Topic
decline
Manufacturing India Smartphone Shipments Decline 10% in June Quarter, Sharpest Drop in 3 Years
India's smartphone shipments declined 10% year-on-year in the June quarter, the steepest drop in three years, driven by record-high memory prices and weak demand in the mass-market segment. Chinese brands suffered most, while Samsung posted growth. Premium devices held steady.
Commodities Why Has China's Oil Imports Fallen So Sharply, and What Does It Mean for Global Markets?
China's oil imports have dropped sharply from an average of 11.5 million bpd to around 8 million bpd since April, with June shipments at 40% of pre-Iran war levels. The decline, driven by lower fuel demand, electrification, and economic slowdown, has kept global prices in check but raised uncertainty about permanence.
Commodities India’s oilmeal exports fall 21.5% in April on Red Sea disruption, price gap
India’s oilmeal exports fell 21.5% year-on-year to 3.65 lakh tonnes in April 2026, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). The decline was driven by Red Sea shipping disruptions, higher freight costs, and intense price competition from South American soybean meal. Rapeseed meal exports bucked the trend, rising to 2.48 lakh tonnes on strong demand from China.
Technology OnePlus, the 'Flagship-Killer' Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
OnePlus, once a disruptive 'flagship-killer' brand, is effectively shutting down in North America and Europe. The company has laid off staff across multiple regions, with employees moving to parent Oppo or sub-brand Realme. Smartphone shipments globally fell 11% year-over-year in Q2 2026, and OnePlus faced tariff-driven price hikes and lost T-Mobile partnership.
Logistics Air Transport Output in India Plunges 14% in April, ISP Data Shows Impact of West Asia Conflict
India's air transport sector output contracted nearly 14% in April, according to the NSO's maiden Index of Services Production (ISP) data. The decline is attributed to high airfare due to increased fuel prices from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, contrasting with a 4.5% growth in April 2025. Railways also posted a slight dip of 0.4%, while most other services sectors recorded double-digit growth.
Manufacturing India Smartphone Shipments to Fall Over 10% in Q2 as Memory Costs Squeeze Margins
India's smartphone market shipments are set to decline more than 10% year-on-year in Q2 2026, the sharpest drop since Covid, according to IDC. Soaring memory costs have pushed handset prices up 15-18%, squeezing OEM margins and deterring entry-level buyers. Analysts warn of further price increases ahead of the festive season.
Commodities Indian edible oil imports plunge 30% in June as palm and soybean oil shipments fall
India's edible oil imports dropped 30% in June 2026 to 11.11 lakh tonnes, driven by a collapse in palm oil and soybean oil shipments. The decline reflects vanishing price discounts and global biofuel mandates, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India.
Commodities India’s natural gas demand set to fall 8% in 2026 as West Asia conflict disrupts LNG imports
India’s natural gas demand is projected to decline roughly 8% year-on-year in 2026, driven by the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure that disrupted LNG imports. The fertilizer sector leads the drop, while residential and commercial use rises. Domestic production continues to contract, pushing LNG imports up slightly despite supply disruptions.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Indian Bullion Market: 24 Carat Gold Down 1.7%
According to News on AIR, gold and silver prices declined in the Indian bullion market on June 24, 2026. 24 carat gold was trading 1.7 per cent lower at 144,330 rupees per 10 grams, while silver was 1.2 per cent down at 223,470 rupees per kilogram. The data reflects intraday movements in the domestic bullion market.
Business PE inflows into Indian real estate dip 23% to $1.13 billion in H1 2026, office sector surges
Private equity investments in Indian real estate fell 23% year-on-year to $1.13 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by a cautious global investment climate, according to a Knight Frank India report. The office sector bucked the trend with a 33% rise in inflows, accounting for 89% of total PE investments, while residential segment declined sharply.
Commodities Global crude steel output slips marginally in May 2026, India maintains growth
Global crude steel output edged down 0.3% year-on-year in May 2026 to 157.9 million tonnes, according to World Steel Association data. India maintained its position as the second-largest producer with a 1.9% output gain, while China's production fell 2.7%. North America and Africa saw robust growth, but the Middle East recorded a sharp 19.4% decline.
Commodities Crude oil futures decline after US and Iran conclude first round of talks in Switzerland
Crude oil futures traded lower on Monday after the first round of US-Iran talks concluded in Switzerland. September Brent fell 1.49% to $78.86 and August WTI dropped 0.40% to $75.55. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that oil and petrochemical exports are waived and blockade lifted, while US President Donald Trump warned Iran over its proxies. ING strategists noted that a permanent deal remains challenging with risks of a flare-up during the 60-day ceasefire.
Commodities Indian cumin exports drop 28% in FY26 on reduced offtake from China
India's cumin (jeera) exports dropped 28% in value and 14% in volume in the 2025-26 financial year, primarily due to a sharp 76% decline in Chinese offtake. The value fell to $524 million from $732.35 million, while volume declined to 1.96 lakh tonnes from 2.29 lakh tonnes. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia and strong domestic crops in China and Syria also impacted shipments, though exports to Turkey surged more than fivefold.
Technology Semiconductor stocks lose $1.3 trillion in worst week since 2020 amid chip rout and external shocks
Semiconductor stocks suffered their worst week since 2020, erasing $1.3 trillion in market cap. While triggered by Broadcom's softer AI chip guidance, external factors including a strong US jobs report, renewed US-Iran conflict, and upcoming mega-IPOs from SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI compounded the decline. Chip demand remains strong but investor skittishness may affect AI infrastructure financing.
Manufacturing Convertible Car Sales Plummet 90% as SUVs Dominate European Market
Sales of new convertible cars in the UK have fallen by nearly 90% over the past 20 years, from 109,171 in 2005 to just 11,484 last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The decline coincides with the rise of SUVs, which accounted for 59% of European car sales in 2024. Industry experts cite higher manufacturing costs and shifting consumer preferences toward practicality.
Logistics Port of Los Angeles $3.4B Budget Forecasts 7% Container Volume Dip
The Port of Los Angeles approved a $3.4 billion budget for FY2026-2027, forecasting a 7% drop in container volumes to 9.3 million TEU. China's share of imports through the port fell to about 40% in 2026 from 61% in 2020, driven by ongoing trade war and tariff uncertainty. The budget boosts capital improvements by 31%, including rail and terminal projects.
Logistics Canada Post Faces 17.2% Parcel Volume Decline in Q1
Canada Post experienced a 17.2% drop in parcel volumes in Q1, resulting in a significant financial loss. This decline is attributed to labor disputes and operational changes.
Commodities LPG Sales Plummet 19% Year-on-Year Amid Supply Disruptions
LPG sales in India fell by 19% year-on-year in May, dropping to 2.1 million tonnes from 2.6 million tonnes in 2025. The decline is attributed to government demand management measures and supply disruptions.
Logistics Global Air Freight Faces Turbulence Amid West Asia Conflict
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a 3.4% decline in global air travel, significantly impacting air freight capacity and pricing. Middle Eastern carriers are experiencing the steepest declines.
Trade India's Oilmeal Exports Drop 13% Amid Shipping Woes
India's oilmeal exports decreased by 13.22% in 2025-26, impacted by Red Sea shipping disruptions and global competition. Freight costs rose as shipping routes detoured around the Cape of Good Hope.
Commodities Global Crude Steel Output Declines Amid Geopolitical Strains
Global crude steel production decreased by 1.9% in April 2026, with significant declines in China, the Middle East, and Russia. India and the US showed growth, countering the trend.