Force of Impact

The subject of outsourcing usually has to do with U.S. jobs that have been lost to overseas companies.  But when the apparel industry outsourced its manufacturing, it also sent production…

Easing Apparel Sourcing Cost Pressures

Market forces inside and outside of China that have kept cotton prices higher in recent years are disappearing. As a result, cotton prices around the world have moved lower. The…

The Ties That Bind

The U.S. Congress recently revived the Trans-Pacific Partnership when it voted to give President Barack Obama “fast track” authority to negotiate trade deals. The complicated, multi-pronged trade agenda involves 11…

Brave New World

If the U.S. and China were to post their relationship status on Facebook, the "it's complicated" option comes to mind.

Eco Concerns

So, you consider yourself to be environmentally conscious and do your best to make healthy food choices. However, did you know that your clothes might be coming from deforested tropical…

Monthly Economic Letter February 2018

Despite some significant upward movement, most cotton prices are either even or lower than one month ago.

Monthly Economic Letter March 2018

Movement in international benchmark prices was mixed over the past month, with NY futures and the A Index increasing, South Asian prices flat to lower, and Chinese prices stable.

Growing Concerns 2017 Global Environment Survey

There are growing concerns around the globe about sustainability.

Monthly Economic Letter April 2018

NY futures experienced volatility in early April. Current values for all benchmark prices are flat to lower relative to levels one month ago.