Insights Global trade expanded by $300 billion in H1 2025, with modest growth of 1.5 per cent in Q1 and a projected 2 per cent in Q2, according to UNCTAD. Developed economies led the gains, while South-South trade stagnated. Rising US tariffs and protectionist policies pose risks to global supply chains. Still, freight recovery, regional integration, and services trade signal resilience. The global trade expanded by an estimated $300 billion in the first half (H1) of 2025, despite a slower pa

Since 2019, private polyester enterprises in China have actively expanded upstream, developing PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) raw material production to support their growth. This strategic move has driven explosive growth in PTA output, with capacity expansion showing no significant slowdown to date. Recently, key progress has been made in multiple large-scale PTA projects, further propelling industry-wide capacity growth. Helen Petrochemical Project Enters Trial Operation, Capacity Set to Ex

Insights The US and China have agreed to maintain their current tariffs on each other, following discussions' in Stockholm. Both sides agreed to keep tariffs at their existing rates—30 per cent on Chinese goods and 10 per cent on US products. They agreed to a 90-day pause in Geneva in May, and that expires on August 12. The discussions didn't offer any clarity regarding a Trump-Xi summit later this year. The United States and China recently agreed to maintain their current tariffs on ea

Recently, the list of the first batch of pilot projects of artificial intelligence enabling manufacturing industry in Zhejiang Province was announced, and the pilot project of artificial intelligence enabling manufacturing industry (printing and dyeing) in Keqiao District was successfully selected, becoming one of the first five pilot projects in the province and the only one in the city. As an important gathering place of textile printing and dyeing industry in China, Keqiao's printing and dyei

Insights Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2025 will run from September 2–4, showcasing global innovations in sustainable textiles, digital solutions, and creative design. Backed by China's textile growth, it features exhibitors from over 12 regions and tools like Connect PLUS to enhance sourcing and networking across the value chain. Following China's textile industry demonstrating strong resilience and growth, the global textile community will gather at Int

Insights ICE cotton futures stayed range bound on Wednesday, with minimal price change and the lowest trade volume of 2025. Traders remained cautious amid lack of clarity on US trade agreements. Weak crude oil and declining corn futures added to bearish sentiment. Analysts expect subdued momentum until clear direction emerges on global cotton trade, especially regarding US export access. ICE cotton futures remained range bound with minimal price change on Wednesday. Traders continued to seek

Insights China's retail sales of consumer goods increased by 5 per cent YoY to 24,545.8 billion yuan (~$3,422 billion) in the first half (H1) this year—0.4 pp faster than that of the first quarter. Online retail sales reached 7,429.5 billion yuan (~$1035.76 billion) in H1 2025—up by 8.5 per cent YoY. The total value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size grew by 6.4 per cent YoY in H1 2025. China’s retail sales of consumer goods increased by 5 per cent yea

Insights China's railway freight volume grew steadily in H1 2025. A total of 1.98 billion tonnes of cargo was transported, up 3 per cent year-on-year, with daily loaded freight cars rising 4 per cent. The Central Asia freight service saw a 25 per cent surge, while the China-Laos Railway moved 3.03 million tonnes, reflecting 9 per cent annual growth. The railway freight volume of China recorded stable growth in the first half (H1) of 2025, supported by enhanced service efficiency and op

Insights As trade deals near finalisation, the FDRA urges Ambassador Greer not to stack new tariffs on already high footwear duties, which hit working-class families hardest. With children's shoes already taxed up to 48 per cent, the industry said that added tariffs—like the 20 per cent on Vietnamese goods—could worsen inflation and threaten footwear jobs. As reciprocal trade deals near finalisation, footwear industry leaders led by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of Amer

Insights China retained its position as the world's leading apparel exporter last year, with $165.24 billion in exports—up by 0.3 per cent YoY, the WTO said. Bangladesh ranked second, with export earnings worth $38.48 billion; its growth was 0.21 per cent. The global apparel market expanded to $557.5 billion in 2024—a 7.08-per cent growth. Vietnam saw the highest growth among the top exporters at 9.34 per cent. China retained its position as the world’s leading apparel expor