INSIGHTS The political struggle among some top trading nations may have taken its first nibble at global e-commerce volumes in February's global air cargo market data, with spot rates from Shanghai to the US falling by 29 per cent month on month, Xeneta said. Global air cargo demand grew by 4 per cent YoY in February, marking a continued slowdown from the double-digit growth seen in each month in 2024. The political game of ‘cat and mouse’ among some of the world’s biggest t

INSIGHTS China aims at achieving a 5-per cent economic growth rate this year, a government work report submitted to the national legislature said. The country's economic growth rate was 5 per cent last year. Other key development goals outlined for this year in the report include a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 per cent, over 12 million new urban jobs and a close to 2-per cent CPI rise. China aims at achieving a 5-per cent economic growth rate this year, according to a govern

INSIGHTS ICE cotton has declined in five of the last six sessions, with March and July 2025 contracts hitting new lows. A stronger US dollar and falling crude oil prices pressured the market, while traders await key USDA reports. Market activity has shifted to later contracts, reducing volatility. May 2025 ICE cotton settled at 66.87 cents per pound, with broad-based selling across the market. ICE cotton has recorded five declines in the last six sessions for most contracts, reflecting contin

INSIGHTS China's manufacturing PMI was 50.2 in February this year—up by 1.1 percentage points from the previous month and bouncing back to the expansion zone, official data show. The February PMI data was affected by factors like enterprises resuming production after the Spring Festival holiday. The sub-indices of production and new orders came in at 52.5 and 51.1 respectively. China’s manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) was 50.2 in February this year—up by 1.1 pe

INSIGHTS ICE cotton extended its bearish trend for the fourth session. Weak export demand, a stronger dollar, and falling crude oil pressured prices. US cotton exports remained weak, though Chinese imports improved slightly. Trading volume surged, but open interest fluctuated. Experts highlighted challenges from weak demand, currency strength, and fibre competition, signalling continued market weakness. ICE cotton continued its bearish trend for the fourth consecutive trading session. The May

Key Takeaways The textile industry is innovating for sustainability by adopting water recycling, eco-friendly materials, and digital printing. Supply chain diversification and technologies like blockchain and AI are improving resilience and transparency. Consumer demand for sustainability is driving brands to focus on ethical practices, packaging, and product transparency. The textile industry is in the midst of a transformation, one where innovation and sustainability are no longer opt

INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures declined due to technical selling ahead of USDA's export report, despite expectations of a positive outcome. Weak US dollar failed to boost sentiment. May 2025 contract settled at 67.47 cents per pound, its lowest in 8 sessions. Analysts see potential market stabilisation around 67 cents. Brazil's record cotton exports and tariff concerns continue to influence market trends. ICE cotton futures continued to ease due to selling pressure ahead of the USDA’s expo

INSIGHTS Online shopping in the EU continues to expand, with the most frequently purchased goods online last year being clothing (including sportswear), shoes and accessories, with 45 per cent of people making these purchases in the previous three months, a survey by Eurostat found. Online shopping of furniture and home accessories or gardening items rose by 19 per cent last year in the bloc. Online shopping in the European Union (EU) continues to expand, with the most frequently purchased go

INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures gained on Wednesday, supported by rising crude oil, though a stronger dollar discouraged buying. The March 2025 contract settled at 67.40 cents per pound, up 0.86 cents. Traders are rolling positions ahead of the February 24 delivery. The USDA kept US cotton exports at 11 million bales. Cotton prices fell 1.44 per cent in 2025. Currently, March 2025 cotton trades at 67.46 cents. ICE cotton futures continued to gain on Wednesday, supported by rising crude oil. Howev

INSIGHTS Fitch Ratings warns of rising global trade war risks as the Trump administration adopts a tougher US trade policy, with Mexico and Canada most vulnerable. Trade tensions pose a key threat to global credit, alongside US policy shifts in immigration, deregulation, and tax cuts. The 2017 tax cuts are expected to be extended, while inflation uncertainty and interest rate risks persist. The risks of a global trade war have increased significantly as the Trump administration adopts a more