INSIGHTSDespite economic uncertainties, US consumers are expected to spend an average of $1,652 this holiday season, a 14 per cent increase from last year, according to Deloitte's 2023 survey.Middle-income groups are planning to boost spending the most.Confidence in staying within budget has dipped to 57 per cent in 2023 from 63 per cent last year.Despite the uncertain economic landscape in the US, consumer spending this holiday season is expected to surpass 2019 levels, with an average plan

INSIGHTSChina's e-commerce logistics index was 112.3 points in September—up by 1.2 points from the August figure, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said.The overall demand for e-commerce logistics has significantly improved, and the supply capacity and efficiency of logistics enterprises have steadily increased, the federation added.China's e-commerce logistics index was 112.3 points in September—up by 1.2 points from the August figure, according to the China Federation of

INSIGHTSThe 2024 Australian cotton crop shows positive signs as global demand rises and competitors face shortfalls.Cotton merchants report more engagement with international buyers ahead of World Cotton Day.ATMAC has expanded Australia's cotton market, with Vietnam taking 37 per cent of exports, and Indonesia and Malaysia accounting for over 20 per cent.There are some positive signs for the 2024 Australian cotton crop with global demand increasing while major competitors are facing crop sho

INSIGHTSSmall US businesses reported domestic supplier delays dropped from 36.1 per cent in April last year to 14.5 per cent in July 2023, according to the US Census Bureau's economic indicators division.Foreign supplier delays also dropped significantly to 4.3 per cent from 13 per cent in July 2022.Since then, supply chain issues have declined significantly.Small US businesses reported domestic supplier delays dropped from a high of 36.1 per cent in April last year to 14.5 per cent during J

INSIGHTSA new freight train route between Shanghai and Vientiane was launched on Sunday, linking the China-Laos and Shanghai-Kunming railways.Starting from Kunming, the train's journey to Shanghai will take roughly 82 hours.Since December 2021, the China-Laos Railway has transported 27 million tonnes of goods to various Southeast Asian countries.A new freight train route connecting Shanghai and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has been inaugurated on Sunday, according to the information offic

INSIGHTSThe 2023-24 forecast indicates a downturn in the global cotton industry with production dropping to 112.4 million bales due to reductions in key regions.Consumption is reduced to 115.9 million bales, affected by decreased supplies in major markets including India and China.Furthermore, US exports are anticipated to hit an 8-year low at 12.3 million bales.The global cotton industry is facing significant reductions in both production and consumption according to the 2023-24 outlook of the

INSIGHTSGlobal cotton benchmark values have fluctuated over the past month, generally remaining close to the figures seen a month ago.The NY/ICE December contract tested high values but recently regressed to levels near those seen a month ago.The A Index exceeded $1 but settled at 96 cents/lb.Cotton prices in China, India, and Pakistan experienced variations.Global cotton benchmarks moved higher and then lower over the past month. Current values for most prices are near those posted one month ag

INSIGHTSThe total profits of industrial enterprises in China above the designated size reached 3,943.98 billion yuan between January and July this year—down by 15.5 per cent year on year (YoY).The profit of the manufacturing industry was 2,769.42 billion yuan during the period—down by 18.4 per cent YoY.The textile industry's profit fell by 20.3 per cent YoY in the period.The total profits of industrial enterprises in China above the designated size reached 3,943.98 billion yuan between Janua

INSIGHTSThe upcoming ITMF Annual Conference 2023 in China will host over 500 industry representatives from across the textile value chain.Under the theme 'Digitalisation & Circularity – Megatrends Shaping the Textile Industry', the conference aims to explore the evolving textile landscape.The event is co-hosted by CNTAC and the Shaoxing Municipal People's Government.The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Annual Conference 2023 is set to host international indus

INSIGHTSThe international trade in goods and services in China in July this year exceeded 3.77 trillion yuan, or $526.5 billion, according to official data released recently.Exports of goods were worth nearly 1.83 trillion yuan and imports crossed 1.44 trillion yuan, resulting in a surplus of 385.5 billion yuan, the state administration of foreign exchange said.The international trade in goods and services in China in July this year exceeded 3.77 trillion yuan, or $526.5 billion, according to of