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The newly launched 2024 Impact Report by the global leader in outdoor, active, and lifestyle products, Columbia Sportswear Company details the company's advancements across its three core corporate responsibility pillars: Empowering People, Sustaining Places, and Responsible Practices.
The comprehensive report showcases work accomplished by Columbia Sportswear's four primary brands: Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. A few of these notable achievements from 2024 include exceeding 80 per cent of their ‘Planet Water’ goal, which aims to provide 100,000 people daily with access to clean water; employees contributing over 6,100 volunteer hours to various causes; Mountain Hardwear receiving the Corporate Partner of the Year award from Leave No Trace; a significant reduction in absolute energy consumption at their Oregon distribution center and headquarters, with declines of over 900,000 kilowatt-hours and nearly 67,000 therms between 2022 and 2024 and the RISE industry initiative reaching over 425 workplaces and impacting more than 375,000 workers, over 65 per cent of whom are women.
In addition to these, Columbia Sportswear also completed a Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) disclosure for 2024, outlining its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts in accordance with industry-specific standards.
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company connects active individuals with their passions through innovative apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. Its diverse portfolio of brands is sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
To be organized by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles and curated by the Material Library of India, the second edition of ‘Weave the Future 2.0: Celebrating Handlooms, Regeneration & Indigenous Cotton's Bright Future’ will open on National Handloom Day, August 7, 2025, and run until August 17, 2025, at the Crafts Museum in New Delhi.
The event will highlight the crucial role of handlooms in building a sustainable and circular textile economy in India. The exhibition champions traditional, nature-aligned practices, emphasizing how handlooms can enable mindful, culturally rooted, and circular production systems. It seeks to celebrate a new generation of textile artisans who are reimagining fashion through regenerative and handmade practices.
A significant focus is placed on promoting indigenous cotton varieties such as Kala Cotton, Punasa Cotton, Konda Patti Cotton, Gavran Kapus Cotton, and Jayadhar Cotton. These varieties are highlighted for being hardier, drought-resistant crops that support ecological balance and rural livelihoods. The event aims to raise awareness and build momentum to increase the current 2-3 per cent share of indigenous cotton in India's total cotton cultivation.
The event promotes ‘regeneration’ in textiles, encompassing not just recycling but also practices that restore and revitalize the environment and communities. It brings together approximately 30 participating brands and initiatives including a diverse group of weavers, artisans, designers, enablers (like Laudes Foundation and Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative (RPL) in Madhya Pradesh), and grassroots implementers (such as KORA Collective and Khamir) who are actively involved in reviving regenerative textile practices.
The event will feature installations that expand the conversation around sustainability, craft, and storytelling. Examples include a soundscape installation by Sonam Khetan, an exploration of native cotton varieties by Kora Design Collaborative, and an eco-printed panel by Lafaani.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has applauded President Donald Trump for his executive order to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ exemption for all global commerce shipments, effective August 29.
Kim Glas, President and CEO, NCTO, issued a statement praising the decision, which addresses a long-standing concern for the American textile industry. For eight years, NCTO has campaigned against the de minimis loophole, which allows approximately 4 million packages daily to enter the U.S. duty-free and without rigorous inspection. Half of these shipments are estimated to be textiles and apparel.
The de minimis mechanism has functioned as a black box for low-cost, subsidized, and unethical Chinese imports, Glas states, highlighting how it undermines the competitiveness of US manufacturers. This loophole has facilitated the entry of goods made with forced labor from Xinjiang, China, and even illicit fentanyl, reaching American consumers unchecked, she emphasizes.
A key member of the Coalition to Close the De Minimis Loophole, NCTO thanked President Trump for recognizing the ‘severe impact’ of this provision. The executive order restores fairness for US manufacturers, closes a major gateway for illegal and toxic goods, and lays the groundwork for reinvestment and job creation here at home, Glas adds.
