Topic
demand
Commodities Global Gold Demand Flat at 1,269 Tonnes in April-June Quarter: WGC Report
Global gold demand was virtually flat at 1,269 tonnes in the April-June quarter of 2026, according to the World Gold Council. Investment demand eased due to lower prices, but central bank purchases jumped 62%. Jewellery demand fell 17% in volume terms.
Logistics GTT Projects 550 New LNG Carriers Needed by 2035, Signaling Fleet Expansion
GTT expects around 550 LNG carriers to be ordered between 2026 and 2035, adding to the current record orderbook of 338 ships. The forecast is driven by 37m tonnes per annum of new liquefaction capacity reaching FID this year and a projected 5% annual LNG demand growth, primarily from Asia. Shipyard capacity is expanding to meet demand, with Korean and Chinese yards expected to exceed 100 annual slots by 2028.
Logistics Freight Rates Soar on Capacity Crunch, Not Demand: Q2 Earnings Confirm Tight Market Through 2027
Major carriers' Q2 earnings reports indicate the freight market is tightening due to capacity constraints rather than surging demand, with spot rates at $3.53 per mile and contract rates up 18% year-over-year. Regulatory pressures and high barriers to entry are keeping capacity tight, while Brent crude oil at $100 per barrel adds fuel cost pressure. FreightWaves analysts expect the cycle to persist through at least 2027.
Supply Chain AI Data Center Boom: Is It an Absolute Bubble for Freight? Freight demand split, bubble warning
Freight demand is bifurcated: consumer-centric sectors like beverages and appliances struggle, while industrial demand for electrical goods, data centers, and batteries soars. Dr. Jason Miller of Michigan State University warns the AI data center build-out could be an 'absolute bubble', mirroring past tech booms and impacting trucking capacity and future freight volumes.
Logistics Trucking Market Update: International Container Spot Rates Surge 400% as Retail Peak Season Looms
International container spot rates have surged 400%, according to FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller. The domestic trucking market remains quiet but strong intermodal activity and an anticipated surge of long-haul volume from the West Coast signal a tightening freight market ahead of the retail peak season. Regulatory crackdowns are further impacting capacity.
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.
Logistics Prologis Sees Record Leasing Demand for Logistics Warehouses, Raises Full-Year Outlook
Prologis reported a strong second quarter with record lease signings of 67 million square feet and revenue of $2.43 billion, beating estimates. The company raised its full-year core FFO outlook to $6.22-$6.30 per share, driven by robust demand for logistics warehouses. U.S. net absorption hit 66 million square feet, the highest since 2022, and Prologis expects rent growth to outpace inflation in tight markets like Texas, the Southeast, the Midwest and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Manufacturing Aastha Spintex secures ₹77 crore cotton yarn order, boosting production visibility
Aastha Spintex has reported a ₹77 crore order book for cotton yarn for July–October 2026, representing over 21% of FY25 revenue. The orders, backed by repeat customers, follow the acquisition of Falcon Texotube which doubled spinning capacity to 17,457 MT.
Commodities Weak monsoon may boost soluble fertiliser demand but price surge remains key risk: SFAI
India's soluble fertiliser sector faces a dual dynamic: weak monsoon could lift demand for water-soluble products, but a 60-100% price surge over the past year, driven by China's export curbs and West Asia tensions, poses a bigger risk to consumption. SFAI President Rajib Chakraborty warns that high prices may push farmers to cheaper substitutes, while immediate supply is cushioned by stock carryover from last year's poor consumption.
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.
Business India's office market shows caution despite resilient demand and selective rental gains: Colliers report
According to a Colliers report, India's office market recorded 35.7 million sq ft of gross leasing in H1 2026, a 6% YoY increase, with demand outstripping new supply. However, the market remains cautious amid moderation in Q2 2026, with Mumbai and Pune seeing 25-30% declines. Flexible workspace leasing surged 90% above the five-year quarterly average. Rents rose modestly (up to 5%) in active micro-markets, but overall vacancy stayed around 15%.
Business Consumer Companies Ramp Up Festive Production as Demand Hopes Rise Across India
Consumer goods makers in India are ramping up festive season production by up to 30% year-on-year, driven by optimistic demand outlook. Leading contract manufacturers like Dixon Technologies and PG Electroplast report double-digit order increases, with PG Electroplast's festive order book up 40% year-on-year. Companies expect a stronger rupee and lower oil prices to ease inflationary pressures and spur consumer demand.
