INSIGHTS Swimwear imports by the US decreased to $412.606 million in H1 2024, down 7.41 per cent from $445.966 million in H1 2023. The imports peaked at $1,132.733 million in 2022 but fell to $684.732 million last year. China was the largest supplier in H1 2024, contributing 32.95 per cent of the total imports, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

INSIGHTS ICE cotton futures saw steep declines, erasing previous session gains, with US cotton nearing new lows due to pressure from falling stocks, crude oil, and grain markets. US cotton export sales were average, while China's purchasing remained low. Crude oil dropped further after disappointing US employment data. Speculators increased short positions. ICE cotton has experienced steep losses, erasing almost all the gains from the previous trading session. US cotton is heading towards new

Pakistan's cotton arrivals for 2024-25 season have significantly declined to 1.225 million bales, a 59.69 per cent drop from previous year. The decrease is attributed to reduced sowing areas, drought conditions and pest attacks. The country's total cotton production in 2023-24 had increased by 70.94 per cent compared to 2022-23 but has now decreased again.

INSIGHTS Geopolitical friction, trade barriers, unfavourable pandemic-time experiences and industrial policy have motivated many firms to reassess their global supply chains, in particular, their China operations, S&P Global Ratings said. As FDI into China seems to have plunged, Asian emerging markets and Mexico have generally not seen significant increases. Geopolitical friction, trade barriers, unfavourable experiences during the pandemic and industrial policy have motivated many firms

INSIGHTS The upcoming Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics fair, celebrating its 30th anniversary from 27-29 August 2024, will feature nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions. The event will include a vast fringe programme with 40+ seminars, panel discussions, and forums focused on sustainability, digital solutions, and industry trends. Following significant uptake in sustainability seminars from exhibitors, and with digital solutions events growing alongside the fair’s

INSIGHTS Yarn Expo Autumn, set for 27-29 August 2024 in Shanghai, will gather over 500 suppliers from 15 countries. The event will feature key zones like the India Pavilion, Pakistan Zone, Chemical Fibre Zone, and Cotton Yarn Zone. Attendees can expect trend displays, forums, and product presentations, held alongside the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics fair. Counting down 5 days to the fair’s opening in Shanghai, exhibitors, visitors and industry experts from near and far are pre

INSIGHTS Intertextile Apparel is launching its Econogy Hub to promote sustainability in textiles. The fair will feature seven eco-focused group pavilions, sustainable display areas, an ecoBoutique and innovations in the Digital Solutions Zone. Key initiatives include Econogy Finder, Econogy Talks and Econogy Tours. The fair will be held in Shanghai from 27-29 August. Aiming to advance the topic of sustainability in the textile industry and relate it closely to the demands of economic and soci

INSIGHTS Adidas reported a 10 per cent increase in currency-neutral revenues for H1 FY24, with euro revenues rising 6 per cent to €11.280 billion (~$12.19 billion). The growth was driven by strong Adidas business momentum. Operating profit reached €682 million, with a gross margin of 51 per cent. In Q2 FY24, currency-neutral revenues rose 11 per cent. German sportswear giant Adidas has reported a 10 per cent increase in currency-neutral revenues compared to the prior-year period t

INSIGHTS Ocean freight container shipping spot rates have dramatically risen in recent months, but the long-term market has been insulated from this volatility in comparison, perhaps until now, Xeneta said. The XSI sub-index for Far East exports, which includes the biggest fronthaul trades to Europe and the US, increased by 12.6 per cent in July to 178.8 points. Ocean freight container shipping spot rates have dramatically increased in recent months, but the long-term market has been insulate

INSIGHTS Bangladesh's RMG industry is resuming operations, with factory owners expressing cautious optimism. Key industry players have reported a return to normalcy, but concerns remain about potential long-term impacts. Raihan Mahmud noted that while buyers are understanding, there is a risk of orders shifting to other countries if stability isn't ensured soon. Despite the recent political unrest in Bangladesh, the country’s vital readymade garment (RMG) industry is gradually resuming