Lesotho, an African nation known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," has long relied on textile and garment exports as its economic lifeline. However, the "reciprocal tariff" policy proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, imposing a heavy 50% duty, is now severely impacting Lesotho.The Guardianreports that many garment factories primarily serving the U.S. market have experienced a sharp decline in orders, with some operating at a minimum rate of just 5%, and others even forced to halt production entir

Recently, Recycling Europe Textiles (RET) has urgently called on the European Commission to establish new ecodesign regulations that wouldmandate all textile products sold in the EU market to contain a minimum of 10% recycled fibers starting from 2028. This proposal aims to address Europe's growing textile waste crisis and provide a clear market signal for the transition towards a circular economy. In a recent position statement, RET emphasized that with the EU's full enforcement of mandatory

India’s textile sector is going through a difficult phase as high US tariffs continue to hurt exports. RK Vij, National President of the Textile Association of India, stated that the prolonged tariff shock is hurting the entire value chain, especially MSMEs. For over four months now, Indian exporters have been dealing with a steep 50% tariff imposed by the US under President Donald Trump. With no immediate relief in sight, companies are being forced to cut prices, share tariff costs with

In 2025, South Korea's textile industry encountered a symbolic setback. According to preliminary statistics released by the Korea International Trade Association, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and other institutions between January 11 and 12, 2026, South Korea's export value of textile fibers and products in 2025 was approximately $9.8 billion, falling below the $10 billion mark for the first time since 1987. This figure not only reflects the current severe external market environm

Effective January 10, 2026, Indonesia has formally implemented a three-year safeguard tariff on imported cotton fabrics (products under HS codes 5208–5212) in response to protection petitions filed by its domestic industry. This move signifies one of Indonesia's most stringent trade defense measures in recent years to stabilize its local textile manufacturing sector and counter import pressures. It is anticipated to significantly impact regional supply chains and international trade flows.

In 2025, global climate governance has entered a critical phase, with green development transitioning from an industry "bonus point" to an absolute "necessity" for survival and growth. Against the dual backdrop of rising international green barriers and escalating domestic transformation demands, China's textile industry is breaking through challenges through systemic reforms. By leveraging multiple pathways such as the realization of environmental rights value, full-chain ESG governance, and te

Uruguay could emerge as a key gateway for Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the Mercosur market, one of South America’s most influential regional trading blocs, said leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today. The observation came when Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to the BGMEA office today. The BGMEA delegation was led by its Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan. BGMEA Directo

Recently, Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) formally signed an investment agreement with the renowned Turkish garment manufacturer Eroglu Fashion Textile, marking the official entry of this international textile industry giant into the Qantara West Industrial Zone. According to the agreement, Eroglu will invest $560 million (approximately 4 billion RMB) to establish an advanced ready-made garment production base in the Qantara West Industrial Zone located along the canal. This project

Recently, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade issued a notification through the World Trade Organization (WTO), formally initiating aglobal safeguard investigationon importedcotton fabrics(covering certain products under HS codes 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, and 5212). This move signifies that if the investigation ultimately determines that a surge in imports has caused or threatens to cause serious injury to the domestic industry, the Indonesian government may imposesafeguard tariffson the relevant pro

Over the past two years, the global trade landscape has undergone dramatic changes: geopolitical fragmentation, rising tariff barriers, and supply chain re-localization are progressing simultaneously. For textile foreign trade, this presents both challenges and opportunities. Based on various public data sources, this guide identifies key markets and regions worth focusing on in 2026, aiming for "clear direction, accurate data, and practical approaches." Bangladesh: Apparel Powerhouse and a Br