Fibre2fashion

ICE cotton futures rose for a third straight session, led by front-month demand and supported by firm crude oil, stronger agri commodities and India weather risks. December 2026 settled at 81.11 cents. Gains were driven largely by external markets, while light volumes signalled short covering. Strong China reserve sales and a weaker US dollar added support.

Kate Spade New York has appointed Jonathan Saunders as executive creative director from August 26, 2026. He will oversee product design and visual identity, reporting to brand president and chief executive officer Eva Erdmann. For fashion sourcing and retail teams, the move sets the next creative direction for future collections and brand presentation.

China has unveiled a 2026-2030 port-of-entry modernisation plan, issued by customs and the National Development and Reform Commission. By 2030, it targets a more efficient port network, better infrastructure, smart technologies and smoother cross-border connectivity. For trade, the plan signals safer, greener, better-governed ports, with basic modernisation aimed for 2035.

India has extended RoSCTL for garments and made-ups to September 30, 2026, while RoDTEP support for non-apparel textiles runs from April 1 to September 30. Textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, rose 1.8 per cent to ₹3,25,339 crore in FY26, the weakest pace in three years. Cotton-duty relief, PLI investment and PM MITRA commitments aim to protect margins and capacity.

Sri Lanka held the Overnight Policy Rate at 8.75 per cent as Middle East tensions renewed concerns over fuel and commodity costs. Inflation is expected to stay above the 5 per cent target in the near term. Higher fuel imports have pressured the current account, although policy measures are expected to reduce import demand and credit growth.