Latest news with #Cascale
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vietnam Completes Second Round of Trade Talks With U.S.
The United States and Vietnam have concluded a second round of trade negotiations according to Vietnam's trade ministry, which noted significant progress being made in talks scheduled from May 19-22 in Washington. In a statement on Thursday, the trade body said that both sides engaged in substantive discussions on all agenda items outlined ahead of the session. Vietnam faces one of the highest tariff impositions announced by president Trump's administration in April, at 46 percent. More from Sourcing Journal Trump Lashes Out at Walmart, Says Retailer Should 'Eat the Tariffs' Tariffs Tank China's US Exports, but Southeast Asia and India Cash In Vietnam-to-US Exports, Freight Rates Soar on Tariff Drama Nguyễn Hồng Diên, minister of industry and trade in Vietnam met with Ambassador and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to review the outcomes of the second round and identify key issues. According to a statement from the ministry on Thursday, discussions will continue at the end of June. The 90-day pause on the proposed 46-percent tariffs ends on July 8. Hồng Diên spoke about the intent to foster a balanced and sustainable economic and trade relationship with the U.S., for the benefit of both countries' peoples and businesses', while Ambassador Greer praised Vietnam's goodwill and efforts to address US concerns and expressed a desire to continue technical-level and ministerial-level exchanges to reach an agreement as soon as possible. According to the office of the U.S. Trade representative, the trade deficit of Vietnam with the U.S. was $123.5 billion in 2024, with the U.S. importing goods worth $136.6 billion in 2024, as against exporting goods worth $13.1 billion to Vietnam. Meanwhile, the industry in Vietnam has been gathering at several forums over the past few weeks to get a handle on what the 46 percent tariff levied against Vietnam could mean for the industry. Vietnam exported apparel worth $44 billion in 2024, with an approximate 38 percent of this to the U.S, an increase of 12.33 percent over the previous year according to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). At a forum organized by Cascale in Ho Chi Minh City on May 14-15, Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS) mirrored the feeling that appeared to be reverberating through the 600 industry professionals present. 'None of us can go alone—collaboration is the only way. When brands, manufacturers, organizations and governments come together and share responsibility, any goal can be achieved,' he said in his keynote address. The point was amplified through the event. 'The Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City reminds us that while policy can shift and stall, manufacturers have a great opportunity to lead. Our ongoing mandate is to ensure that this progress isn't slowed by uncertainty—but accelerated through collaboration,' Andrew Martin, executive vice president, Cascale, said in a session. Cascale, a global nonprofit alliance formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, empowers collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry, and owns and develops the Higg Index, which is available on Worldly, a comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Sharing their thoughts, and in urgent discussions that often skirted around the looming tariffs were manufacturers, leading brands, service providers, and supply chain partners. Other important issues including decarbonization, regulatory changes, facility improvements, responsible contracting and worker rights were also discussed. Vietnamese manufacturers attending the event told Sourcing Journal about their fears that global brands would pressure them to shoulder the costs of tariff impacts, while underlining the need to protect workers as the apparel industry in Vietnam employs more than three million people. Discussions about how this situation should be handled were also ongoing. As Lindsay Wright, director of communications and strategic partnerships, Better Buying, Cascale observed: 'Manufacturers are clear: Global brands should not use tariffs as an excuse to roll back on their responsible business commitments. If they do, the consumer goods industry will have to pick up the pieces later.' Massimiliano Tropeano, garment, trade and sustainability expert at GIZ-EuroCham Cambodia, noted that while tariffs focused on reshaping physical trade flows, the real story is much more complex. 'The complexity of a topic like tariff trade cannot be simplified, however, the base number on which the trade imbalance have been calculated are intrinsically wrong. Take the iPhone. Designed in California, yes—but manufactured in China. This shows up as China's export numbers, not America's. And it's not just hardware. Software giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet sell digital products and services globally—but often book the revenue through offshore entities in low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland or the kicker to all of this is that ironically the above is adding to the very trade imbalance that U.S. tariffs aimed to correct.' 