The Global Apparel Industry Faces Urgent Transformation as Middle East Tensions Drive Polyester Prices Up by 25%

April 2026 – Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered a severe surge in crude oil prices, forcing unprecedented cost increases across the global textile supply chain.

With polyester fibre and textile prices spiking by up to 25 per cent as of April 2026, the apparel industry is facing immense pressure to adapt to rising production costs while urgently reassessing its reliance on petroleum-based sourcing strategies.