INSIGHTS China's international trade in goods and services reached 4.11 trillion yuan (~$578.27 billion) in April, a 13 per cent YoY increase. In US dollar terms, exports were $297.4 billion and imports $281.6 billion, yielding a $15.9 billion surplus. Goods exports were 1.9 trillion yuan and imports 1.62 trillion yuan, resulting in a 281.5-billion-yuan surplus. China's international trade in goods and services reached a total value of 4.11 trillion yuan (approximately $578.27 billion) in Apr

INSIGHTS ICE cotton saw slight gains on Monday with the July contract settling at 76.03 cents per pound, up 14 points. Trading activity was subdued, with Monday's volume being the fourth lowest of 2024. The market remains range-bound, with no significant triggers to drive prices. Factors like stronger dollar and weaker crude oil prices applied downward pressure. ICE cotton settled with mild gains on Monday. The market opened this week on a positive note. But there was no trigger for prices to

INSIGHTS The traditional border trade point between China and Nepal in Shigatse, Xizang has reopened, marked by a ceremony in Chentang, Dinggye county. The event saw 110 Chinese and 47 Nepalese merchants trading over 50 goods. Officials highlighted deepening cooperation in trade infrastructure and customs. Other trade points in Shigatse also reopened. After a four-year hiatus, the traditional border trade point between China and Nepal in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, has officially reop

INSIGHTS Cotton prices in China are likely to stay subdued due to weak market fundamentals, characterised by steady supply and flat demand. Despite this, prices may experience a short-term rebound as negative factors ease. The cotton textile industry's PMI for April indicates a contraction, with a significant drop in new orders, highlighting weak demand. Chinese cotton prices are likely to stay subdued on weak fundamentals and steady supply without significant disruptions. However, it may see

INSIGHTS Puma's new ULTRA 5 football boots feature a SPEEDSYSTEM carbon outsole and FastTrax stud design. The lightweight mesh upper and PWRTPE SQD support frame provide optimal fit and stability. Inspired by motorsport engineering, the innovative carbon fibre weave enhances explosive performance. The ULTRA 5 also includes a Women's Fit for tailored comfort and support. Buckle up because PUMA are pushing the ULTRA into another gear giving you the speed and sensation of a finely tuned machine

Following the recent Spring Edition’s doubling of international visitor numbers, which overall welcomed nearly 90,000 trade buyers from 116 countries and regions, the fair’s organisers are eager to build on that success for the upcoming Autumn Edition. Fuelled by strong domestic and international reach, and with product zones that cater to varying sourcing requirements, the global apparel flagship is set to forge ahead for its anniversary, boosted by China’s burgeoning visa-fre

INSIGHTS The Netherlands recently saw another slight improvement in business confidence—minus 6 as Q2 2024 began, a survey revealed. Sentiment remained negative overall in most sectors, despite improvement. A shortage of staff remains the main obstacle for business owners. The issue of weak demand was mentioned the most frequently in manufacturing, at 27 per cent. The Netherlands recently witnessed another slight improvement in business confidence, which stood at minus 6 at the start of

INSIGHTS Descartes Systems Group's study reveals that online shopping is on the rise across all demographics, with 67 per cent facing delivery issues. While 39 per cent made more online purchases than last year and 57 per cent explored new product categories, 63 per cent of those with delivery problems took negative actions against retailers or delivery firms. Consumers in every demographic globally are increasing the volume and frequency of their online purchases, 67 per cent of those survey

INSIGHTS ICE cotton prices were up on Friday, spurred by a short-covering rally as a weaker US dollar made prices attractive after a long decline. The July contract closed up 244 points at 78.06 cents per pound. Despite the gain, it marked the fifth consecutive weekly loss. Concerns over Brazilian cotton quality and weather issues might shift buyers back to the US. ICE cotton prices recovered on Friday, benefiting from a short-covering rally. The commodity saw significant gains for the first

INSIGHTS April's global manufacturing PMI fell slightly to 50.3 but stayed above the neutral mark for the third month. Output and new orders grew, although investment goods declined. Notably, the US, China, India, and Brazil saw increases, while Europe struggled. Price pressures rose, with input costs hitting a 14-month high. Employment remained stable globally. Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), a composite index created by JP Morgan and S&P Global Market Intell