The manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka recorded a significant surge in May 2026, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising sharply to 56.6 points from 42.6 points in April. This increase indicates a return to expansion in manufacturing activity, according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This recovery provides a positive signal for the national economy amidst global uncertainties and the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The implementation of mandatory halal certification in Indonesia has moved beyond the food and beverage sector. Following the regulatory phasing set by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), textile and textile product (TPT) goods are now being targeted for inclusion in the halal ecosystem. While the goal is to solidify Indonesia’s position as a global center for the sharia economy, the national textile industry’s current readiness is hitting a wall of complex structural realities.
Vietnam’s textile and garment industry is currently facing a formidable challenge that demands an immediate digital overhaul. The European Union (EU) has finalized a mandatory roadmap for the implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), set to take effect for all apparel products entering the bloc by mid-2028. This new policy mandates unprecedented transparency, requiring manufacturers to provide comprehensive data covering everything from detailed production locations to quantitative environmental metrics, such as carbon footprints and water consumption.
Cambodia’s garment industry has demonstrated resilience amidst global market fluctuations, recording a 5.6 percent year-on-year increase in apparel exports to $4.449 billion during the first five months of 2026. Although shipment performance slowed in May, the sector remains a vital pillar of the country's economy, serving as its largest export earner.
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