INSIGHTS Global cotton markets saw slight declines and stabilisation in recent weeks, with NY/ICE December futures trading between 67–75 cents/lb since June, now at 71 cents/lb. The global A Index dipped from 85 to 83 cents, while China's index dropped from 101 to 97 cents due to a weaker yuan. Indian and Pakistani spot prices also declined, but both rupees remained stable against the dollar. Cotton markets globally witnessed minor price fluctuations over the past month, with overall tr

INSIGHTS ICE cotton prices rose, aided by a weaker US dollar index and an increase in export sales as highlighted in the USDA's weekly report. The dollar softened after the Federal Reserve's 25 basis point rate cut, encouraging profit-taking. Despite recent dollar strength, strong export demand boosted corn and soybean futures, improving market sentiment. ICE cotton prices rebounded due to a weaker US dollar index and improved US cotton export sales. The US dollar index eased after reaching a

The global textile industry, a major contributor to many countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is now facing intensified scrutiny regarding its environmental and social impacts. As the largest manufacturing sector by production volume and workforce, it is also one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries. Growing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable practices are driving efforts to enhance sustainability in textile production and consumption. While the EU and the USA

INSIGHTS Goldman Sachs Research has projected another solid year of global growth in 2025, with world GDP forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent on an annual average basis. The US will exceed expectations, while the euro area will lag behind amid anticipated US tariffs. US GDP may rise by 2.5 per cent in 2025, and the euro area's by 0.8 per cent. US core PCE inflation should slow to 2.4 per cent by late 2025. Goldman Sachs Research has projected another solid year of global economic growth in 2025,

INSIGHTS Import volumes at major US container ports are projected to be higher than previously expected as retailers prepare for a potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump. A brief October strike highlighted ongoing labour disputes, with formal negotiations set to resume. Concerns over tariffs are pushing retailers to expedite shipments. Import volumes at the nation’s major container ports could be higher than previously expecte

INSIGHTS Seasonally-adjusted industrial production fell by 2 per cent month on month (MoM) in both the euro area and the EU in September, the first Eurostat estimates show. It decreased by 2.8 per cent YoY in the euro area and by 2.4 per cent YoY in the EU in the month. In August this year, industrial production grew by 1.5 per cent MoM in the euro area and by 1.2 per cent MoM in the EU. Seasonally-adjusted industrial production decreased by 2 per cent month on month (MoM) in both the euro ar

INSIGHTS China's CPI was up by 0.3 per cent YoY in October over September's 0.4-per cent rise. The core CPI rose by 0.2 per cent YoY—up from a 0.1-per cent rise in September. The CPI slipped by 0.3 per cent month on month in October after remaining unchanged in September. The producer price index went down by 2.9 per cent YoY in October, slightly widening from the 2.8-per cent decline seen in September. China's consumer prices rose mildly in October this year as domestic demand continue

INSIGHTS Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for 2025 eurozone GDP growth to 0.8 per cent from 1.1 per cent. Europe's economy will be hit by the return of Donald Trump as president, due to the likelihood of new trade tensions with the US, pressure to raise defense spending and a blow to business confidence due to higher geopolitical risks, its experts believe. European companies may also face tariffs. Investment bank Goldman Sachs recently lowered its forecast for eurozone gross domestic p

INSIGHTS Gas crisis and political instability in Bangladesh, highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's resignation, have severely disrupted the country's RMG industry. The crisis may shift supply chains, favouring competitors like India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's future depends on political stability, energy infrastructure improvements, and diversification efforts. The gas crisis, along with the political turmoil in Bangladesh, including the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has c

INSIGHTS China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and exports expanding by 4.6 per cent YoY in yuan terms compared to a 0.7-per cent YoY increase recorded in September. The country's foreign goods trade rose by 5.2 per cent YoY to 36.02 trillion yuan (~$5 trillion) in the first 10 months this year, with exports up by 6.7 per cent and imports up by 3.2 per cent. China's foreign trade witnessed faster growth in October, with total goods imports and expo