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…

CHINESE COTTON POLICY: DECISIONS AND EFFECTS

As the world’s largest cotton grower, consumer, and importer, China has long been at the center of the global cotton market.  Since the spike in fiber prices that occurred during…

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…

CHINA’S BABY CARE & FEMININE HYGIENE MARKETS

KEY INSIGHTS Educate shoppers on the health and comfort benefits of baby care products to encourage higher consumption. Market to first-time tampon users through informative promotions. Increase cotton offerings in…

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.