Cement demand and prices under pressure amid monsoon onset and rising costs
The onset of the south-west monsoon, labour shortages, and rising fuel costs have pushed India's cement prices down ₹3-5 per bag to an average of ₹356, while the industry faces cost inflation of ₹350-400 per tonne. Analysts expect demand to remain subdued for the next two months, with recovery only after the monsoon season.
Business Voltas sells 1 million AC units in record 81 days, chairman Noel Tata steps down
Voltas achieved record sales of 1 million room air conditioning units in 81 days in FY2026, driven by strong demand during India's heatwave. Chairman Noel Tata, at his final AGM, highlighted the milestone and VoltBek's double-digit growth. Tata will step down in November due to age retirement policy.
Trade Indian Exporters See US Enquiries Rise but Order Conversions Lag Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Indian exporters of chemicals, textiles, carpets and leather goods are seeing increased enquiries from US clients, but orders remain low due to uncertainty over Section 301 tariffs and US policy unpredictability. The 10% US tariffs expire on July 24, while trade negotiations continue and additional duties are proposed.
Trade India’s coffee exports volumes rise 28% in Q1, value up 12% on higher demand
India’s coffee exports recorded strong growth in the April-June quarter of FY27, with volumes rising 28% to 1.3 lakh tonnes and value increasing 12% to $678 million, driven by European demand. Higher freight rates and the West Asian crisis weighed on realisations, but a weaker rupee helped offset the impact.
Business India's Services Sector Growth Slows to 17-Month Low as Hiring Stalls, Demand Weakens
India's services sector growth slowed to a 17-month low in June, with the HSBC Services PMI falling to 57.4 from 59.8. Hiring activity nearly stalled, domestic demand softened, but export orders remained robust. The broader composite PMI also declined to 57.1, reflecting weaker private sector momentum.
Business FMCG Q1 Demand Stable Amid Price Hikes; Companies Warn El Nino May Hit Rural Consumption
Demand for soaps, shampoos, and packaged food remained stable in the June quarter despite price hikes, according to quarterly updates from major FMCG companies. However, companies flagged the risk of El Nino conditions on monsoon rains, which could dampen rural consumption. Firms like Dabur reported double-digit growth, while Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) expects margin pressure due to cost pressures.
Logistics Flatbed Freight Poised for Surge as AI Data Centers and Military Spending Boost Demand
According to FreightWaves, the flatbed freight market may have seen a recent cool-off, but massive investments in AI data centers and a record-breaking defense bill are set to fuel unprecedented demand. Flatbed trucking will be essential for moving concrete for new facilities and munitions for global defense, putting capacity and rates under pressure.
Commodities IEA forecasts global natural gas demand to fall 0.5% in 2026 as higher prices curb consumption
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts global natural gas demand to fall 0.5% in 2026, driven by higher prices curbing consumption from power generators and industry. The U.S.-Iran conflict has sharply reduced LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up benchmark prices in Europe and Asia. Asia gas demand fell 1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 as fuel switching to coal accelerated.
Commodities India’s 163.65 LT Fertilizer Stock and Rising Production to Meet Kharif Demand, Says Government
As of July 2, 2026, India’s fertilizer stock stands at 163.65 lakh tonnes (LT), meeting 43% of the Kharif season demand of 383.9 LT. Domestic production exceeded targets for urea and DAP in Q1 FY27, while natural gas supply to urea plants has been fully restored after disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The government has diversified import sources and 15 of 20 vessels carrying imported fertilizers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Oil prices inch higher as focus shifts to supply, demand and Hormuz shipments
Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, with WTI crude at $68.83 per barrel and Brent at $72.26, as the market shifted focus to supply-demand dynamics and recovering shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. A tanker was struck by a projectile near Oman, renewing geopolitical concerns, but gains were capped by OPEC+ output increases and record UAE production.
