive Faction and Gentle Monster grabbing attention. But scaling the category to become as big as other cultural exports remains challenging.
Worldview | Iran-Israel War Disrupts Local Businesses, Poses Global Risks
This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features JD.com’s turnaround plan, pan-African e-commerce giant Jumia and Ecuador’s crackdown on Chinese e-tailers.
How Turkish Brands Conquered the ‘Rest of the World’
Turkish fast-fashion giants LC Waikiki, Koton and DeFacto have rolled out hundreds of stores in high-growth, high-risk frontier markets like Albania, Uganda and Mongolia where rivals H&M and Zara have little or no presence.
How Dubai Is Defying the Luxury Downturn
Last week, Zegna staged a runway show in Dubai the emirate, following in the footsteps of Roberto Cavalli, Armani and Chanel. The emirate remains the most established hub for luxury shopping in the Gulf region, which has bucked the industry’s downward trend.
Worldview | Shein Redirects Listing Plans to Hong Kong
This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Cambodia’s apparel exports lift and China’s consumer boom.
Worldview | Japan Considers Removal of Tax-Free System for Tourists
This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features China’s factory-gate deflation, Mongolia’s prime minister’s resignation and Shein doubles down on India-made fashion.
Trump Tariffs Get Personal for the Harris Tweed Makers of the Hebrides
Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening the livelihoods of Harris Tweed weavers in the Outer Hebrides, posing a threat to the centuries-old craft and the economic stability of the island communities.
Farm Rio Raises Prices, Slows Exports to US
The Brazilian fashion company that’s been seen on Beyoncé and Justin Bieber will scale back exports to the US and implement selective price hikes to cushion the impact of tariffs.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Asia Factory Outlook at Lowest Since Pandemic on Trump Tariffs
Manufacturers in Southeast Asia are less optimistic about future growth, despite recent improvements in output, amid tariff uncertainty.
India’s Garment and Jewellery Sectors Fear for US Orders After Tariff Shock
New US tariffs on Indian imports are expected to significantly impact India’s exporters, potentially leading to job cuts and a shift in orders to other countries like Vietnam.
Trump Unleashes a Flurry of Trade Surprises on Eve of Deadline
A 25 percent levy on Indian imports, the promise of deals for Thailand and Cambodia and a rollback on all duty exemptions for small packages were among the last minute announcements.
Mexico Raises Import Taxes on Online Purchases From Shein, Temu
As pressure mounts from the US, Mexico hikes import taxes on low-cost Chinese e-commerce goods, targeting Chinese retailers such as Shein and Temu.
India Braces for Higher US Tariffs, Eyes Broader Trade Deal, Sources Say
As a temporary measure, India anticipates US tariffs between 20-25 percent while broader trade negotiations continue.
Uniqlo Owner’s Profit Misses Estimates on Weak China Sales
Japanese apparel maker Fast Retailing reported third-quarter earnings below estimates, primarily due to a decline in mainland China revenue.
After US Tariffs, Jobs Hang by a Thread in Bangladesh’s Garments Sector
Bangladeshi garment workers fear job losses due to the US imposing a 35 percent tariff, threatening the country’s main export industry and the livelihoods of millions.