INSIGHTS The US CPI-U rose 0.4 per cent in March 2024, matching February's increase. Apparel prices climbed 0.7 per cent over the month and 0.4 per cent year-on-year. Excluding food and energy, the all items index rose 0.4 per cent. The all items index increased 3.5 per cent over 12 months, with the energy index up 2.1 per cent, marking its first annual increase. US’ consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.4 per cent in March 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis, a

INSIGHTS About 5.45 billion tonnes of road cargo was transported in China in January and February this year—up by 7.8 per cent YoY. The country's waterways transported some 1.4 billion tonnes of cargo—an increase of 10.2 per cent YoY. The Zhejiang province saw the sharpest YoY rise in road cargo, while the Shaanxi province topped in terms of YoY waterway cargo growth. The road and waterway freight volume in China saw steady growth in January and February this year, according to da

INSIGHTS ICAC forecasts growth in global cotton sector for 2024-25, with anticipated increases in production, consumption and trade. Weather is a critical factor influencing production trends. The cotton-producing area is expected to rise by 3 per cent, production by over 2.5 per cent, and consumption by 2.9 per cent, with trade projected to grow nearly 4 per cent. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has projected increases in the cotton-producing area, production, consumption,

INSIGHTS In 2023, the European Union recorded a €38 billion (approximately $40.9 billion) trade surplus, a stark shift from 2022's €436 billion deficit, as per Eurostat. This turnaround was due to a 16 per cent decline in non-EU imports, notably in energy products (34 per cent) and manufactured goods (21 per cent), driven by lower prices and volumes. The European Union (EU) recorded a trade surplus of €38 billion (approximately $40.9 billion) in 2023, according to the latest da

INSIGHTS Asia's economy is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2024, with a significant contribution to global GDP at 49 per cent. Trade and investment recovery, alongside digital trade growth and key trade agreements, are expected to bolster the economy, despite challenges in employment and income growth. Inflation pressures are forecast to ease. Asia’s economy is estimated to grow about 4.5 per cent in 2024, according to the latest Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress repo

INSIGHTS In January, Germany's import prices fell by 5.9 per cent YoY, with energy prices dropping 27.7 per cent. Excluding energy, imports were down 2.5 per cent. Consumer goods rose by 0.3 per cent YoY. Export prices decreased by 1.3 per cent, despite a slight monthly increase. Energy exports dropped 22.9 per cent YoY, but consumer goods exports rose 0.6 per cent. In January 2024, Germany reported a notable decrease in import prices, marking a 5.9 per cent reduction compared to January 2023

INSIGHTS China targets a 5 per cent economic growth for 2024, planning to create over 12 million urban jobs and keep urban unemployment around 5.5 per cent. The strategy includes adhering to proactive fiscal and prudent monetary policies, with a deficit-to-GDP ratio set at 3 per cent, increasing the government deficit by 180 billion yuan ($25 billion) from 2023. China has set an economic growth target of approximately 5 per cent for 2024, according to a government work report that was recentl

INSIGHTS Global merchandise trade may modestly grow in early 2024 after underperforming in 2023, as per WTO Goods Trade Barometer. With a current index of 100.6, a slight recovery is expected, though geopolitical tensions pose risks. Q3 2023 saw a 0.4 per cent quarterly and 2.5 per cent yearly trade decrease, contrasting with slight increases in export orders. After a year marked by underperformance, early indicators suggest global merchandise trade might see modest growth in the opening mont

INSIGHTS CIDPEX 2024, the 31st China International Disposable Paper Expo, is scheduled for May 15-17, 2024, in Nanjing, China. It is expected to host over 900 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors. Organised by CNPPRI, it's the largest global event for the tissue and disposable hygiene industry, covering the full industry chain from raw materials to finished products. The 31st edition of the China International Disposable Paper Expo (CIDPEX 2024), the world's premier event showcasing the latest in

INSIGHTS Moody's forecasts G-20 economic growth to slow to 2.4 per cent in 2024, down from 2.9 per cent in 2023, with Argentina contracting. Major central banks, including the Fed and ECB, plan policy normalisation amid declining inflation. Despite geopolitical tensions, global economy shows stabilisation, with strong recoveries in emerging markets. Moody's anticipates a moderation in the Group of Twenty (G-20) economies' growth, projecting expansions of 2.4 per cent in 2024 and 2.6 per cent