Insights The producer prices of industrial products in Germany were 1.7 per cent lower YoY and 0.1 per cent month on month (MoM) in September, the main reason being lower energy prices, official statistical show. When energy prices are excluded, producer prices in September rose by 0.9 per cent YoY and remained unchanged MoM. Energy prices in the month were down by 7.3 per cent YoY and 0.3 per cent MoM. The producer prices of industrial products in Germany were 1.7 per cent lower year on year

Insights Hop Lun has signed definitive agreements to acquire Morocco-based Tobago and Chantelle Group's Famaco and Atma facilities, adding about 800 employees and a combined output of 2.4 million pieces annually. The acquisitions, expected to close in Q4 2025, will create a new manufacturing platform in Morocco and mark Hop Lun's fourth and fifth deals since Platinum Equity's 2022 takeover. Hop Lun, one of the world's largest designers and manufacturers of intimate apparel and swimwear, annou

Insights India has eased import norms for synthetic fabrics under HS code 60053600 by exempting materials within the 28–48 GSM range from the $3.5 per kg minimum import price. The move aims to balance import control with industry needs while curbing low-cost fabric inflows that threaten domestic producers. MIP rules for other fabric codes remain unchanged. The Indian government has partially exempted synthetic fabrics under ITC HS code 60053600 from the minimum import price (MIP) of $3.

Insights IAF partners with Infor to enhance traceability, ESG compliance, and digital transformation across the global apparel and footwear industry. The collaboration leverages the Infor Nexus platform and NexTrace solution to support multi-tier manufacturers. Together, they aim to simplify regulatory compliance and drive scalable, data-driven supply chain innovation. The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has announced a strategic collaboration with Infor, a global leader in business cl

Insights Heimtextil 2026 positions itself as a stabilising force in uncertain times, merging craftsmanship with AI innovation under the theme 'Lead the Change'. With 3,100 exhibitors from 65 nations, it unveils a new hall layout, trend arena, and immersive design experiences that redefine sustainability, creativity, and the future of home textiles. With an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, inspiring trends and AI-driven innovations, Heimtextil 2026 reacts to the curren

Insights Nearly a thousand jobs are to be created in a major boost to UK communities after over $13.4 billion in investments were announced yesterday at the first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. Major investments are planned in life sciences, AI and innovation. New investments include a Crown Estate acquisition in Oxfordshire for increased laboratory and manufacturing space. Nearly a thousand jobs are to be created in a major boost to communities across the United Kingdom after over

Insights China's Transport Ministry recently launched the Initiative for International Cooperation on Green Shipping Corridor during the 2025 North Bund Forum in Shanghai. Calling for joint efforts to build a safer, more efficient and greener global shipping ecosystem, the initiative outlines seven key measures to promote international cooperation on green shipping corridors. China's Transport Ministry recently launched the Initiative for International Cooperation on Green Shipping Corridor d

Inspecting machinery, marking obstacles, and planning routes... At a recent technology demonstration for the Cotton Smart Topping Robot VTM-09B held by the 222nd Regiment of the 12th Division, the Division's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, and the Industry and Information Technology Bureau, a self-propelled cotton smart topping robot precisely "decapitated" cotton plants using AI visual recognition and high-speed robotic arms, showcasing this groundbreaking technology in cotton topping. To

Insights China's retail sales of consumer goods went up by 4.5 per cent YoY in the first three quarters this year to 36.5877 trillion yuan ($5.16 trillion). The growth rate was 1.2 percentage points higher than that during the same period last year. In September, retail sales rose by 3 per cent YoY. Online retail sales climbed by 9.8 per cent YoY in the first nine months. China's retail sales of consumer goods went up by 4.5 per cent YoY in the first three quarters this year to 36.5877 trilli

Insights Kapok is gaining global attention for its sustainability and performance, thanks to Flocus' patented spinning and exclusive sorting technology. Once seen as unworkable, kapok is now scalable, consistent, and OEKO-TEX certified safe. With product ranges Clarus and Fina, plus its KRAF tree-planting initiative, Flocus positions kapok as a sustainable, ethical, high-performance fibre. Kapok is finally entering the spotlight—long praised for its sustainability as a regenerative, pes