INSIGHTS Though global trade started the year on stable ground, new risks loom, including trade imbalances, evolving policies and geopolitical tensions, UNCTAD said. The gap between developing and advanced economies is widening. Asia and Latin America are key trade drivers, but growth has slowed in many advanced economies. South-South trade is holding up, and intra-Africa trade is shrinking. Though global trade started the year on stable ground, but challenges are mounting and new risks loom,

INSIGHTS USDA's March 2025 WASDE report projects a 500,000-bale increase in global cotton production, reaching 120.96 million bales in 2024-25. However, global ending stocks were reduced by 80,000 bales, while exports rose by 200,000 bales. Consumption estimates increased, particularly for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Despite higher production in China, declines in Pakistan and Argentina offset gains. For 2024-25, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected an increas

INSIGHTS China's retail sales of consumer goods rose by 4 per cent YoY in January-February 2025 to reach 8.37 trillion yuan ($1.17 trillion). Online retail sales rose by 7.3 per cent YoY to around 2.28 trillion yuan in the period. In particular, online retail sales of physical goods rose by 5 per cent YoY to 1.86 trillion yuan, accounting for 22.3 per cent of the total retail sales of consumer goods. China's retail sales of consumer goods rose by 4 per cent year on year (YoY) in the first two

Key Takeaways Textile recycling transforms waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and fostering sustainability. Despite challenges like material complexity and high costs, advancements in digitisation, smart sorting, and chemical recycling offer promise. Collaborative efforts can drive a circular economy. The global fashion industry produces a staggering amount of waste every year. According to recent studies, over 92 million tons of tex

INSIGHTS The recent contraction of global trade moderated to a near-neutral level midway through the first quarter of the year, albeit with regional variations apparent, with India and China leading goods export growth, according to the worldwide PMI surveys compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Trade conditions deteriorated again in February, while the reduction in export orders was marginal. The recent contraction of global trade moderated to a near-neutral level midway through th

INSIGHTS UK retail sales rose by 1.1 per cent YoY in February 2025, matching last year's growth but below the 3-month average of 2.4 per cent. Non-Food sales were flat, with in-store sales down 1.0 per cent and online sales up 1.9 per cent. BRC's Helen Dickinson noted weak fashion sales due to weather, while KPMG's Linda Ellett highlighted cautious consumer spending and the rise of online shopping. The UK’s total retail sales saw a modest increase of 1.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in

INSIGHTS USDA's March 2025 WASDE report projects a 500,000-bale increase in global cotton production, reaching 120.96 million bales in 2024-25. However, global ending stocks were reduced by 80,000 bales, while exports rose by 200,000 bales. Consumption estimates increased, particularly for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Despite higher production in China, declines in Pakistan and Argentina offset gains. For 2024-25, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected an increas

INSIGHTS Adidas achieved strong double-digit growth in FY24, with currency-neutral sales up 12 per cent and a 17 per cent increase in footwear. The gross margin rose to 50.8 per cent, while operating profit surged to €1.4 billion. Q4 saw 19 per cent revenue growth, led by Lifestyle and Performance gains. In 2025, Adidas expects high-single-digit sales growth, driven by product innovation and market expansion. German athletic apparel and footwear company Adidas expects to expand its marke

INSIGHTS Imports at key US ports are set to remain high through spring but may decline year-over-year by summer amid tariff hikes and trade uncertainties. Trump's tariffs on China rose to 20 per cent, and new fees on Chinese-built ships are under consideration. Despite these challenges, container volumes surged in early 2025, though declines in June and July may mark the first dip since 2023. Imports at the key container ports of US are expected to remain high through spring, although volume

INSIGHTS Total global air cargo demand rose by 3.2 per cent YoY in January this year (3.6 per cent for international operations) for the eighteenth consecutive month of growth, according to the International Air Transport Association. Capacity increased by 6.8 per cent YoY in the month (7.3 per cent for international operations). Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 7.5-per cent YoY demand growth in January. Total global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 3.2 per cent