Trade

Mayer & Cie, a leading German manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machinery, has filed for insolvency under self-administration following a sharp decline in global demand. The fourth-generation family business, which recently celebrated its 120th anniversary, will continue operations while restructuring under legal protection granted by Hechingen District Court.

Trade policy uncertainty has surged to unprecedented levels across global markets, creating widespread disruption for businesses and economies worldwide. New data reveals sharp increases in import volatility, with developing countries bearing disproportionate impacts from unpredictable policy shifts and weakened international trading frameworks.

India’s cotton sector faces falling acreage and rising prices as farmers switch to more profitable crops like paddy and pulses while mills boost imports. Recent government policies, including a higher minimum support price and a postponed quality order, are changing how the industry operates. Consumption remains strong, while exports and imports reflect both domestic constraints and international market conditions, which will define the challenges of the 2025–26 season.

India has temporarily suspended its 11% cotton import duty, signalling readiness to address United States trade concerns while easing pressure on its garment sector. The exemption, effective until 30 September, is designed to stabilise cotton supplies, support exporters, and cool domestic textile costs ahead of the country’s crucial festival-driven demand season.

US fashion companies are restructuring sourcing strategies as 2025 tariffs trigger cost spikes, disrupted supply chains and declining margins. The latest USFIA Benchmarking Study has tracked these shifts, revealing a turbulent sourcing landscape and limited reshoring despite government pressure. Companies are bracing up for sustained uncertainty by expanding supplier networks, scaling back investment, and reassessing risk exposure across global operations.

A new report outlines the flow of secondhand clothing from the United States to Guatemala. The study details the scale, reuse rates, and employment generated by this trade. It also raises concerns that proposed regulatory changes in exporting countries could affect resale operations and local value addition in recipient countries.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed on Thursday, removes steep tariffs on Indian exports of textiles, apparel, leather and footwear. With duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods, the deal unlocks significant growth for manufacturers across sectors. Exporters expect major gains in UK market share, driven by price competitiveness and improved supply chain efficiency.

Lesotho has declared a national State of Disaster after a 50% tariff imposed by Donald Trump decimated its textile sector. The sudden collapse of its biggest employer has left tens of thousands jobless, exposing the country's economic fragility and raising alarm over the future of AGOA-supported trade across sub-Saharan Africa.

Egypt's textile industry is rapidly emerging as a global manufacturing hub, driven by competitive labour costs, strategic location, and massive Chinese investment. With exports surging 18% to $2.84 billion in 2024 and government modernisation plans targeting $12 billion by 2031, Egypt is positioning itself as a key alternative to traditional textile centres.

Supply chains today face unprecedented risks—from cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions to supplier insolvency and logistics disruptions. Insights from the Supply Chain Risk and Resilience Summit reveal why businesses must embrace proactive planning, invest in risk assessments, and prioritise supplier collaboration to navigate the shifting dynamics of global trade and resilience.