INSIGHTS In May, the global manufacturing PMI hit a 22-month high of 50.9, marking the fourth month above the neutral 50 mark. Output, new orders, and employment showed improvement. Manufacturing production grew at its fastest pace since December 2021, driven by new business and improved trade. Job creation and business confidence rose, while price pressures soared. The global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), a composite index developed by JP Morgan and S&P Global Mar

INSIGHTS China's economy is projected to grow by 5 per cent in 2024 and 4.5 per cent in 2025. These reflect upward revisions of 0.4 percentage points for both years compared to the April WEO projections. Inflation is expected to rise, but stay low as output remains below potential, with core inflation rising only gradually to average 1 per cent in 2024, the IMF noted. China's economic growth is projected to remain resilient at 5 per cent this year, driven by its strong first-quarter data and

INSIGHTS China exported $15.482 billion worth of fabric in Q1 2024, up 2 per cent from the same period last year. Despite global retail market challenges, Vietnam remained the top market, accounting for 16.53 per cent of Chinese fabric exports. After a dip in 2023, exports showed recovery. Other key markets included Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

INSIGHTS China's international trade in goods and services reached 4.11 trillion yuan (~$578.27 billion) in April, a 13 per cent YoY increase. In US dollar terms, exports were $297.4 billion and imports $281.6 billion, yielding a $15.9 billion surplus. Goods exports were 1.9 trillion yuan and imports 1.62 trillion yuan, resulting in a 281.5-billion-yuan surplus. China's international trade in goods and services reached a total value of 4.11 trillion yuan (approximately $578.27 billion) in Apr

INSIGHTS ICE cotton saw slight gains on Monday with the July contract settling at 76.03 cents per pound, up 14 points. Trading activity was subdued, with Monday's volume being the fourth lowest of 2024. The market remains range-bound, with no significant triggers to drive prices. Factors like stronger dollar and weaker crude oil prices applied downward pressure. ICE cotton settled with mild gains on Monday. The market opened this week on a positive note. But there was no trigger for prices to

INSIGHTS The traditional border trade point between China and Nepal in Shigatse, Xizang has reopened, marked by a ceremony in Chentang, Dinggye county. The event saw 110 Chinese and 47 Nepalese merchants trading over 50 goods. Officials highlighted deepening cooperation in trade infrastructure and customs. Other trade points in Shigatse also reopened. After a four-year hiatus, the traditional border trade point between China and Nepal in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, has officially reop

INSIGHTS Cotton prices in China are likely to stay subdued due to weak market fundamentals, characterised by steady supply and flat demand. Despite this, prices may experience a short-term rebound as negative factors ease. The cotton textile industry's PMI for April indicates a contraction, with a significant drop in new orders, highlighting weak demand. Chinese cotton prices are likely to stay subdued on weak fundamentals and steady supply without significant disruptions. However, it may see

INSIGHTS Puma's new ULTRA 5 football boots feature a SPEEDSYSTEM carbon outsole and FastTrax stud design. The lightweight mesh upper and PWRTPE SQD support frame provide optimal fit and stability. Inspired by motorsport engineering, the innovative carbon fibre weave enhances explosive performance. The ULTRA 5 also includes a Women's Fit for tailored comfort and support. Buckle up because PUMA are pushing the ULTRA into another gear giving you the speed and sensation of a finely tuned machine

Following the recent Spring Edition’s doubling of international visitor numbers, which overall welcomed nearly 90,000 trade buyers from 116 countries and regions, the fair’s organisers are eager to build on that success for the upcoming Autumn Edition. Fuelled by strong domestic and international reach, and with product zones that cater to varying sourcing requirements, the global apparel flagship is set to forge ahead for its anniversary, boosted by China’s burgeoning visa-fre

INSIGHTS The Netherlands recently saw another slight improvement in business confidence—minus 6 as Q2 2024 began, a survey revealed. Sentiment remained negative overall in most sectors, despite improvement. A shortage of staff remains the main obstacle for business owners. The issue of weak demand was mentioned the most frequently in manufacturing, at 27 per cent. The Netherlands recently witnessed another slight improvement in business confidence, which stood at minus 6 at the start of