Insights The US Fed's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has cut the key benchmark rate by 25 basis points to the 3.75- 4-per cent range—the second rate cut in a row, aimed at safeguarding against rising uncertainties in the job market. "Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated,” FOMC said. Indicators suggest economic activity has been moderately expanding, Fed chairman Jerome Powell noted. The US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

Insights Foundation stones were recently laid for two projects in Egypt's West Qantara Industrial Zone by two Chinese-backed Firms. Hui Zhou Top New Garment will set up an export unit for RMG and sportswear, with production likely to begin in July 2026. Changzhou Top Credit's project will manufacture fabrics and textiles, with an expected annual output of over 28,000 tonnes, 80 per cent of which will be exported. Foundation stones were recently laid for two projects worth a combined $20.5 mil

Insights India's growth rate of the index of industrial production (IIP) for September was 4 per cent, according to quick estimates by the National Statistics Office. The figure remains unchanged from quick estimates of August 2025. The IIP stood at 152.8 compared to 146.9 in September 2024. The IIP growth rate for manufacturing in the month was 4.8 per cent, while the IIP for the sector was 154.3. India’s growth rate of the index of industrial production (IIP) for September this year w

Insights ICE cotton futures rose for the 4th straight session, with December 2025 contracts settling at 65.05 cents per pound. Gains in US grain markets provided cross-commodity support, offsetting pressure from falling crude oil. However, polyester's cheaper production costs, the prolonged US government shutdown delaying USDA data, and persistent trade tensions continued to cloud global cotton demand outlook. ICE cotton futures continued to rise yesterday, supported by gains in the US grain

Insights Thermore launches Freedom insulation, offering natural, flexible warmth that moves with the wearer and retains shape over time. Its patented fibre control prevents migration for lasting performance. GRS-certified and available in various weights, it combines softness, lightweight warmth, and sustainability for technical and lifestyle apparel. The Thermore, a global leader in thermal insulation for apparel, is proud to introduce Thermore Freedom, a next-generation insulation designed

Insights Andritz and Tandem Repeat have partnered to commercialise Procell, a protein-based sustainable fibre. The collaboration merges Andritz's engineering expertise with Tandem Repeat's biotechnology innovation. Procell offers wool-like softness, strength, and versatility for textiles and nonwovens. The initiative supports the global shift towards sustainable fibre production. International technology group ANDRITZ has entered into a collaboration with Tandem Repeat Technologies, a pioneer

Insights ICE cotton futures extended gains on October 27, 2025, supported by a weaker US dollar and renewed optimism over a potential US–China trade deal that could boost agricultural demand. The December contract settled at 64.56 cents per pound, up 0.36 cent. However, the prolonged US government shutdown has delayed key USDA reports, slowing market information flow and tempering sentiment. ICE cotton futures continued to rise yesterday amid a weaker US dollar and optimism over a possi

Insights A record 36 apparel factories in Bangladesh have earned international environmental compliance certifications this year, surpassing the previous high of 30 awarded in 2022. Twenty two factories have bagged the 'LEED platinum' certification, according to the BGMEA. Bangladesh now has a total of 268 LEED-certified garment factories. Among these, 114 are platinum, 135 gold, 15 silver and four certified. A record 36 apparel factories in Bangladesh have earned international environmental

Insights India has scrapped or reduced customs duties on key textile inputs and accessories to support garment exporters facing US tariff pressures. Under Notification No. 45/2025–Customs issued on October 24, items like zippers, threads, interlinings, and embellishments can now be imported at nil duty until March 31, 2026. The simplified framework aims to enhance export competitiveness and streamline procedures. India has reduced customs duties on several textile-related inputs and acc

The 8th World Textile Merchants Conference 2025, themed "International Competition & Cooperation – Reshaping the New Landscape of the Global Textile Value Chain," is scheduled to take place on November 6 in Keqiao. The conference will delve into the new dynamics of competition and pathways for cooperation within the global textile industry against the backdrop of the new era. More than ten concurrent events will be held, including the WGSN Fashion Future Congress, the International Tex