Industry stakeholders are calling for more flexibility in proposed exemptions to the ban on destroying unsold clothing, accessories and footwear. Environmental groups and waste associations warn that this could create lasting loopholes in the law. These debates follow the European Commission’s publication of a draft delegated Regulation setting out such exemptions.

On April 9, 2025 Turkey’s Ministry of Trade published Official Gazette No 32865 which updates labeling requirements for consumer products containing animal derived materials. The regulation, effective June 9, 2025, applies to a wide range of consumer goods, including but not limited to textiles, footwear, gloves, bags, wallets, belts, watches, stationery, toys, furniture and carpets.

Vengru, a young Hungarian fashion brand is using a sustainable, vegan-friendly faux leather in a bid to win over eco-conscious consumers.

New Pantone colours and the latest trends for 2026 were among the many unmissable industry talking points at this year’s London Textile Fair.

At Expo Riva Schuh, the key message was that re-shoring and trade restrictions are unlikely to impact China’s status as shoemaker to the west.

Including statistics of Garment Sales of China in the past 6 years.

Under a plan jointly released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other government departments on 18 June, over 70% of the key operations of textile enterprises at or above a designated scale are to be fully digitalised by 2027.

The European Commission (“Commission”) has published a draft Regulation proposing exemptions to the prohibition on the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear. To ensure the measure is proportionate, the proposal lists exemptions for cases where such products cannot be used. This initiative from the Commission aims to specify the exemptions. Feedback is sought from any parties that could be affected by the proposed Regulation. The deadline for the submission of feedback is 11 August 2025.

CBP has reclassified certain women’s underwear as sanitary pads and similar articles under HTSUS 9619.00.61 (10.8 percent MFN duty) or HTSUS 9619.00.64 (14.9 percent MFN duty) rather than as women’s cotton briefs under HTSUS 6108.21.00 (7.6 percent MFN duty) or HTSUS 6108.91.00 (8.5 percent MFN duty).

Clothing exports experienced a 6% year-on-year decline in the first five months of 2025. According to Euromonitor estimates, apparel retail sales grew modestly by 4% in 2024. However, recent trade tensions and tariff policies may significantly disrupt supply chains, potentially impacting overall demand and Hong Kong’s exports.