4/22/2025 | From tariff tremors to tech antitrust, the global fashion landscape is shifting fast. In this edition, we break down how new trade rules are shaking up fast fashion giants, what a federal judge’s ruling means for digital ad dominance, and why fashion’s ethical and environmental progress may be at risk. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Shein to Raise Prices
What’s Happening:
In nearly identical statements, Shein and Temu announced upcoming price hikes starting April 25, citing global trade rule changes and rising tariffs.
Tariff Troubles II:
This comes after Trump-era policies boosted tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% and closed a key loophole that helped these brands sell cheap and fast.
Clearance Sale:
Consumers are reacting—Shein sales jumped 38% in early April, with Temu surging 60% compared to last year.
2. Google Monopolized Ad Tech Markets, Federal Judge Rules
A major antitrust case against Google is moving forward after a federal judge ruled the tech giant monopolized the digital ad space. The DOJ seeks to dismantle parts of Google’s ad empire—potentially reshaping how ads fund the online fashion ecosystem.
3. Trump-Era Aid Cuts Hurt Human Rights in Fashion Supply Chains
Cuts to USAID funding under the Trump administration have gutted support for worker protections in garment-producing nations. Programs tackling child labor, gender inequality, and factory safety have suffered setbacks, threatening ethical progress in fashion supply chains.
4. TikTok Becomes a Battleground in the US-China Fashion Trade War
Chinese sellers are using TikTok to market high-end lookalikes directly to U.S. consumers, bypassing traditional luxury brands. This viral trend—fueled by inflation and tariffs—challenges both pricing models and consumer perceptions of luxury.
5. Zara and H&M Face Scrutiny Over Cotton Sourcing Linked to Deforestation
An investigation links cotton in Zara and H&M garments to illegal deforestation in Brazil. Though audits claim no standard breaches, concerns remain about transparency and the reliability of sustainability certifications like Better Cotton.
6. Africa’s Fashion Industry Poised for Significant Growth
With a booming youth population and rising global interest in Afrocentric design, Africa’s fashion industry could hit $15.5 billion in exports by 2025. But to truly thrive, it’ll need stronger infrastructure and investment.
As fashion navigates new political, environmental, and technological terrains, the industry’s future hangs on transparency, adaptation, and global collaboration. Stay tuned—what happens next will shape how we shop, sell, and source for years to come.
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Understanding that the apparel industry is about evolution and not revolution, we continue to refine the way the industry does business. Embracing the latest 3D design and development software, we help to refine the design and approval process in a digital landscape, paving the way for rapid decisions and execution of programs while reducing mistakes, improving fit, minimizing returns, and increasing profit margins.
With a network of 67 factories in 14 countries worldwide, our relationships are generations deep. Being diverse in our manufacturing locations, we are nimble in an ever-evolving landscape and provide ethically manufactured apparel and accessories.