INSIGHTS Global cotton prices remained largely stable over the past month. NY/ICE July futures traded between 65–70 cents per lb, while the December contract stayed within 67–71 cents. The A Index held between 77–81 cents per lb. China's CC Index stayed near 89 cents per lb amid RMB appreciation. Indian spot prices rose slightly to 82 cents per lb, while Pakistani prices remained steady at 72 cents per lb. Global cotton benchmarks remained largely stable over the past month,

INSIGHTS The US and China will reduce tariffs on each other's goods from May 14, 2025, for 90 days, easing trade tensions. Post-reduction, the US will impose 30 per cent duty on Chinese goods over the existing rates as on January 20, 2025. China will impose 10 per cent additional duty on US goods, and also remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the US since April 2. Recognising the importance of their bilateral economic and trade relationship to both countries and the global econ

INSIGHTS The US has announced to have achieved a 'trade deal' with China in Geneva. The closed door discussions were the first since President Donald Trump levied tariffs on China in January. A joint statement with full details is expected today. US secretary of treasury Scott Bessent termed the talks 'productive', while USTR Jamieson Greer indicated the differences may not be as large as thought earlier. The United States yesterday announced to have achieved a ‘trade deal’ with C

INSIGHTS The APAC region's high trade openness and exposure to US demand leave the region particularly exposed to US tariff risks, Fitch Ratings said. In a report, it said governments' policy responses to the trade war will be key towards its impact on APAC sovereign ratings. Sustained fiscal stimulus will support growth amid subdued domestic demand in the region, rising tariffs and deflationary pressures. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region’s high trade openness and exposure to US demand le

INSIGHTS Drewry World Container Index fell 3.05 per cent to $2,091 per FEU on May 1, 2025, amid ongoing trade uncertainty due to reciprocal tariffs. Freight rates declined on major routes, with Shanghai–Rotterdam and Shanghai–New York seeing notable drops. The index remains 80 per cent below its 2021 peak but is 47 per cent above 2019 levels. Drewry expects further rate declines in the coming week. Drewry World Container Index (WCI)—a composite measure of container freight r

INSIGHTS Three-fifths of respondents in a pulse survey by the International Chamber of Commerce view the new US tariff measures negatively, with top concerns including increased costs, planning uncertainty and supply chain disruptions. Large companies are twice as likely as SMEs to cite trade retaliation as a top concern. Tariffs are also compounding broader planning challenges faced by businesses. Sixty per cent of respondents in a recent pulse survey of the International Chamber of Commerce

INSIGHTS Celebrating 10 years, OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN promotes transparency, safety, and social responsibility in textiles. Born after Rana Plaza, it integrates multiple certifications into one traceable label. With over 43,000 labels issued, it boosts consumer trust and industry adoption, especially in Asia, Germany, and the US, and is backed by global organisations. Launched in 2015, the OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label stands for tested product safety, more sustainable manufacturing processes

INSIGHTS China's Commerce Ministry has said it had noted senior US officials repeatedly expressing their willingness to talk to Beijing about tariffs, and reiterated that if Washington wants talks, “it should show its sincerity and be prepared to correct its wrong practices and cancel the unilateral tariffs”. The US has sent messages to China hoping to start talks, and China is evaluating this, it said. China’s Commerce Ministry recently said it had noted senior US officials

INSIGHTS Adidas is expecting its 2025 operating profit to reach €1.7–1.8 billion (~$1.82–1.93 billion), driven by strong brand momentum, localised strategies, and improved efficiencies. In Q1 2025, revenue rose 13 per cent YoY to €6.15 billion (~$6.58 billion), led by robust growth across regions, product categories, and channels. Operating profit surged 82 per cent to €610 million (~$652.7 million). German sportswear brand Adidas has projected its operating profit

INSIGHTS The US Fed's Financial Stability Report counts rising global trade risks, general policy uncertainty and the US debt sustainability among the key potential risks to the US financial system. While half of the respondents cited policy uncertainty as a top concern, 73 per cent cited global trade risks. The banking system is sound and resilient as firms maintained robust capital ratios, it noted. The US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) latest biannual Financial Stability Report counts risin