Hertzman Global Intelligence

Birla Cellulose, a global manufacturer of man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF) specializing in viscose staple fiber, modal and lyocell, is accelerating its journey toward circularity and sustainable textiles. The India-based company’s recent partnership with Circulose, which converts post-consumer cotton waste into dissolving pulp, exemplifies a strategic move to integrate recycled materials into solutions like its Liva Reviva.

In the 10 months since U.S. tariffs were announced on “Liberation Day,” apparel sourcing and supply chain executives have been busy modifying operations and tweaking strategies in an attempt to sidestep as much of the margin impact as possible. With differential rates across the garment producing countries, diversifying product origin took on outsized importance.

Forced labor compliance has moved to a core business issue for apparel and footwear companies. The risk is no longer limited to one country, one material or one regulation. It is systemic, evolving and increasingly tied to supply chain functionality and brand credibility.

As the global denim market settles into 2026, it faces a complex mix of inflationary pressure, cautious brand buying and rising expectations around sustainability and compliance. In this exclusive Q&A for Hertzman Global Intelligence, Mark Ix, director, North America marketing of China-based Advance Denim, offers a clear-eyed view of why denim remains a bright spot for retailers despite near-term headwinds.

As fashion brands face growing pressure to improve traceability, sustainability and supply chain stability, many are starting to look higher up the value chain—to the farm. “Elevating Tier 4: Building Equitable Materials Systems,” a panel at Texworld last week, focused on Tier 4, the grower, and how bringing farmers into the sourcing decisions can create stronger, more collaborative supply chains and transparency.

In an industry reliant on flexible, margin-focused relationships between brands and their suppliers, it’s a rare occurrence that a fashion company would own its factories. For those few that do, it’s a source of pride and a symbol of commitment to and responsibility for its products and the people who make them.

The Trump administration signals support for a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expires today. Reuters reports that a White House official has confirmed as much. Additionally, a source with knowledge of the matter has told HGI to expect a retroactive renewal for the trade initiative. More than 30 sub-Saharan African countries are eligible for duty free access to the U.S. market today under AGOA.

Men’s wear is having a moment right now as it rides a wave of consumers dressing up more — whether to go out to dine or be entertained, or for commuting to work more frequently due to return-to-work mandates. For retailers and brands keying into these post-pandemic changes in consumer behavior, the results are higher sales and profits. Tony Spring, CEO of Macy’s, shared category performance during the retailer’s Q2 call, which resulted in sales and profits that beat Wall Street expectations.

While hopes had run high in India ahead of the tariff pause deadline, the reality has turned out far worse than anyone feared. Initially the country was hit with a 25 percent tariff, putting it at a disadvantage compared other Southeast Asian nations that were set at 19 to 20 percent. Then, the U.S. administration doubled the tariff in retaliation for India’s reliance on Russian oil. The two sides are set to meet for another round of negotiations at the end of August.

The Trump administration has ended the de minimis provision for commercial shipments. On July 30, the president suspended de minimis globally in an effort to stim the unregulated flow of packages into the U.S. The provision, which allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the country duty free, is set to end on August 29, 2025.