The organization notes, coupled with bipartisan legislation to codify the de minimis repeal by July 2027, this executive order effectively slams the door shut on one of the most damaging trade loopholes in US history. The US textile supply chain currently employs 471,046 individuals, generated $63.9 billion in shipments in 2024, and exported $28.0 billion in fiber, textiles, and apparel last year.
The global Home Textile Market is projected to grow by 4.2 per cent CAGR from 2025-33 to approximately $213.5 billion by 2033.
The market's steady expansion is primarily fueled by several key factors. These include consumers’ increasing expenditure on home décor with the rise of urbanization and a greater emphasis on interior aesthetics. These are fuelling demand for products like bed linen, curtains, towels, and upholstery fabrics, driven by evolving lifestyle trends and increasing disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies. The booming real estate and hospitality sectors are also contributing significantly to market growth.
Furthermore, eco-friendly and sustainable textiles are gaining considerable traction, reflecting a growing consumer awareness of environmental concerns. The accessibility and sales of home textile products have also been significantly boosted by the rise of e-commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, ongoing technological advancements in fabric manufacturing and digital printing are expected to continue shaping and influencing the market landscape.
Renowned Italian luxury group, Ermenegildo Zegna NV and Venezio Investments. an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based investment company Temasek Holdings have entered into a significant investment agreement.
According to this agreement, Temasek has agreed to purchase 14,121,062 of Zegna's treasury shares at $8.95 per share. This price aligns with the volume-weighted average of ZGN share prices from June 30 to July 25, 2025.
With this new transaction, combined with its previous acquisition of 12,699,981 ordinary shares through market purchases, Temasek's total stake will reach 10 per cent of Ermenegildo Zegna Group's ordinary share capital outstanding after the deal closes.
Ermenegildo ‘Gildo’ Zegna, Chairman and CEO, states, their investment is a strong endorsement of the company’s vision and long-term growth potential, while firmly recognizing the global significance of the Italian luxury sector. Temasek’s partnership helps the company strengthen their organic expansion globally and to reinforce their unique role as a custodian of truly authentic brands.
Nagi Hamiyeh, Head-EMEA, Temasek, highlights the investment as a commitment to supporting leading European businesses with global potential. Having successfully established itself in the high-end luxury segment, the Ermenegildo Zegna Group presents significant long-term value creation opportunities across each brand, states Hamiyeh, adding, Temasek looks forward to being a ‘thoughtful, long-term partner’ to the Zegna family and management team.
Upon the transaction's closing, the Ermenegildo Zegna Group will receive a total cash consideration of $126.4 million. This injection will help boost the Group's balance sheet, providing enhanced financial flexibility to seize opportunities for accelerating the organic growth of its brand portfolio. Temasek's extensive experience in the luxury sector and deep knowledge of the Asian market are expected to significantly contribute to Zegna's growth prospects and support expansion in key underdeveloped geographies.
Italian luxury fashion house Prada SpA announced a robust 9 per cent Y-o-Y increase in its consolidated net revenues, reaching €2.74 billion (~$3.15 billion) for during H1, FY25 ended June 30, 2025. This growth was attributed to high brand desirability and creative momentum across all regions, despite a turbulent macroeconomic environment. Retail sales notably climbed 10% year-on-year to €2.45 billion (~$2.81 billion), fueled by sustained momentum in both established and emerging markets.
The Group's Adjusted EBIT stood at €619 million, representing a healthy margin of 22.6 per cent, consistent with the previous year despite increased investments in brand development. Net income for the period reached €386 million, and Prada concluded the semester with a solid net cash position of €352 million, even after a €398 million dividend payout and €294 million in capital expenditure.
Miu Miu emerged as the Group's standout performer, with retail sales rising by an impressive 49 per cent Y-o-Y in H1, FY25 and 40 per cent in Q2, FY25. The brand's strong appeal spanned across product categories and geographies, boosted by initiatives like Miu Miu Upcycled, Miu Miu Custom Studio, and new immersive store experiences, including a three-story boutique in SKP Wuhan and a redesigned New Bond Street flagship.
