The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

  • Apparel and textile sectors in Greece suffered major declines in the first quarter of the year. Clothing production slumped 16.9%, while textile production fell 22.7%, reflecting deteriorating economic conditions. New clothing orders in the country fell 18.8%, as new textile orders dropped 27%. Clothing imports dropped 9.2%, reaching EUR374m (US$469.3) as exports declined 12.4% to EUR131m. Meanwhile, retail sales of apparel in the domestic market fell 21.7% year-on-year. EKATHIMERINI.COM
  • The Philippines has agreed to reduce the period its proposed zero-duty garment and textile trading with the US will be in place to five years, down from ten years. This is part of the US government’s effort to pass the ‘Save Our Industries’ bill by September this year and will minimize the revenue impact on the US. Some 25 congressmen support the bill, while the Philippines is seeking the support of the Republican congressmen. MANILA BULLETIN
  • Textile and garment sectors in Thailand have decided to relocate their production factories to neighbouring countries, including Chonburi and Rayong to deal with labour shortages, according to The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This is a way to avoid the impact of the 300-baht minimum wage hike policy, which will be implemented in 2013. The FTI has suggested these employers add more machinery to reduce the workforce. NATIONAL NEWS BUREAU OF THAILAND
  • Taiwan’s major textile manufacturers, including New Fibers Textile Corp, Singkong Textile Co, and Makalot Industrial hold a pessimistic business outlook for the second half of the year. Makalot expects its average product selling price to decline as customers seek lower quotes due to declining raw material prices and as the European market sours. Singkong and New Fibers’ directors said the textile sector will be indirectly impacted by the European debt crisis. CENS.com
  • In India, the Gujarat government will intervene in textile strikes, to stop the unrest spreading across Ahmedabad mills that employ workers demanding higher wages. The industrial action has spread to four mills so far. The Bharatiya Janata Party government said it is worried because 8,000 workers are striking 40km from the power centre in Gandhinagar. Soma Textiles is the only member of the Ahmedabad Textile Mills’ Association (ATMA) that has not been affected by the protests. THE ECONOMIC TIMES