Insights Global FDI declined 3 per cent in H1 2025, marking a continued two-year slump as trade tensions, high borrowing costs, and geopolitical uncertainty curbed investor confidence, according to UNCTAD. Developed economies saw an 18 per cent fall in M&As. Greenfield and renewable projects dropped sharply, though AI-driven investments and sovereign wealth fund activity may aid recovery later in 2025. Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell 3 per cent in the first half (H1) of 2025,

Insights UK textile brands cut carbon by 6 per cent and water use by 9 per cent since 2019, according to the UK Textiles Pact's fourth Annual Progress Update by WRAP. The report highlights significant gains from sustainable fibres, recycled content, and improved manufacturing processes. However, rising production volumes—up 17 per cent since 2019—offset overall reductions. Sustainability teams in the United Kingdom are driving real progress to reduce impacts by improving products,

Insights Thailand's International Institute for Trade and Development and the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute recently signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in trade and development, and collaborate in education, research, training, human resource development and policy analysis. Their shared activities will involve organising research programmes, seminars, workshops and training sessions. Thailand’s International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) and the Bangladesh Foreign

Insights The Philippine manufacturing producer price index (PPI) posted a faster YoY rise of 1 per cent in September from a 0.6-per cent YoY in August. It saw a faster month-on-month rise of 0.223 per cent in September from 0.219 per cent in August. The higher annual growth was primarily due to the upturn in the YoY growth rate of transport equipment PPI—at 1.6 per cent from a 0.2-per cent YoY drop in August. The producer price index (PPI) for the manufacturing sector in the Philippines

Insights World Bank forecasts global commodity prices to fall seven per cent in 2025 and 2026, hitting a six-year low amid weak growth, rising oil surpluses, and policy uncertainty. Energy prices are expected to drop further, helping cool inflation. The World Bank urges governments to use this window for fiscal reform, while warning that geopolitical and climate shocks could reverse the downward trend. Global commodity prices are projected to fall to their lowest level in six years in 2026, m

Insights Techtextil and Texprocess have invited experts to submit presentations for their 2026 forums by December 15, 2025. To be held from April 21–24, 2026 in Frankfurt, the events will spotlight innovation, sustainability, AI, and digitalisation, promoting collaboration between research and industry. Participation is free, and selected speakers will be announced in Feb 2026 for the four-day programme. Anyone who wants to contribute to shaping the future of the textile industry can s

Insights The US Fed's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has cut the key benchmark rate by 25 basis points to the 3.75- 4-per cent range—the second rate cut in a row, aimed at safeguarding against rising uncertainties in the job market. "Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated,” FOMC said. Indicators suggest economic activity has been moderately expanding, Fed chairman Jerome Powell noted. The US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

Insights Foundation stones were recently laid for two projects in Egypt's West Qantara Industrial Zone by two Chinese-backed Firms. Hui Zhou Top New Garment will set up an export unit for RMG and sportswear, with production likely to begin in July 2026. Changzhou Top Credit's project will manufacture fabrics and textiles, with an expected annual output of over 28,000 tonnes, 80 per cent of which will be exported. Foundation stones were recently laid for two projects worth a combined $20.5 mil

Insights India's growth rate of the index of industrial production (IIP) for September was 4 per cent, according to quick estimates by the National Statistics Office. The figure remains unchanged from quick estimates of August 2025. The IIP stood at 152.8 compared to 146.9 in September 2024. The IIP growth rate for manufacturing in the month was 4.8 per cent, while the IIP for the sector was 154.3. India’s growth rate of the index of industrial production (IIP) for September this year w

Insights ICE cotton futures rose for the 4th straight session, with December 2025 contracts settling at 65.05 cents per pound. Gains in US grain markets provided cross-commodity support, offsetting pressure from falling crude oil. However, polyester's cheaper production costs, the prolonged US government shutdown delaying USDA data, and persistent trade tensions continued to cloud global cotton demand outlook. ICE cotton futures continued to rise yesterday, supported by gains in the US grain