Commodities India’s bio-energy boom boosts demand for enzyme solutions, says Novonesis
Denmark-based Novonesis, formed in 2024 from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, is seeing strong demand for its enzymes and microbial solutions from India’s expanding bio-energy and nutrition markets. Regional President Krishna Mohan Puvvada noted that bio-ethanol and biofuels are major growth drivers, alongside probiotics and bio-fertilizers. Novonesis has invested around Rs 4,000 crore in India and signed an MoU with Maharashtra for an additional Rs 2,500-3,000 crore investment.
Commodities India needs 500,000 tonnes refined copper capacity every 5 years to meet demand: ICA
India will require roughly 500,000 tonnes of additional refined copper capacity every five years to keep pace with rising demand, according to International Copper Association India (ICA India) Managing Director Mayur Karmarkar. Copper demand grew 9.3% to 1,878 kilo tonnes in FY25, driven by strong growth in building construction (11% yoy) and infrastructure (17% yoy). Despite planned capacity additions from Hindustan Copper, Hindalco, and Kutch Copper, domestic production remains insufficient to meet long-term demand.
Technology Chipflation Hits Enterprise Hardware as AI Demand Drives Memory Prices Up 15x
Rising demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI is causing a chip shortage, driving up prices of standard DRAM, NAND, and legacy microcontrollers. Prices of eMMC memory have increased 12 times, DDR memory 15 times, and smart TV prices have risen 30%. Industry leaders warn of further increases and supply constraints, affecting everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances. Enterprise technology buyers must prepare for higher component costs and potential delays.
Commodities India's June Palm Oil Imports Plunge to 14-Month Low as Demand Weakens, Dealers Say
India's palm oil imports fell to a 14-month low in June, dropping 10.5% month-on-month to 492,000 metric tons, according to dealer estimates. The decline was driven by weak demand, hand-to-mouth buying, narrowing discounts to soyoil, and a severe cooking gas crisis.
Logistics June Manufacturing Data Shows Sixth Month of Expansion, Supporting LTL Demand Growth
The ISM Manufacturing PMI registered 53.3 in June, marking a sixth consecutive month of expansion. The new orders subindex remained strong at 56, supporting less-than-truckload demand. LTL carriers like ArcBest are raising rates amid rational pricing and excess capacity.
Logistics Maersk Lifts Full-Year Guidance on Strong Demand and Wartime Economy
Maersk upgraded its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting EBITDA of $8-$10 billion as strong demand in the Far East and elevated spot rates, driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict and shipper frontloading, boost container market conditions.
Commodities Cement prices under pressure in July due to monsoon, weak demand: Centrum report
Cement prices are expected to remain flat in July 2026 as the monsoon season and weak underlying demand continue to pressure the sector, according to a Centrum report. Demand in Q1 FY27 was below expectations due to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves, and slower government project execution. Dealers do not anticipate any significant price hikes in the near term.
Commodities Orthodox Tea Prices Edge Up at Coonoor Auctions as West Asia Truce Boosts Demand
Tea prices were marginally up at Coonoor auctions last week, driven by improved demand for orthodox varieties following the normalisation of issues in West Asia after a recent truce. Sales volumes were robust, with leaf categories seeing 95% of offered quantity sold, while dust achieved 92%. Price movements varied by grade, with orthodox primary whole leaf and brokens dearer by ₹4–5 per kg.
Commodities Global Consumers Reshape Basmati Rice Market with Demands for Traceability, Health, and Convenience
The global basmati rice market, valued at over $13 billion in 2024, is being transformed by a new breed of consumers who prioritize traceability, health attributes like low glycemic index, aged varieties, and convenient packaging. India's Geographical Indication tag has become a marketing asset, and exporters are seeing growing demand for verified provenance. The report highlights key trends including the rise of aged basmati (23% of domestic sales), the health-conscious consumer shift, and the move toward smaller pack sizes and ready-to-cook formats.
Business Inflation Starting to Take Toll on Indian Consumers, P&G India CEO Warns of Headwinds
Procter & Gamble India CEO V Kumar said inflation is making consumers more disciplined in spending, projecting short-term headwinds. The company faces a 50% spike in plastic costs due to the West Asia war, and global parent P&G warned of a $1 billion post-tax hit to fiscal 2027 profit. Delayed monsoons add to risks, but the company remains positive on India's medium-term growth.
