“Our analysis suggests that recent increases in real interest rates are likely to be temporary.
“When inflation is brought back under control, advanced economies’ central banks are likely to ease monetary policy and bring real interest rates back towards pre-pandemic levels.” – International Monetary Fund
LOGISTICS
Asia – Mediterranean ocean prices, which were falling more slowly than Asia-Europe rates for much of this year, decreased by more than 40% since early March and are nearly on par with 2019 prices, per Freightos.
March 2023 U.S. container import volumes increased 6.9% from February 2023, and were 4.2% higher than March 2019. Imports from China and Vietnam both fell 7% month-on-month, while imports from India rose 12%, per Descartes data.
How successful ocean carriers are in securing general rate increases this May comes down to the health of so-called green shoots of demand and the effectiveness of increased blanking of capacity, per Journal of Commerce.
Projections for month-on-month increases, at least through August, expect volumes in each of those month’s to be higher than their 2019 counterparts, likewise suggest the rebound has already gradually begun and will continue into H2, per Freightos.
More logistics developments. Read More
SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIES
A New Supply Chain that Can Withstand the Toughest Stress Tests
To build the optimal supply chain you need to start with the end in mind. What do you want to get from the sourcing function?
Then you want to look at technology that can speed up product development. Next you want to connect your designers with your strategic manufacturing partners. Read More
PODCAST
Selling on Amazon without Giving Up Your Profit Margin
Amazon has a massive volume of traffic – which is great for sellers – but being able to drive sales on Amazon is getting increasingly difficult – and expensive.
So is there a way to succeed on Amazon – without breaking the bank?
In this podcast Laura Meyer, founder and CEO of Envision Horizons, a leading Amazon Agency, talks about the mistakes sellers are making that are costing them sales – and profits.
You’ll Learn:
- How sellers can succeed on Amazon without making a massive investment.
- What sellers need to know to successfully navigate the ‘Amazon Beast’.
- What best selling products on Amazon have in common.
- How even smaller brands can succeed on Amazon – despite the competition.
INSIDE SOURCING
Cambodia Positions Itself as Regional Hub
Cambodia has been making substantial investments in building out its infrastructure, as part of a plan to facilitate trade for itself and the region.
By 2030, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) will be able to ship goods directly without any transit to the US and European Union (EU) markets, according to Sun Chanthol, Minister of Public Works and Transports (MPWT).
The nation is also building high speed rail links that will boost accessibility to more of its provinces. Read more
MATERIALS DEVELOPMENTS
Cone Denim (USA) has collaborated with AMK Atelier, garment finisher Tonello and videographer Eduard Nijgh on a capsule collection that was inspired by the outdoors and the mental health benefits of being immersed in nature. Read more
MARKETS
US inflation slowed to 5% from 6% year-on-year, but core inflation (excluding food and energy) is still overheated, giving the Fed justification to hike interest rates again in May.
- “We expect inflation to slow rapidly through the second half of 2023 as the decline in house prices, which is contributing to a flat lining in new housing rent agreements,” said ING Bank.
MATERIALS
- Cotton prices inched up over the past week, but still remain well below last year’s prices, as the US Dept. of Agriculture has predicted higher supply.
- A weaker dollar and concerns over tighter supplies pushed oil prices up.
You can find Month-on-Month and Year-on-Year prices here.
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