Drawing on Hong Kong’s strengths in textile technology and creative design, as well as its extensive supply chain networks and global business connectivity, the city is redefining its role on the international stage of sustainable fashion. HKTDC Research interviewed Stanley Kwok, Co-Founder and Creative Director of KnitWarm, a Hong Kong smart textile brand, to explore the company’s journey in turning textile innovation into commercial wearables and developing its business ecosystem.

Cambodia has launched the second phase of the FABRIC Cambodia programme to support its textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods (TGFT) sector adapt to sustainability requirements in international markets, particularly the EU. The programme is implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation in cooperation with Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce and industry stakeholders.

China updates mandatory standard for leather and fur products with publication of GB 20400-2026, effective April 1, 2027.

The Mexican government recently unveiled additional measures to crack down on illegal imports of textile, apparel and footwear articles, including products of Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong origin.

On 30 June 2026, the European Union published two Council Regulations updating its autonomous tariff mechanisms. Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1463 amends the list of goods whose Common Customs Tariff duties are suspended on certain agricultural and industrial products where EU production is insufficient. The second instrument, Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1465, updates the EU's autonomous tariff quota arrangements. Both Regulations apply from 1 July 2026 and together may present significant trading opportunities for Hong Kong exporters supplying chemicals, industrial materials, automotive components, electronics inputs, and other specialist goods to EU-based manufacturers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued an updated operational guidance for importers regarding the agency’s enforcement of prohibitions on the importation of goods made with forced labour.

China releases updated product standard for brassieres – FZ/T 73012-2025.

China issues an updated version of its national standard GB/T 17685-2026 – Down and feather.

A French family-owned fashion retailer is entering a new era of sustainable transformation. KIABI, via its Hong Kong sourcing office, handles the company’s Asia-Pacific supply chain management. The city’s strength lies in its innovative green finance model, which links supplier performance to financial incentives, rewarding measurable improvements in energy efficiency, water management, and waste reduction. This approach turns sustainability progress into economic value, motivating factories to accelerate decarbonisation and cleaner production.

On 22 April 2026, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/296 was published in the Official Journal, setting out when unsold consumer products may still be destroyed despite a general ban. This development will have direct implications for companies placing goods on the EU market, including Hong Kong traders exporting into the Union.