INSIGHTS The Conference Board expects that despite weaker economic momentum, China will see an annual real GDP growth of 5 per cent this year. The US think tank's leading economic index for China fell by 0.2 per cent in August to 149.7, after remaining unchanged in July. Its coincident economic index for China improved by 0.8 per cent in August to 149.8, following an increase of 0.7 per cent in July. The Conference Board expects that despite weaker economic momentum, China will see an annual

INSIGHTS Gas crisis and political instability in Bangladesh, highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's resignation, have severely disrupted the country's RMG industry. The crisis may shift supply chains, favouring competitors like India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh's future depends on political stability, energy infrastructure improvements, and diversification efforts. The gas crisis, along with the political turmoil in Bangladesh, including the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has c

A significant reshaping of the global apparel industry has taken place as a result of retail disruptors such as Shein and Temu, which are exploiting IT to directly match the consumer demand for low-cost garments to rapid production by textile manufacturing clusters in China. These platforms are constantly and very closely monitoring what’s selling where through the latest AI techniques and testing the water with small, commissioned orders, before rapidly mobilising in response to significa

INSIGHTS Cotton market showed stability or slight increases over the past month. In the US, the NY/ICE futures contract stabilised between 67 and 71 cents per pound, while the A Index remained near 80 cents per pound. China's cotton prices held steady at 94 cents per pound, with a slightly stronger renminbi. India's spot prices increased to 90 cents per pound and Pakistan's to 81 cents per pound. The cotton market has shown stability or slight upward movement over the past month, with several

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