In contrast, the Prada brand faced challenging comparative figures and a subdued global demand, recording a resilient but slight retail sales decline of 1.9 per cent in H1 and 3.6 per cent in Q2. Despite this, Prada continued to build cultural relevance through dynamic storytelling campaigns and expanded its physical presence with key launches like Prada Men on 5th Avenue and the Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai hospitality venue in China.
Acknowleding the challenging backdrop, Patrizio Bertelli, Chairman and Executive highlighted the results as beign a testament to the brands’ strength and disciplined execution. Andrea Guerra, Group CEO attributed the performance to the cultural relevance of our brands, their creativity and ability to anticipate and interpret contemporaneity.
Geographically, Asia Pacific posted a 10 per cent increase in retail sales, maintaining strong momentum. Sales in Europe also grew by 9 per cent, while the Americas showed continued recovery with a 12 per cent increase. Japan saw a 4 per cent rise, and the Middle East significantly outperformed with a 26 per cent jump in retail sales.
In strategic moves, the Group announced in April its acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.25 billion, expected to close in H2 subject to approvals. Prada Group also completed a 10 per cent equity investment in Rino Mastrotto Group, a global leather and luxury manufacturing services supplier. Sustainability efforts continued across raw materials, chemical management, and traceability.
French luxury brand Hermès registered a 5 per cent decline in net profit during H1, FY25 to €2.2 billion ($2.53 billion). However, the brand’s sales grew by 7.1 per cent to €8 billion ($9.2 billion) during the period. Excluding the one-time contribution, net income for the group's share actually increased by 6 per cent to €2.5 billion ($2.88 billion).
Axel Dumas, Managing Director hailed the ‘solid first-half results in all regions,’ emphasizing the company's commitment to continue to invest and recruit to ensure the continued success of the company.
The company’s sales in the Americas rose by a robust 9.5 per cent to €1.45 billion ($1.67 billion), propelled by double-digit growth in the United States despite a more volatile market. Dumas addressed concerns regarding the newly announced 15 per cent customs duties on exports to the US, stating he was waiting for the precise rules of the game. He clarified, the 15 per cent rate might include the earlier 10 per cent implemented in April and the existing 5 per cent, which would mean no further price increases from Hermès, which had already raised US prices by 5 per cent after the April tariff hike.
Dumas also highlighted another significant factor: ‘the falling dollar,’ noting its impact could be as substantial, if not more, than the tariffs.
Regionally, the company’s sales in Asia excluding Japan increased by 1.5 per cent increase to €3.57 billion ($4.11 billion), with Dumas observing, the sales atmosphere in China remains buoyant for the company. Japan experienced a 17.6 per cent growth in sales to €815 million ($937 million). In Europe, sales excluding France grew by 12 per cent to surpass the billion-euro mark (€1 billion / $1.15 billion), while sales in France itself increased by 8.7 per cent to €740 million ($851 million).
Looking at product categories, sales in Hermès' core business, leather goods and saddler increased by 11.3 per cent to €3.58 billion ($4.12 billion). Sales of clothing and accessories rose by 4.3 per cent to €2.25 billion ($2.59 billion). However, perfumes and beauty products experienced a 4.1 per cent decline to €248 million ($285 million), and watch sales fell by 8.9 per cent to €281 million ($323 million).
The United States' announcement today of a sweeping 25% tariff on a wide range of Indian goods, effective August 1, 2025, has sent shockwaves through India's export-oriented sectors. While the new duties cover diverse industries from automobiles to electronics, the textile and garment sector, a cornerstone of India's manufacturing and employment, faces a particularly challenging new reality. This aggressive move by the Trump administration, citing "obnoxious" non-tariff barriers and India's continued ties with Russia, fundamentally alters the competitive landscape for Indian exporters in the crucial US market.
