INSIGHTS The LYCRA Company is displaying its bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fibre at ISPO, Dec 3-5, 2024 showcasing its sustainable elastane with 70 per cent renewable content. Winning two ISPO Textrends Awards, the fibre powers LIVE!'s award-winning activewear. Launching in 2025, it requires no re-engineering. Presentations at ISPO highlight partnerships driving sustainable innovation. The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for

INSIGHTS The manufacturing sector in China saw faster expansion in November this year, official data show. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the sector was 50.3 in November—up from 50.1 in October. The manufacturing PMI has now rebounded for three consecutive months. The moderate acceleration in expansion of manufacturing reflects improvements in both order demand and supply dynamics. The manufacturing sector in China saw faster expansion in November this year, data from the Nati

INSIGHTS Euro area annual inflation is expected to rise 2.3 per cent in November 2024 from 2.0 per cent in October, driven by services (3.9 per cent) and non-energy industrial goods (0.7 per cent), while energy inflation is expected to improve to -1.9 per cent. Inflation varied across regions, with Belgium estimated at 5.0 per cent, Germany at 2.4 per cent, and Baltic states to witness mixed rates. The annual inflation of Euro area is expected to be 2.3 per cent in November 2024, up from 2.0

INSIGHTS Morgan Stanley has projected global economic growth at 3 per cent in 2025 and at 2.9 per cent in 2026, softening modestly as uncertainty rises and US tariff and immigration policies start to slow activity. Inflation continues to normalise globally, but progress may slow and vary. Europe's growth may be reaching around 1 per cent, but global trade disruptions could be a drag, it noted. Morgan Stanley recently projected that the global economy will grow at 3 per cent in 2025 and at 2.9

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

INSIGHTS Import volumes at major US container ports are projected to be higher than previously expected as retailers prepare for a potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump. A brief October strike highlighted ongoing labour disputes, with formal negotiations set to resume. Concerns over tariffs are pushing retailers to expedite shipments. Import volumes at the nation’s major container ports could be higher than previously expecte

INSIGHTS Euro area goods exports in September were worth $251.83 billion—a YoY rise of 0.6 per cent, while the zone's imports were worth $238.6 billion—a fall of 0.6 per cent YoY, according to the first estimates released recently by Eurostat. Goods exports from the EU in September were worth $225.14 billion—up by 0.8 per cent YoY, while imports stood at $215 billion—down by 0.3 per cent YoY. Euro area goods exports in September this year were worth €237.8 billion

INSIGHTS China-Cambodia trade in the first ten months this year was worth $14.4 billion—a rise of 19 per cent YoY. Imports from Cambodia to China grew by 20 per cent YoY and Chinese enterprises signed investment agreements in Cambodia worth nearly $3 billion during the period. Bilateral trade reached $11 billion in the first three quarters this year—a 22-per cent rise YoY. China-Cambodia trade in the first ten months this year was worth $14.4 billion—a rise of 19 per cent ye

The Green Deal is one of the most ambitious policies of the EU which aims to make the bloc go green by the year 2050. The law involves holistic cross-sectional policy structures that can align all industries right from manufacturing to finance to ensure that the industry is well aligned to make the industry sustainable. The law aims to cut emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 which aims to create a cost-effective and socially fair green transition for the industries in the economy. The Circular Econ

INSIGHTS To boost foreign trade and economic recovery, China has introduced measures, including financial and insurance support for SMEs like 'little giants' and 'hidden champions'. Initiatives focus on e-commerce, green trade, and visa policies, alongside aligning with global logistics. In 2024, China's trade grew 5.2 per cent to 36.02 trillion yuan, with exports up 6.7 per cent. To promote the steady growth of foreign trade and consolidate the country’s economic recovery, the Chinese