Fashion
China’s PPI decline narrows to 2.9% as CPI falls 0.4% in August
PPI marked the first narrowing since March, signalling a modest recovery in industrial demand amid government measures to steady growth. On a month-to-month basis, the PPI halted its decline, remaining unchanged after a 0.2 per cent fall in July. For the January–August period, producer prices were 2.9 per cent lower than a year earlier.
China’s producer price index fell 2.9 per cent YoY in August, easing from July’s 3.6 per cent drop, while remaining flat month-on-month.
Its consumer price index declined 0.4 per cent, though core CPI rose 0.9 per cent for the fourth straight month.
NBS cited proactive policies and gains in sectors like integrated circuits and shipbuilding, suggesting stabilisation in factory-gate costs.
Meanwhile, core CPI, excluding food and energy, climbed 0.9 per cent, continuing its four-month streak of gains.
NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the fall in PPI to a high base in 2024 and a smaller-than-usual seasonal rise in food costs. The proactive macroeconomic policies and shifts in key industries underpinned the narrower PPI decline. Notable gains included a 1.1 per cent rise in integrated circuit packaging and testing, and a 0.9 per cent increase in shipbuilding equipment.
Rising demand for high-end consumer products also helped lift prices in selected sectors, said Chinese media outlets quoting Dong.
The data suggested that while consumer prices remain subdued, stabilisation in factory-gate costs could be an early sign of improving momentum in China’s industrial economy.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
US imports of jackets and blazers stood at $*,***.*** million in ****, reflecting a moderation from $*,***.*** million in **** and $*,***.*** million in ****. Despite the overall contraction, Vietnam strengthened its dominance, with exports rising to $***.*** million in ****, even as China’s shipments dropped sharply to $***.*** million, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.
The transition has been gradual but decisive. In ****, China led with $***.*** million in exports to the US, ahead of Vietnam’s $***.*** million. The gap narrowed in ****, with China at $***.*** million and Vietnam close behind at $***.*** million. By ****, Vietnam had nearly caught up, reaching $***.*** million compared to China’s $***.*** million. The turning point came in ****, when Vietnam surged ahead as China’s exports declined significantly.
The probe, initiated on September 25, 2025, was conducted under China’s Foreign Trade Law and the country’s regulations on foreign trade barrier investigations.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has concluded that Mexico’s tariff hikes and other restrictive measures on non-FTA partners constitute trade and investment barriers against China.
The probe, launched on September 25, 2025, found the policies limited market access and hurt Chinese firms, with Beijing authorised to take countermeasures to protect domestic industries.
MOFCOM found that Mexico’s decision to raise import tariffs on products from countries without free trade agreements, including China, as well as other restrictive policies, had limited market access for Chinese goods, services and investment.
The ministry stated that these measures had “restricted and impeded the entry of Chinese products, services and investment into the Mexican market,” thereby weakening the competitiveness of Chinese enterprises.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the findings confirm that Mexico’s policies constitute trade and investment barriers under Chinese law. The MOFCOM is authorised to take corresponding measures to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese industries.
The investigation forms part of China’s broader response to tariff hikes imposed by Mexico on non-FTA partners, which Beijing has repeatedly criticised as protectionist and detrimental to bilateral economic ties.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
“The price weakness was most evident in the 18.5–21 micron Merino fleece range, particularly in Southern and Western regions, where declines of 40–60 cents were recorded. Crossbred wool prices also eased, while the Northern market showed some firmness in 20–21 microns,” said Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) in its week 39 commentary.
Australian wool prices declined this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) falling 27 cents to 1,724 c/kg amid buyer caution and rising logistics costs.
Weakness was led by Merino fleece, while crossbreds also eased.
Strong auction volumes and increased supply reduced competition, signalling a pause after sustained price gains.
Market sentiment was impacted by increased supply, with offerings nearing 40,000 bales. Pass-in rates stood at 9 per cent nationally and over 13 per cent in the West, signalling growing seller resistance. Despite lower annual production, supply levels remain elevated, partly supported by broker and farm-held stocks, the AWI commentary noted.
Rising freight costs linked to Middle East tensions and sustained supply are expected to test market stability. Around 37,815 bales are scheduled for sale next week, the AWI commentary added.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
Time to hold the line
Vietnam overtakes China in US jackets, blazers imports
China concludes Mexico tariffs create trade barriers for firms
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