INSIGHTS G20 GDP growth remained stable in Q2 at 0.7 per cent, slightly down from 0.8 per cent in Q1. Brazil and Saudi Arabia led with 1.4 per cent growth, while China and India's growth slowed. Japan rebounded with a 0.7 per cent increase, and US saw modest growth. Several countries, including South Korea and Germany, saw contractions. G20 GDP grew by 3.1 per cent YoY, with India leading at 6.8 per cent. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the G20 area remained stable during the second qu

INSIGHTS Yarn Expo Autumn welcomed nearly 22,000 buyers from 81 countries, featuring 540 exhibitors from 15 regions. It saw a rise in international buyers and a focus on sustainability with new products like bio-based yarns. Concurrent with other textile fairs, it promoted industry innovation through fringe events and expanded international participation. Welcoming nearly 22,000 buyers from 81 countries and regions to its recent edition, Yarn Expo Autumn leveraged its extensive network to bu

INSIGHTS China's foreign trade in goods reached $4.02 trillion from January to August, up 3.7 per cent year-on-year. Exports rose by 4.6 per cent, and imports increased by 2.5 per cent, with a trade surplus expanding 11.2 per cent to $608.49 billion. In yuan terms, total goods trade saw a 6 per cent jump, with exports up 6.9 per cent and imports rising 4.7 per cent. In US dollar terms, China’s foreign trade in goods reached $4.02 trillion from January to August, up 3.7 per cent year-on-

INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures continued to decline due to weak crude oil prices and favourable weather, despite a weaker dollar limiting losses. December contract settled at 69.44 cents per pound, down 0.37 cents, while crude oil hit a yearly low due to demand concerns and increased supply. Traders await US cotton export sales report, expected to show limited activity. ICE cotton continued to observe a declining trend due to weak crude oil prices and favourable weather conditions. However, the

INSIGHTS In H1, South Africa imported apparel worth $818.633 million, with China being the top supplier, holding a 51.47 per cent market share. In 2023, South Africa's total apparel imports from China were valued at $769.545 million. Recent discussions between Chinese President Jinping and South African President Ramaphosa have further strengthened bilateral ties.

INSIGHTS In August, cotton prices in Brazil fell below BRL 4 ($0.71) per pound, driven by increased domestic supply, lower international prices and reduced export parity. The CEPEA/ESALQ cotton index dropped by 4.65 per cent, closing at BRL 3.8863 ($0.69) per pound on August 30. The 2023-24 cotton harvest is progressing well, with 76.1 per cent of the area harvested. In August, cotton prices in Brazil experienced a notable decline, falling below BRL 4 (~$0.71) per pound by the end of the mont

INSIGHTS Swimwear imports by the US decreased to $412.606 million in H1 2024, down 7.41 per cent from $445.966 million in H1 2023. The imports peaked at $1,132.733 million in 2022 but fell to $684.732 million last year. China was the largest supplier in H1 2024, contributing 32.95 per cent of the total imports, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures saw steep declines, erasing previous session gains, with US cotton nearing new lows due to pressure from falling stocks, crude oil, and grain markets. US cotton export sales were average, while China's purchasing remained low. Crude oil dropped further after disappointing US employment data. Speculators increased short positions. ICE cotton has experienced steep losses, erasing almost all the gains from the previous trading session. US cotton is heading towards new

Pakistan's cotton arrivals for 2024-25 season have significantly declined to 1.225 million bales, a 59.69 per cent drop from previous year. The decrease is attributed to reduced sowing areas, drought conditions and pest attacks. The country's total cotton production in 2023-24 had increased by 70.94 per cent compared to 2022-23 but has now decreased again.

INSIGHTS Geopolitical friction, trade barriers, unfavourable pandemic-time experiences and industrial policy have motivated many firms to reassess their global supply chains, in particular, their China operations, S&P Global Ratings said. As FDI into China seems to have plunged, Asian emerging markets and Mexico have generally not seen significant increases. Geopolitical friction, trade barriers, unfavourable experiences during the pandemic and industrial policy have motivated many firms