'As we move forward in a world of digital globalization, maybe it's time to rethink how we measure economic power, national competitiveness, and fair trade,' he said. Important points to note for manufacturers included the focus on managing regulations as well as sustainability and environmental concerns. 'In the Asia-Pacific region, regulation is fast becoming strategy,' Cascale's Martin emphasized. 'We are increasingly seeing many countries stepping up with more progressive policies. To support this, Cascale advocates for clear, consistent guidance that manufacturers can actually use. We're actively engaging across all three regions to push for global and regional frameworks that are practical, aligned, and grounded in manufacturers' realities. 'Our shared mission is driving positive impact across the largest engaged supply chain network in the industry,' said Adele Stafford, chief growth officer at Worldly at the event. She spoke about the growing momentum on the platform: 'Over 20,000 Higg Facility Environmental Modules (FEMs) have already been completed in 2025, with each supplier sharing data with an average of four brands, improving efficiency.' While economists are calling for 'increased self reliance,' manufacturers are also looking at ways to speed past the possible deadline on July 8. The HCM City Association of Garments, Textiles, Embroidery and Knitting has called for ramping up production to increase shipments before the tariff increases kick in. 'There's only so much we can do to sidestep this huge tariff,' a manufacturer said, asking not to be named. 'Meanwhile, we're just counting on negotiations turning this new avalanche around.'
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale CEO Colin Browne To Step Down at End of July
AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., May 22, 2025 /3BL/ - Cascale today announced that CEO Colin Browne will step down from his role, effective July 31, 2025. Browne's decision to depart reflects a personal choice after leading the organization through a pivotal period of strategic reset and renewed ambition. 'Colin's steady leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing and refocusing Cascale over the past year,' said Tamar Hoek, Chair of the Board, and Senior Policy Director Sustainable Fashion, Solidaridad. 'He has helped lay a strong foundation for what's next and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.' Cascale enters this leadership transition from a position of clarity and momentum. Over the past 12 months, the organization has launched a bold new impact strategy, deepened engagement with manufacturers globally, purchased the assets of Better Buying, and advanced critical work on industry-wide decarbonization. These priorities — along with an emphasis on member value, and partnership — remain firmly in place. 'This has been an enlightening journey,' said Colin Browne. 'I'm proud of what we've achieved together and confident that the work ahead is in good hands. Cascale's mission is more important than ever, and I look forward to watching the team take it even further.' The executive team and Board will work closely together to guide Cascale through this next chapter. A global search for Browne's successor is currently underway. In the interim, the organization will maintain its strategic course, with senior leadership continuing to deliver on key priorities without pause. 'This is not a reset; it's a continuation,' said Hoek. 'Strong institutions don't pause when people change; they grow. Cascale remains focused on driving measurable impact across the value chain, and we are excited for what comes next.' ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cascale
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariffs Impending, Vietnam-Based Apparel Manufacturers Speak Out
Collaboration on decarbonization, human rights anchors discussions at Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS; HONG KONG; OAKLAND, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 19, 2025 / At the recent Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City, over 600 manufacturers, leading brands, service providers, and supply chain partners - Cascale members and non-members alike - convened to address urgent challenges and opportunities in the consumer goods value chain. Topics spanned industry decarbonization, trade shifts, regulatory changes, facility improvements, responsible contracting, worker rights, and more. Discussions were especially critical for Vietnam-based apparel manufacturers, who may face impacts of higher U.S. tariffs when a 90-day pause on proposed 46-percent tariffs ends on July 8. A dedicated Vietnamese stage spotlighted local expertise and leadership, and the entire program was delivered bilingually to ensure full participation from Vietnamese stakeholders. Colin Browne, Cascale CEO, opened the event by challenging brands and suppliers to work together to set Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for decarbonization. "Setting an SBT without close consultation with one's supply chain is unacceptable and irresponsible given the near-term deadline of 2030," he said. "But with the right actionable data and mutual support, there is hope." Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS, a Cascale association partner), delivered the opening keynote address. "None of us can go alone - collaboration is the only way," he said. "When brands, manufacturers, organizations and governments come together and share responsibility, any goal can be achieved." During the session "Navigating Global Policy: Impact on Sourcing Countries & Strategies," Andrew Martin, Cascale executive vice president, said: "In EMEA and the Americas, manufacturers are navigating an evolving maze of often conflicting regulations. Yet in the Asia-Pacific region, regulation is fast becoming strategy - as we are increasingly seeing many countries stepping up with more progressive policies. To support this, Cascale advocates for clear, consistent guidance that manufacturers can actually use. We're actively engaging across all three regions to push for global and regional frameworks that are practical, aligned, and grounded in manufacturers' realities. The Cascale Forum in Ho Chi Minh City reminds us that while policy can shift and stall, manufacturers have a great opportunity to lead. Our ongoing mandate is to ensure that this progress isn't slowed by uncertainty - but accelerated through collaboration." With Worldly, Cascale recently released a new report, "Navigating Regulation and Building Resilience: Key Trends in Corporate Supply Chain Responsibility for APAC in 2025," available in both Vietnamese and Chinese. Vietnam-based manufacturers spoke up at the Cascale Better Buying: Creating Shared Value for Buyers & Suppliers to Drive Decent Work for All session, reporting fears that global brand customers will pressure them to shoulder the costs of tariff impacts. They also urged prioritization of worker protections in high-risk countries like Vietnam, where apparel production employs three million people. "Manufacturers are clear: Global brands should not use tariffs as an excuse to roll back on their responsible business commitments," said Lindsay Wright, director of communications and strategic partnerships, Better Buying, Cascale. "If they do, the consumer goods industry will have to pick up the pieces later." Leonie Vaas, general manager - sustainability at Hirdaramani Apparel presented a case study during the session "From Factory Floor to Global Impact: How Manufacturers are Leading the Way." With a manufacturing footprint that includes over 30 facilities across Asia and Africa - including Vietnam - Hirdaramani embeds ESG practices into operations across regions. "At Hirdaramani, our Future First Sustainability Roadmap is built on the belief that manufacturers can be powerful catalysts for real change," she said. "By embedding sustainability into every part of our operations, from energy and water to employee well-being and community empowerment, we are not just meeting global standards - we are helping shape them. Aligned with global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our Future First Roadmap is scalable across markets, collaborative, and impact-driven, enabling us to work closely with our partners. As an apparel manufacturer, we know that what we do matters, and delivering progress starts with taking responsibility." Matthew Guenther, vice president of corporate sustainability at TAL Apparel Ltd, which manufactures in Ethiopia, Thailand, and Vietnam, contributed to the session "Vietnam's DPPA: Powering Decarbonization Opportunities" by sharing TAL's perspective on the importance of renewable energy access for manufacturers. "Renewable electricity is a key intervention on our decarbonization roadmap," he said. "Rooftop solar will only provide 20-25 percent of our renewable electricity needs. Access to offsite renewable electricity projects, such as that offered through Vietnam's DPPA, would be a big unlock for our company to achieve our net-zero target." Adele Stafford, chief growth officer at Worldly, the leading platform for sustainability data and analytics in consumer goods supply chains, led the Worldly Product Roadmap - Data to Action session. As the Higg Index tools are owned and developed by Cascale and exclusively available on Worldly, the two organizations are tightly integrated, Stafford shared. "Cascale drives industry alignment and standards, while Worldly operationalizes those standards with scalable, dynamic technology,"she said. "Our shared mission is driving positive impact across the largest engaged supply chain network in the industry." Stafford also reported growing momentum on the platform: Over 20,000 Higg Facility Environmental Modules (FEMs) have already been completed in 2025, with each supplier sharing data with an average of four brands, improving efficiency. Presented by Lead Partner Worldly, the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City agenda was shaped by leaders from the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), Crystal International, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Hirdaramani Group, New Balance, Puma Group, and VITAS, who served on the event's program advisory council. More information about programming, speakers, and sponsors can be found on the Cascale Forum: Ho Chi Minh City webpage. Next up? The Cascale Annual Meeting 2025, taking place September 15-17 in Hong Kong. Visit the Cascale Annual Meeting 2025 webpage for more information and sponsorship opportunities. ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on Contact Info:Spokesperson: CascaleWebsite: Email: info@ SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cascale Talks ESPR at Innovation Forum Sustainable Apparel Event in Amsterdam
Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director of policy and public affairs at Cascale, recently took to the stage at Innovation Forum's Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference in Amsterdam to discuss Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and how brands can get ahead of implementation. Carsten Wentink, policy officer at the European Commission, joined her for a conversation moderated by Ian Welsh, publishing director at Innovation Forum. Von Reitzenstein noted the significant adaptations that ESPR will require, which will encourage manufacturers and brands to prioritize circularity, transparency, and innovation. She shared key requirements companies must fulfill to comply with ESPR, including proactively integrating eco-design principles, assessing their supply chains, and preparing for Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Von Reitzenstein highlighted the crucial challenges DPPs will present for businesses, particularly those not currently measuring their carbon impact across supply chains. Emphasizing the importance of gathering reliable information from the full scope of suppliers, von Reitzenstein acknowledged the difficulty in collecting comprehensive and accurate data throughout complex global supply chains. She highlighted Cascale's Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, and how they can support the collection, tracking, and analysis of supply chain data for regulatory compliance. She noted Cascale's continued efforts to support its members along their compliance journeys by providing resources, guidance, and collaborative platforms to navigate the new regulations. Presenting a global perspective, von Reitzenstein emphasized that companies must move beyond compliance to build genuine resilience. She underscored the critical role of education in understanding legislation, highlighting Cascale's 'Navigating Legislation & the Higg Index' webinar series, which explores how Cascale continues to evolve the Higg Index tools to support companies navigating the legislation landscape. She also shared Cascale's ongoing efforts to develop and share resources with its members and Higg Index users to ensure they are well informed and supported in their compliance journeys. Von Reitzenstein reiterated the vital role of industry input, emphasizing the EU's call for businesses to contribute ideas to shape effective eco-design rules and realistic implementation timelines. She reassured members that they are not alone in this journey, as Cascale continues to offer valuable resources and engagement channels for alignment. She also called on the need for collaboration, highlighting the crucial role of industry organizations like Policy Hub — a Cascale ecosystem partner — in uniting the industry's voice to shape the sector's future. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cascale
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Location, Same Vision: Higg Index Resources Now Available at Cascale
Cascale has launched a new website that will serve as the new home for key Higg Index resources previously housed on This transition is part of a broader effort to streamline information, improve access, and enhance the user experience for Cascale members and Higg Index users. The Higg Index is a suite of five tools that assess and measure the social and environmental performance of the consumer goods value chain and the environmental impacts of products. Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the industry's leading sustainability data insights platform. has been a trusted resource for Higg Index technical materials, and the content remains available to all Higg Index users on the Cascale's website at The website update reflects Cascale's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, user-informed resources. Feedback from members and users has played a central role in shaping the transition strategy, reinforcing the organization's dedication to providing accessible, effective information for sustainability measurement and improvement. The new website provides the same Higg Index technical guidance, methodologies, training videos, and support materials, while improving the user experience through more seamless navigation and a modernized site design. Additional platform guidance and Worldly-specific information will be found on Worldly's Training and Support site. Cascale and Worldly remain aligned in their support of Cascale members, Higg Index users, and stakeholders throughout the transition. While Cascale will host and maintain the new website, Worldly will continue to enhance the user experience on its platform. To maintain clarity and continuity, a redirect will be set up on to direct users to the appropriate new locations. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cascale
