Australia news and archive

EU-Australia FTA: Tarriff removal and export growth projections

The European Union and Australia have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), marking a significant step for international business and trade. The agreement, finalised during a meeting between European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and prime minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, will remove over 99...

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Australia: Strategy launched to rebuild domestic textile manufacturing

A new strategy has been launched in Australia aimed at rebuilding targeted domestic manufacturing capabilities across the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector. The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and footwear brand R.M.Williams have jointly introduced the National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036. The...

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Fanatics names first general manager for Australia and New Zealand

Global sports platform and leading provider of licensed sports merchandise, Fanatics, has appointed Sarah Flynn as the company’s first general manager for Australia and New Zealand. In a statement, Fanatics said the appointment marked a “significant milestone” in the company’s continued expansion across one of its fastest-growing international...

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Fashion

Why Merino wool is in demand now more than ever

The global wool industry is experiencing its strongest rally in decades, with Merino wool once again at the centre of fashion and performance innovation. In Australia, the world’s leading producer, the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), the sector’s key benchmark, climbed 109 cents in recent weeks to reach 1,453 cents per kilogram, marking the...

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Australian brand Outcast announces UK expansion

Australian womenswear brand Outcast is expanding to the UK with a dedicated local distribution hub and website as it looks to “better serve its growing regional customer base,” as part of wider plans to accelerate its international expansion. Founded in 2015, Outcast has become a hit in Australia and around the world for its “bold, confident and...

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Birkenstock to acquire Australian distributor

German footwear provider Birkenstock is set to take direct control of its distribution in Australia. On Wednesday, the publicly listed parent company, Birkenstock Holding Plc, announced it will acquire the distribution company Birkenstock Australia Pty. Ltd. through its subsidiary, Birkenstock International Asia GmbH. A corresponding binding...

Fashion

Rebecca Vallance to redesign Qantas airline uniforms

Australian airline Qantas has selected Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance to create its new uniform, following a competitive pitch process. The move will mark the airline's first major uniform overhaul in more than a decade, with Vallance’s new uniform set to launch in 2027, replacing the current design by Martin Grant, which was...

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NGOs crack down on alleged human rights violations within Australia’s fashion industry

Organisations in Australia are cracking down on local fashion brands suspected of carrying out systemic labour rights violations. A new report by Oxfam Australia, backed by the Human Rights Law Centre, has outlined evidence of exploitation and child labour specifically across Bangladesh’s garment supply chain, with potential links to Australian...

Retail

Seafolly to open debut US flagship store in Corona Del Mar, California

Australian swimwear brand Seafolly is set to open its first-ever flagship store in the United States as part of its retail expansion. Slated to open on August 7 in Corona Del Mar, California, the opening comes as Seafolly continues to invest in strengthening its brick-and-mortar footprint. Located at 932 Avocado Avenue, the brand selected this...

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Marks & Spencer enters Australia through David Jones partnership

British retailer Marks & Spencer has debuted in Australia via a new partnership with local department store David Jones. The exclusive deal will initially see Marks & Spencer’s core lingerie and sleepwear range, including T-shirt bras, lace styles, shapewear and thermals, introduced to David Jones stores and its online website from July 14. The...

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Australian organisations team up to develop country’s first National Manufacturing Strategy

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and clothing manufacturing company R.M. Williams have established a new partnership to develop what would be Australia’s first-ever National Manufacturing Strategy. The duo intend to mobilise efforts to “rebuild and future-proof” the local fashion and textile industry in the pursuit of building up a globally...

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Frasers Group to launch Sports Direct in ANZ region with Accent Group

Frasers Group has secured a 25-year strategic retail agreement with Accent Group that will see its sportswear retailer, Sports Direct, launch across Australia and New Zealand. The company said it is planning to open 100 stores in the region, with further opportunities among other retail and business segments to be potentially explored in the...