INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures recovered as stronger crude oil boosted cotton's appeal. Crude oil price rises increased polyester production costs, favouring cotton. However, the rising US dollar capped cotton price growth. The trading volume surged, and ICE deliverable stocks remained unchanged. The ICAC adjusted global cotton production estimates, while USDA delayed its reports. ICE cotton futures recovered from itslows as stronger crude oil increased the appeal of cotton fibre. Expensive crud

INSIGHTS Total global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, rose by 8.2 per cent YoY in November 2024—a sixteenth consecutive month of growth, the International Air Transport Association said. The growth was 9.5 per cent YoY for international operations. Capacity, measured in available CTK, rose by 4.6 per cent YoY in the month; the growth was 6.5 per cent YoY for international operations. Total global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8

INSIGHTS China's consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.2 per cent YoY last year. In December alone, the CPI edged up by 0.1 per cent YoY. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, the CPI was flat in December, following a 0.6-per cent drop in November. The producer price index fell by 2.2 per cent in 2024—smaller than the 3-per cent drop in 2023; it fell by 2.3 per cent YoY and 0.1 per cent MoM in December. China's consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.2 per cent year on year (YoY) last year, acco

INSIGHTS The J.P. Morgan worldwide PMI survey registered the strongest global economic growth for four months in December. Employment edged higher for the first time in five months in response to rising new orders. Growth disparities widened by region, with the US outperforming other major developed nations, which reported either falling or near-stalled output. India far outpaced major emerging markets. The J.P. Morgan worldwide purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey registered the str

INSIGHTS ICE cotton recorded its lowest trading volume in two years on Thursday due to shortened post-Christmas trading hours. The March 2025 contract closed at 68.75 cents per pound, down 0.03 cents, with prices in a tight range. Brazil's cotton acreage is forecast to rise 6.5 per cent year-on-year to 2.12 million hectares. NYMEX crude oil prices fell, impacting polyester prices. ICE cotton recorded its lowest trading volume in two years on Thursday due to shortened trading hours and a conso

INSIGHTS In 2024, Brazil surpassed the US to become the world's leading cotton exporter, a position the US had held since the 1993-94 season. This milestone was achieved after Brazil's cotton production increased for the third consecutive year. The 2023-24 crop season saw a 16.9 per cent increase in planted area, reaching the highest levels since 1991-92, with a record output of 3.7 million tons. Brazil has ascended to become the world's top cotton exporter in 2024, overtaking the US, which h

INSIGHTS In 2024, the euro area saw modest economic growth driven by external demand but sluggish consumer spending and hesitant investment. EU exports dropped, but trade surpluses increased. The textile industry faced a crisis with oversupply and declining demand. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain each faced unique challenges in textiles and machinery, with sustainability efforts gaining momentum. Reported in October, the euro area (countries with Euro as currency) economy had expanded at a

INSIGHTS Retail returns are projected to hit $890 billion in 2024, with 16.9 per cent of sales expected to be returned. Free and seamless returns drive loyalty, while 93 per cent of retailers report concerns about fraudulent returns. Retailers are enhancing return capabilities, with 34 per cent hiring staff and 40 per cent using third-party logistics. Returns continue to remain a pressing issue for the US retail industry, with total returns projected to reach $890 billion in 2024, as per a r

INSIGHTS A group of US trade bodies have urged President-elect Donald Trump to convene an inter-agency working group to fight illicit trade, protect intellectual property (IP) and eradicate counterfeits soon after assuming office. It called for supporting passage of the SHOP SAFE Act to incentivise e-commerce platforms to improve their systems to detect and prevent the sale of counterfeits. A group of US trade bodies recently wrote to President-elect Donald Trump recommending steps his govern

The global chemicals industry, a cornerstone of modern economies, is poised for significant transformations in 2025. Emerging from the disruptions of the pandemic years and adjusting to the new geopolitical and economic landscapes, the sector is set to adapt to technological, environmental, and market-driven changes. Here’s a detailed analysis of the key trends and what the future holds. 1. Sustainability at the Forefront Sustainability is no longer a choice but a mandate for chemical man