Sanjay K. Jain, Chairman of the ICC National Textiles Committee, offered his perspective on the development: "The recently announced tariff by the USA of 25% plus penalty for buying from Russia. That plus is yet to be defined. But overall, it's not good news for India. 25% is still manageable as Bangladesh has 35%, China has 30% plus. But Indonesia and Vietnam, two of our competitors are at 20% plus the EU is lower than that. However, the more worrisome thing is the plus. We don't have it defined. How much is it going to be? I hope this plus is not defined and we stay at 25% where we'll still be almost in equilibrium with our overall, if you see on the average with our competitors for textiles, mainly home textiles and apparels."
Historically, the US has been a vital destination for Indian textiles and apparel, with exports surpassing $2.5 billion in 2025. India's share in the global apparel market, while having seen recent growth, stood at 2.94% in 2024, down from 4.05% in 2017, largely due to intensifying competition from other Asian players. The imposition of a 25% tariff on top of existing duties will now significantly erode India's price competitiveness, forcing exporters to re-evaluate strategies, absorb costs, or desperately seek new markets.
India's Tariff Nightmare: An instant disadvantage
Prior to today's announcement, import duties on Indian goods in the US were generally much lower, often below 3% for many product categories. With the addition of a 25% tariff, Indian textile and garment products will now face a significant hurdle, making them considerably more expensive for American buyers.
This situation puts India at a distinct and immediate disadvantage compared to its major competitors in Asia, who face varying tariff regimes with the US.
The Battlefield: Asian rivals and their US tariff edge
Here's a breakdown of the current tariff situations for India's key competitors in the US textile and garment market, as of today, July 30, 2025:
● Brazil: 50%.
● Myanmar: 40%.
● Thailand: 36%.
● Cambodia: 36%.
● Bangladesh: 35%.
● Canada: 35%.
● South Africa: (Tariff not specified in provided data).
● Sri Lanka: 30%.
● Libya: 30%.
● Iraq: 30%.
● Mexico: 30%.
● South Korea: 25%.
● Malaysia: 25%.
● Kazakhstan: 25%.
● Tunisia: 25%.
● Brunei: 25%.
● Philippines: 20%.
● Vietnam: 20%.
● Indonesia: 19%.
● EU: 15%.
● Japan: 15%.
Hard Numbers: Export Values and Their New Tariff Shackles
|
Country |
2024/2025 US Textile & Garment Exports |
Effective US Tariff (Approximate) |
|
China |
Substantial (declining) |
30+% (Minimum) |
|
Vietnam |
Growing (H1 2025: $18.67B) |
20% |
|
India |
$2.5B |
25% + Penalty |
|
Bangladesh |
$7.34B |
35% |
|
Indonesia |
Significant (declining for some) |
19% |
Note: Export figures are approximate and represent recent annual or half-yearly data where available. Tariff rates are as of today, July 30, 2025, and are subject to change based on specific product categories and ongoing trade negotiations.
Fallout and Future: India's uphill battle
The 25% tariff is a crippling blow to India's textile and garment industry. Exporters will face immense pressure to either absorb the increased cost, which will severely impact their already thin margins, or pass it on to US buyers, making their products virtually uncompetitive. This could lead to:
● Aggressive market diversification: Indian exporters will likely intensify efforts to explore and aggressively expand into non-US markets, particularly Europe, where they might find more favorable trade terms.
● Urgent product re-engineering and value addition: To counter the tariff burden, Indian manufacturers may be forced to focus on higher-value products or niche segments where quality and design can command a premium, making the tariff less impactful on overall pricing.
● Desperate government intervention and negotiations: The Indian government will be under immense pressure to engage in urgent, high-stakes diplomatic efforts with the US to seek a rollback or significant reduction of these tariffs. This could involve addressing US concerns regarding trade barriers and geopolitical stances.
● Accelerated supply chain exodus from India: US buyers, already diversifying away from China, now have another complex layer to their sourcing strategies. They may further accelerate shifts towards countries like Vietnam or other ASEAN nations that offer relatively lower tariff burdens, even if it means significant adjustments to their existing supply chains with India.
