Insights US container imports reached 2.52 million TEUs in August 2025, up 1.6 per cent year-on-year but down 3.9 per cent from July. Imports from China fell 10.8 per cent annually. Despite elevated volumes, port delays remained minimal. Descartes Systems Group reports strong demand amid geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty, with 2025 volumes tracking 3.3 per cent above 2024. In August 2025, US container imports totalled 2.52 million TEUs, down 3.9 per cent from July but 1.6 per cent

Insights CAI has raised its 2024–25 cotton production estimate to 312.40 lakh bales of 170 kg each, up from 311.40 lakh bales earlier. Total supply for the season is pegged at 392.59 lakh bales, with higher imports at 41 lakh bales. Domestic consumption remains at 314 lakh bales, while exports are unchanged at 18 lakh bales, significantly lower than last season's 28.36 lakh bales. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has further raised its cotton production estimate to 312.40 lakh bale

Insights ICE cotton futures climbed to a 2-week high, supported by a weaker US dollar, rising crude oil prices, and anticipation of USDA's WASDE and export sales reports. December 2025 settled at 66.67 cents/lb, up 0.21 cent. Trading volumes surged to a six-session high. A softer dollar boosted export competitiveness, while stronger oil prices raised polyester costs, lending further support to cotton prices. ICE cotton futures settled higher on Wednesday, supported by a weaker US dollar, risi

While the Trump administration escalates tariffs on China, it also deals a heavy blow to its "ally" Japan. The global trade pattern is being torn apart, and the real storm is just beginning. Japan's "Darkest Hour": Even allies cannot escape the tariff scythe.Unexpectedly, the United States did not even spare its "staunch ally"Japan this time. On September 4 (local time), the White House announced that Trump had signed an executive order, formally implementing the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. Acco

Insights UK will relaunch trade talks with China after 7 years as Business & Trade Secretary Peter Kyle leads JETCO in Beijing. The visit seeks £1 billion (~$1.35 billion) in market access wins over 5 years, easier exports in key sectors, and stronger growth. Talks will also address human rights, fair competition, decarbonisation, digital economy, and boost UK-China cooperation. The UK is set to relaunch formal trade talks with China for the first time since 2018, in a move expecte

Insights CITI and GRI have launched the Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) initiative to boost ESG compliance in India's textile and apparel sector. Supported by Sida, ITSB will equip MSMEs and exporters with tools for impact reporting, transparency, and sustainability, offering training, frameworks, and global-standard disclosures to enhance competitiveness and growth. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) on September

Insights Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2025 in Portland opens Nov 11 with the Day 0 Sustainability Workshop, followed by exhibits and Expert Talks on November 12–13. Highlights include a focus on textile-to-textile recycling, the debut of the Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub, 300+ sustainable suppliers, curated forums, live demos, and networking, making it the fair's most impactful edition yet. The fall edition of Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS has officially opened

Insights At ITMA Asia Singapore 2025, Savio will showcase its AI-driven innovations in winding and spinning with three flagship machines: Proxima Smartconer, Phoenix assembly winder, and Lybra Smartspinner. Highlights include real-time monitoring, adaptive automation, precision yarn preparation, digital integration, and versatile on-the-fly fiber blending. At ITMA Asia Singapore 2025, Savio will showcase its latest advancements in winding and spinning technology, with a strong emphasis on ar

Insights If US tariffs continue, ICRA expects the revenues of Indian apparel exporters to drop by 6-9 per cent in FY26 in spite of the implementation of the FTA with the UK and diversion of supplies elsewhere. ICRA recently revised the outlook on India's apparel exports industry to negative from stable. Lower exports and pressure on pricing is expected to contract industry operating margins by 200-300 bps in FY26. If the recently-imposed US tariffs continue, ICRA expects the revenues of India

Insights Many Chinese companies are investing in Bangladesh to leverage Dhaka's comparatively lower tariffs and cost-effective manufacturing environment. Over $160 million in Chinese-backed projects, including garment and accessory factories, are being developed in Bangladesh. Retaliatory tariffs reached 145 per cent from the US and 125 per cent from China, before reaching a 90-day truce between the two sides. The economic conflict between China and the United States, which began in 2018, ha