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

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 Germany's economy is facing severe pressure due to a growing shortage of orders, with 41.5 per cent of companies reporting insufficient demand in October, up from 39.4 per cent in July. This is the highest level since the 2009 financial crisis. Nearly half of manufacturing firms (47.7 per cent) reported shortages, with the textile industry at 57.7 per cent and furniture at 56.1 per cent. Germany's economic landscape is under significant pressure as the shortage of orders continues to

INSIGHTS ICE cotton prices continued to decline for a third straight session amid lower crude oil prices, making polyester cheaper and pressuring cotton. December 2024 cotton settled at 70.36 cents per pound, reaching its lowest since mid-September. Crude oil dropped as supply concerns eased, impacting polyester costs. The CFTC reported speculators cutting net shorts in cotton. ICE cotton continued to see declining trend for the third consecutive trading session yesterday. US cotton prices hi

INSIGHTS The seasonally-adjusted retail trade volume rose by 0.5 per cent month on month (MoM) in the euro area and by 0.3 per cent MoM in the EU in September. The calendar-adjusted retail sales index rose by 2.9 per cent YoY in the euro area and by 2.8 per cent YoY in the EU in the month. In August, retail trade volume grew by 1.1 per cent MoM in the euro area and by 0.9 per cent MoM in the EU. The seasonally-adjusted retail trade volume increased by 0.5 per cent month on month (MoM) in the

INSIGHTS ICE cotton saw slight gains as rising crude oil prices and a weaker dollar provided support. The December 2024 contract settled at 69.95 cents per pound, up 0.02 cents, with similar small increases noted in other contracts. Crude oil prices rose by $2.20 per barrel, raising polyester production costs, while a weaker dollar made US cotton more attractive for overseas buyers. ICE cotton closed with modest gains across most contracts yesterday, supported by rising crude oil prices and a

INSIGHTS ICE cotton prices rose due to stronger grain markets and expected drier weather aiding US cotton harvest. The December contract settled at 70.56 cents per pound, up 0.20 cents from a low of 69.93 cents on Monday. However, cheaper crude oil limited cotton's gains. Trading volume hit 35,951 contracts. Key US economic data this week could impact prices. ICE cotton recovered yesterday from a low of more than a month. Increase in grain market and expectations of drier weather in cotton gr

INSIGHTS The impact of Red Sea conflict, spiralling freight rates and congestion across global ocean container supply chains led to record high carbon emissions in Q3 2024, Xeneta and Marine Benchmark say. Emissions across Xeneta's top 13 ocean container shipping trades hit a record high in Q3. Cutting emissions is not a priority at times of rising congestion, tightening capacity and high freight rates. The ongoing impact of conflict in the Red Sea, spiralling freight rates and congestion acr