Sanjay K. Jain expressed a cautious optimism, stating, "I don't see India's exports going down. Still due to China being the largest and still having Bangladesh, both of these countries still have higher tariffs. I think so we still are positive, but the positive has been diminished to a very small extent from what we all were expecting." He added, "We were expecting India to also get a 20% tariff rate, just like Vietnam and Indonesia, which would have put them at par and been good relative to other countries. So I don't see this as a negative. It's just a disappointment from what positivity we were seeing."
The textile and garment industry, a major employer in India, particularly for MSMEs, stands at a critical juncture. The newly imposed 25% tariff, coupled with the varied and often more favorable tariff situations of its competitors, necessitates a rapid and strategic response from both the industry and the Indian government to navigate this challenging new global trade landscape. The coming months will reveal the true extent of the shift in US sourcing patterns and India's ability to adapt to this significant trade barrier.
British fashion retailer, Ted Baker plans to make a comeback to UK high streets in early 2026, following its descent into administration in 2024. This move comes after the brand successfully relaunched its website in the UK last November.
According to a report by The Sun, Ted Baker plans to open a new store in London. This marks a significant step for the brand, whose UK store operator, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), entered administration last year, leading to the closure of all 46 of its UK stores. The brand also saw exits from international markets, including North America and the Netherlands, where similar bankruptcy proceedings occurred.
Since then, Ted Baker's parent company, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), has been strategically rebuilding the brand. ABG has focused on establishing new wholesale, distribution, and licensing partnerships globally. For instance, Pace Partnership London acquired the brand's wholesale business for the UK and Europe, while United Legwear & Apparel was appointed to manage Ted Baker's e-commerce operations.
Building on its successful UK e-commerce relaunch, Ted Baker further expanded its digital presence with a dedicated EU platform, which went live on July 1, 2025. This platform offers a localized shopping experience to customers in key European markets such as Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain. A press release from Ted Baker emphasized that Germany and Ireland have historically been crucial markets, consistently showing strong customer engagement. This new digital chapter, the brand stated, reflects its commitment to serving its loyal EU customer base with enhanced product storytelling, curated experiences, and improved service.
Owner of iconic brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, luxury conglomerate Kering announced worse-than-forecast results in Q2, FY25. The group's sales contracted by 15 per cent Y-o-Y on a comparable basis to €3.7 billion ($4.27 billion), falling short of LSEG analysts' projection of €3.96 billion.
The most significant hit came from Gucci, which typically accounts for nearly half of Kering's total revenues. Sales at the high-end fashion house declined by 25 per cent over the quarter to €1.46 billion.
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO, says, though the numbers being reported by the company remain well below their potential, their comprehensive efforts of the past two years have set healthy foundations for the next stages in Kering’s development. The company reiterated commitment to achieving long-term profitable growth despite the uncertain economic and geopolitical climate.
Kering reported weaker sales across all its markets, with Japan and the wider Asia Pacific region leading the decline. Yanmei Tang, Analyst, Third Bridge, notes, the company is facing a tough reality as its two main luxury markets, China and the United States, are under strain.
The appointment of auto veteran Luca de Meo as group CEO in June, effective September 15, has brought a wave of positive sentiment. Carole Madjo, Head –Research, European Luxury Goods, Barclays, highlights de Meo's really strong track record in turning around businesses but also in branding.
However, de Meo faces significant headwinds. The luxury industry is bracing for potential new 15 per cent tariffs on imports into the US, alongside broader concerns about consumer spending, especially in the crucial Chinese market. Armelle Poulou, Chief Financial Officer, indicates, the company had factored in the 15 per cent tariff rate and would manage it through pricing adjustments, with some price hikes already implemented in Q2 and a potential second wave in the autumn.
Analysts suggest, Kering's more pressing challenge lies in reviving brand image and desirability, particularly for Gucci under the leadership of Demna Gvasalia, new Creative Director. Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO, Kering, confirms, Gucci will roll out their first collection in early 2026. The company is focused on creating product desirability rather than pondering over any tariff threat, Tang concludes.
