Key Takeaways Socks have evolved from necessities to key fashion items in men's wardrobes. Eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester lead the way in sustainability. Modern designs prioritise comfort with features such as moisture-wicking fabrics and cushioned soles. Future advancements include smart textiles and temperature-regulating fibres. Socks, once regarded merely as a necessity, are now evolving into a key component of men's fashion. No longer limite

Insights Port congestion is worsening across key hubs in Northern Europe and major global ports like Shenzhen, Los Angeles, and New York, driven by labour shortages, strikes, and inland transport issues. Berth waiting times and logistics costs are rising sharply. Carriers are imposing surcharges, while spot rates surge amid an early peak season influenced by US–China tariff uncertainty. Port congestion is intensifying across major global trade routes, with Northern Europe’s key hu

Insights AATCC's Circularity Conference, set for June 17–18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island, will feature 15+ expert speakers on circular systems in textiles. Keynote speaker David Hinks will open the event. It is part of AATCC's ongoing sustainability series, following successful events on PFAS and fibre sustainability. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announces that registration is closing soon for its highly anticipated Circularity Conferen

Insights President Donald Trump recently said he agreed to delay imposing a 50-per cent tariff on imports from the EU till July 9 after receiving a call from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly,” he wrote on Truth Social. “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively,” von der Leyen wrote on the social media platform. President Donald Trump recently said he agreed to delay imposing

Insights CFIN has launched a landmark report outlining practical steps towards circularity in UK fashion. Backed by 42 per cent of UK clothing sales, CFIN proposes a National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan and highlights opportunities in resale, repair, and takeback. The report calls for systemic change through EPR policy, investment in automation, and reshoring. The Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN), which is part of the British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive F

Insights ITS Logistics' May forecast confirms a sharp import decline due to China tariffs, but a temporary 90-day reduction is expected to trigger a surge in shipments and an early peak season. Shippers face growing rail congestion, equipment shortages, and rising cargo theft. The index tracks port and rail activity across key US regions, offering insights into supply chain disruptions and capacity trends. Confirming earlier projections of a steep decline in imports following tariff increases

Insights The fundamentally positive outlook for China's economy has not changed, with multiple favourable factors existing for stable performance and sustained economic recovery, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The country's retail sales of consumer goods expanded by 5.1 per cent YoY in April, while the total value of goods trade in the month increased by 5.6 per cent YoY. The fundamentally positive outlook for China's economy has not changed, with multiple favorable factors e

Insights Ocean cargo bookings from China to the United States have increased by nearly 300 per cent after both countries agreed to suspend reciprocal tariffs for 90 days following negotiations in Switzerland, according to container-tracking service provider Vizion. Shipping companies have responded positively to the tariff relief. The rush may lead to supply-chain bottlenecks and a rise in freight costs. Ocean cargo bookings from China to the United States have increased by nearly 300 per cen

INSIGHTS Australian wool prices stabilised this week as China's two largest Merino top makers purchased over 38 per cent of the sold Merino fleece, reviving market confidence. While overall demand remained cautious, crossbred wools saw gains despite a stronger Australian dollar. Drought conditions continue to threaten future supply, reducing fleece yields. Price declines at Australian wool auctions largely stabilised this week, buoyed by renewed confidence from China’s two largest Merin

INSIGHTS Fitch Ratings has warned that US-China tariff de-escalation offers only temporary relief and does not signal a return to normal trade relations. Despite reduced tariffs, uncertainty remains, weighing on global growth prospects. Fitch maintained its downgraded 2025 global GDP forecast at 1.9 per cent. US policies favouring economic decoupling and import substitution may further disrupt trade flows. Fitch Ratings has warned that the recent US-China tariff de-escalation does not mark a