Latest news with #garments


Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
People are only just realising what the triangle symbols on laundry labels are for
People have been left shocked after finally learning the meaning of a symbol on laundry labels. Some are still struggling to decipher what all the shapes on care labels mean, despite doing their own laundry for years, as they've never taken the time to investigate them. And for those who thought they were in the know, they may be shocked to learn about the true meanings of the triangle symbols on the labels - which can literally make or break your favourite garment. The laundry care symbols - which typically include images of a tub filled with water, a circle inside a square, and an iron - provide instructions and guidelines on everything from washing temperature to ironing and drying. It also includes a triangle, though its meaning and correlating care instructions have left some people stumped. One person took to US forum Reddit to say they were equally baffled by the list of laundry care symbols, and asked fellow users for help. There, one person was astounded by the information, and admitted they thought the triangle 'had something to do with the clothes hanger'. Experts say understanding this sign is crucial for keeping your whites sparkling, as well as ensuring the longevity of your garments. This is because the triangle and its two variations are bleaching symbols, notifying the washer how and when to bleach the product. Bleach can help to whiten your clothes and its also known to be very tough on stains, helping to remove marks that standard detergent may not. You'll often find three isometric triangles on an item's care label: a plain, hollow one, one with two diagonal lines within its interior, and the last with a large X through it. The basic triangle denotes that bleaching of any kind (dependent on additional care instructions) is permitted for the garment as it can withstand the chemical during washes. The triangle with two lines instructs owners to launder the item using a non-chlorine type of bleach only. Meanwhile the triangle that contains an X means you should take care not use bleach when washing the cloth, and this refers to any washing detergents or additions that contain bleach. People are only just realising what all of this means, and have shared their disbelief on the net. 'I didn't know about the triangle!' wrote one person. 'I thought it had something to do with the clothes hanger'. One person was shocked to learn about the triangle's meaning, and admitted they thought it 'had something to do with the clothes hanger' Confused by the symbols, another asked: 'So it's okay to wash it in washing machine?' Meanwhile another person referred to the triangle as a 'food pyramid'. This is all well and good if you actually check the symbols, however a study conducted in 2018 found that a third of Brits admitted they never check instruction labels. Ignorance about how clothes should be cleaned can cost families thousands of pounds, according to a sample test of householders by school uniform supplier Trutex. Matthew Easter, managing director at Trutex said: 'The research shows a huge lack of knowledge when it comes to knowing what care labels mean and an ignorance of their importance. 'The labels are there so the best care can be taken of fabrics and show how they should be treated. 'This helpful information can save time and money and ensure clothes last longer'. According to The Cleaning Institute, bleach is used during wash cycles as it converts dirt into soluble particles, making them easier to remove by washing detergents. Various types of bleach do different things; sodium hypochlorite bleach (also known as chlorine bleach) is amongst the most powerful of laundry bleaches, as it disinfects, cleans and make your whites dazzling. Meanwhile oxygen bleach is gentler, and works more safely on washable fabrics. This bleach can maintain your cloth's whiteness, but unlike chlorine, it is unable to restore it.


Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Egypt's exports surge by 24% in February amid trade shifts
RIYADH: Egypt's exports rose by 24.1 percent year on year in February to reach $4.43 billion, driven by increased shipments of key commodities. The surge comes amid other economic indicators improving, highlighting the country's developing financial landscape. The latest monthly trade report released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, known as CAPMAS, explained that the growth in exports was driven by an increase in ready-made garments, which rose by 30.6 percent, and petroleum products, which increased by 12.2 percent. Moreover, processed foods grew by 9.3 percent, and primary plastic products saw a 3.4 percent rise. Egypt's export growth comes as the Middle East and North Africa region navigates shifting global trade dynamics in 2025, with the impact of recent tariff measures and geopolitical tensions reshaping commercial flows worldwide. Egypt's overall trade balance recorded a deficit of $2.33 billion, marking a 29.1 percent decline from February 2024, when the deficit stood at $3.28 billion. In the second month of this year, imports saw a 1.4 percent decline to $6.67 billion, down from $6.85 billion in the same period of 2024, due to the rise in prices of some imported goods. Sector highlights While some goods, including fresh fruits, fertilizers, potatoes, and iron products, saw declines, the surge in manufactured and petroleum goods bolstered the overall export figures. Reduced purchases of wheat, raw iron and steel materials, pharmaceuticals, and primary plastics contributed to the import decline. Conversely, imports of petroleum products, natural gas, corn, and soybeans rose sharply. Adding to the economic momentum, remittances from Egyptians working abroad surged to a record $32.6 billion in the 12 months through February, marking a 72.4 percent increase from the previous year. The North African country's net foreign assets also rose by $1.48 billion in February, reaching $10.18 billion, supported by increased foreign investment in treasury bills. In a meeting with the National Press Authority in January, Rania Al-Mashat, the minister of planning and economic development, said that the economy is projected to grow by 4 percent this fiscal year, bolstered by structural reforms and a record $46.1 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023/2024. The government is pursuing $4.2 billion in macroeconomic support from global partners, with negotiations underway for an additional $4.10 billion in EU budget aid.


Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's exports rise 24.1% in February 2025 as trade deficit shrinks by nearly third
Egypt recorded a significant improvement in its trade performance in February 2025, with exports surging by 24.1% and the trade deficit narrowing by 29.1% year-on-year. According to the latest monthly bulletin issued by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), the trade deficit dropped to $2.33bn, down from $3.28bn in February 2024. The value of Egyptian exports reached $4.43bn, up from $3.57bn in the same month last year. This increase was driven by stronger performances in several key sectors. Ready-made garments saw a sharp rise of 30.6%, while petroleum products climbed 12.2%. Exports of pasta and various food preparations grew by 9.3%, and plastics in their primary forms also posted a modest increase of 3.4%. Despite the overall growth, some export categories experienced declines. Fresh fruit exports fell by 9.9%, fertilizers dropped by 17.2%, and potatoes declined by 5.2%. There was also a significant 32.3% decrease in the export of iron and steel products, including rods, sticks, corners, and wires. On the import side, Egypt's total imports dipped slightly by 1.4%, reaching $6.76bn in February 2025, compared to $6.85bn a year earlier. The value of imports rose for some commodities, notably petroleum products, which increased by 12.6%, and natural gas, which saw a sharp 150.6% spike. Imports of corn and soybeans also grew, by 40.8% and 12.9% respectively. Meanwhile, imports of other goods declined. Wheat imports dropped by 13.2%, raw iron or steel materials fell by 33.7%, and pharmaceutical products decreased by 2.9%. Imports of plastics in their primary forms were also down by 6.8%. These divs underscore Egypt's ongoing efforts to strengthen its export base and manage import demand, as part of a broader strategy to support economic resilience and reduce pressure on foreign currency reserves. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Daily News Egypt


Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jewelry, garments, fertilisers drive growth in Jordan's exports in February
AMMAN — The national exports continued their upward trend in the first two months of 2025, supported by strong performances in key sectors including jewellery, garments and fertilisers, according to official data released on Sunday by the Department of Statistics (DoS). Figures show that national exports rose by 8.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching JD1.309 billion by the end of February, compared with JD1.211 billion during the same period in 2024, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported, citing DoS figures. The growth was largely driven by higher external demand for several of Jordan's main export commodities. Exports of jewellery and precious metals recorded the highest surge, climbing 49.5 per cent to JD154 million, up from JD103 million a year earlier. The sector's 'robust' performance reflects growing interest in Jordanian gold and silver products, particularly in regional markets. Garment exports, one of Jordan's "longstanding" export pillars, increased by 2.8 per cent to JD257 million, compared with JD250 million during the same period last year. The apparel sector continues to benefit from established trade agreements and competitive production costs. Fertiliser exports also posted healthy growth, rising 8.8 per cent to JD123 million by the end of February, up from JD113 million in the corresponding period of 2024. The increase was attributed to stable global demand and improved export logistics. The overall export landscape was tempered by notable declines in other key sectors. Exports of raw potash fell by 13.4 per cent to JD71 million, down from JD82 million in the same period last year, while phosphate exports dropped even further, declining 20.9 per cent to JD68 million from JD86 million. Pharmaceutical products also recorded a sharp downturn, with exports falling 23.8 per cent to JD64 million, compared with JD84 million in the same period of the previous year. The sector's decline comes amid rising competition in international markets and shifting regulatory requirements in some export destinations. Despite these setbacks, the overall growth in national exports signals resilience in the Kingdom's trade performance, bolstered by diversification across several high-performing sectors. National exports are defined as goods and services produced within the country and sold to foreign markets. These include locally manufactured products and domestically provided services that are exported by Jordanian companies and institutions. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Jordan Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jewelry, garments, fertilisers drive growth in Kingdom's exports in February
Figures show that national exports rise by 8.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching JD1.309 billion by the end of February (Petra Photo) AMMAN — The national exports continued their upward trend in the first two months of 2025, supported by strong performances in key sectors including jewellery, garments and fertilisers, according to official data released on Sunday by the Department of Statistics (DoS). Figures show that national exports rose by 8.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching JD1.309 billion by the end of February, compared with JD1.211 billion during the same period in 2024, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported, citing DoS figures. The growth was largely driven by higher external demand for several of Jordan's main export commodities. Exports of jewellery and precious metals recorded the highest surge, climbing 49.5 per cent to JD154 million, up from JD103 million a year earlier. The sector's 'robust' performance reflects growing interest in Jordanian gold and silver products, particularly in regional markets. Garment exports, one of Jordan's "longstanding" export pillars, increased by 2.8 per cent to JD257 million, compared with JD250 million during the same period last year. The apparel sector continues to benefit from established trade agreements and competitive production costs. Fertiliser exports also posted healthy growth, rising 8.8 per cent to JD123 million by the end of February, up from JD113 million in the corresponding period of 2024. The increase was attributed to stable global demand and improved export logistics. The overall export landscape was tempered by notable declines in other key sectors. Exports of raw potash fell by 13.4 per cent to JD71 million, down from JD82 million in the same period last year, while phosphate exports dropped even further, declining 20.9 per cent to JD68 million from JD86 million. Pharmaceutical products also recorded a sharp downturn, with exports falling 23.8 per cent to JD64 million, compared with JD84 million in the same period of the previous year. The sector's decline comes amid rising competition in international markets and shifting regulatory requirements in some export destinations. Despite these setbacks, the overall growth in national exports signals resilience in the Kingdom's trade performance, bolstered by diversification across several high-performing sectors. National exports are defined as goods and services produced within the country and sold to foreign markets. These include locally manufactured products and domestically provided services that are exported by Jordanian companies and institutions.