Asia Fashion Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 24 Week of 21 July 2025
(1) Hong Kong investigates Louis Vuitton data leak affecting 419,000 customers
Louis Vuitton is being investigated in Hong Kong after a data breach exposed personal details of 419,000 customers.
(2) EU commission ‘shocked’ by Shein & Temu goods’ risks
The EU is investigating Shein and Temu over unsafe products and rising low‑value imports, with plans for stricter regulations and talks with Chinese authorities.
(3) Shift in Global Fashion Manufacturing: China’s Market Dominance Diminishes
China’s share of global apparel exports fell below 30% in 2024, with the European Union overtaking it as the world’s top clothing exporter.
(4) Vietnamese Associations Advocate for Material Hub to Boost Fashion Industry
Vietnam plans to build a fashion materials innovation centre to reduce reliance on imports and boost its leather and textile industries.
(1) Hong Kong investigates Louis Vuitton data leak affecting 419,000 customers
(Photo Credit: Reuters/ Tyrone Siu)
Louis Vuitton is under investigation in Hong Kong after a data breach exposed the personal details of around 419,000 customers. The leaked information includes names, passport numbers, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, shopping history and product preferences. The company confirmed that no payment data was affected and said it is working with regulators and affected clients to address the issue.
The breach was first detected by Louis Vuitton’s French headquarters on 13 June 2025, with confirmation on 2 July 2025 that Hong Kong customers were impacted. However, the company did not report the incident to Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog until 17 July 2025, prompting concerns about a possible delay in notification. Authorities are now examining whether the brand complied with local data protection laws.
This incident follows similar breaches in other countries and raises questions about the company’s cybersecurity practices. The investigation will assess how the data was accessed and whether Louis Vuitton took appropriate steps to protect customer information and respond in a timely manner.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/hong-kong-investigates-louis-vuitton-data-leak-affecting-419000-customers-2025-07-21/
(2) EU commission ‘shocked’ by Shein & Temu goods’ risks
(Photo Credit: T. Schneider – Shutterstock)
The European Commission is investigating Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu over serious safety concerns, with Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath expressing shock at findings from a secret shopper operation. Dangerous products identified include baby teethers with choking risks, children’s raincoats containing toxic chemicals, and cosmetics with banned substances linked to fertility issues. The EU’s Safety Gate system recorded over 4,000 alerts last year, highlighting widespread non-compliance.
The surge in low-value imports from non-EU countries, particularly China, has overwhelmed customs systems, with 4.6 billion consignments under 150 euros recorded in 2024. To tackle this, the EU is considering removing the duty-free threshold and introducing a handling fee per parcel to fund stricter checks. These measures aim to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for European businesses that follow safety regulations.
Shein and Temu have responded by outlining their investments in product testing and compliance partnerships, but the EU remains sceptical. Commissioner McGrath plans to raise the issue with Chinese authorities at the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing on 25 July 2025, as the European Commission pushes for stronger oversight and accountability in cross-border e-commerce.
News Source: https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/07/21/eu-commission-shocked-by-shein-temu-goods-risks/
(3) Shift in Global Fashion Manufacturing: China’s Market Dominance Diminishes
(Photo Credit: Modaes)
China’s dominance in global fashion production has declined, with its share of apparel exports falling below 30% for the first time since 2005. In 2024, the European Union overtook China as the largest exporter, holding 29.7% of the global market compared to China’s 29.6%. Despite this shift, China still exported US$165 billion worth of apparel, maintaining its position as a major player.
Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey and India continue to strengthen their roles as key apparel exporters. Bangladesh exported US$38 billion in 2024, while Vietnam reached US$34 billion, both showing growth despite previous setbacks. Turkey and India also increased exports, although their global market shares slightly declined. Cambodia and Pakistan entered the top ten, with Cambodia showing the fastest growth at 24%.
Indonesia completed the top ten list with US$9 billion in exports. The United States and the European Union remain significant exporters, though their figures are driven by fashion brands rather than manufacturing. The global fashion production landscape is becoming more dispersed, with several countries gaining ground as China’s dominance fades.
News Source: https://www.modaes.com/global/markets/china-loses-hegemony-as-the-worlds-fashion-factory-down-30-of-global-market-share
(4) Vietnamese Associations Advocate for Material Hub to Boost Fashion Industry
(Photo Credit: Modaes)
Vietnam’s Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association has proposed creating a 40 hectare fashion materials innovation centre to strengthen the domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on imported materials. The centre would focus on developing raw materials locally, boosting competitiveness in the leather, footwear and textile industries. It would also support regional demand by supplying neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Bangladesh.
The plan includes strong government backing and new policies to encourage innovation in design and business models. Inspired by similar successful projects in China, the centre aims to streamline production and improve efficiency across the fashion sector. Vietnamese trade offices and diplomatic missions are expected to help share international expertise to support the initiative.
Vietnam’s fashion industry has benefited from global shifts, including trade tensions between China and the United States and unrest in Bangladesh. The country’s economy grew by 7.09% in 2024, surpassing expectations, and is now the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. For 2025, Vietnam is targeting growth between 6.5 and 7%, with the prime minister predicting it could reach 8%.
News Source: https://www.modaes.com/global/markets/vietnamese-associations-propose-to-build-a-materials-hub-to-boost-fashion