Commodities Tin Prices Poised to Rule Elevated in 2026 on Semiconductor Demand and Supply Disruptions
Tin prices remain elevated at $55,301/tonne, driven by surging demand from the semiconductor industry amid AI capital expenditure, while supply constraints from Indonesia, Myanmar, and other regions persist. BMI has revised its 2026 price forecast to $49,000/tonne, and market experts expect prices to stay high despite potential moderation in H2.
Trade India's gold imports surge 81.7% in April as duty hike fails to curb demand
India's gold imports jumped 81.7% year-on-year to $5.63 billion in April 2026, just before the government raised import duties on 13 May. Even after the duty hike, imports rose 34% in May to $3.42 billion, according to a GTRI report. The total effective tax burden now stands at about 18.4%.
Commodities Brent crude slips as markets await clarity on US-Iran peace deal details
Brent crude futures edged lower on Tuesday as traders remained cautious after the US-Iran peace deal announcement lacked specific terms. August Brent slipped 0.30% to $82.92, while WTI eased 0.12% to $80.65. President Trump claimed ships carrying oil are moving out of the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran's President Pezeshkian said a final agreement has not yet been reached, keeping markets on edge.
Technology AI chip boom yet to lift South Korea's wider economy, Nomura economist sees limited spillover
South Korea's AI-driven semiconductor boom has yet to meaningfully lift the broader economy, according to Nomura senior economist Park Jeong-woo. Semiconductor export strength is largely price-driven with unexceptional volume growth, and consumption remains mixed with luxury spending up but auto sales down. Nomura expects the Bank of Korea to raise rates in July to 3.25% due to financial stability concerns, despite inflation being supply-driven.
Business Skilled Blue-Collar Talent Demand Surges 500% for Robotics as AI Drives 'Labour Flip'
Randstad analysis of 50M+ job postings reveals demand for skilled blue-collar roles in India surged dramatically, with robotics technicians up over 500%. The 'labour flip' is narrowing pay gaps between blue-collar and entry-level white-collar jobs.
Trade Inflation Fuels Unconventional Consumer Behaviour in India with Stockpiling and Premium Home Spending
The article by Harish Bhat in The Hindu BusinessLine outlines seven counter-intuitive consumer responses to inflation in India, including accelerated stockpiling of essentials, a shift to larger packs, increased spending on premium home groceries, and a preference for domestic products. These trends have direct implications for import demand, packaging, and supply chain strategies.
Trade China's Exports Surge 19.4% in May on Tech and EV Demand
China's exports increased by 19.4% in May, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors and electric vehicles. Exports to the US surged over 35%, marking significant growth.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices Plunge Amid Oil Rally and Strong Dollar
Gold prices fell by ₹4,300 to ₹1.56 lakh per 10 grams, and silver dropped by ₹10,000 to ₹2.45 lakh per kg in India. The decline is attributed to a surge in oil prices and a stronger US dollar, impacting bullion demand.
Commodities India's Dairy Demand Surges in Smaller Cities
India's dairy market is expanding beyond metropolitan areas, with smaller cities like Thrissur and Manipal driving demand for value-added dairy products. This shift is fueled by rising incomes and improved cold-chain infrastructure.
Commodities Maharashtra Onion Farmers Demand Higher Procurement Prices
Maharashtra onion farmers are demanding a minimum procurement price of Rs 3,000 per quintal, citing current rates as insufficient to cover costs. Despite relaxed procurement norms, farmers face financial distress due to low prices.
Logistics IndiGo Halts Flights to Six Destinations Amid Cost Pressures
IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights to six international destinations, including Hong Kong and Shanghai, due to weak demand and rising costs. The suspension will last until September 30, with potential for earlier resumption if conditions improve.
Commodities Muted Demand Pressures Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Tea prices at Kochi auctions have declined due to muted demand and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The auction saw a decrease in prices for popular grades, with a notable drop in CTC dust market prices.
Trade India's Spice Exports Decline 6% in FY26 Amid Weak Demand
India's spice exports fell by 6% to $4.43 billion in FY26, driven by reduced demand for chilli and cumin from key markets like China and Bangladesh. Despite the overall decline, some spices like cardamom and tamarind saw significant growth.
Commodities India's Oil Demand Growth Hits Pandemic Low Amid Middle East Conflict
India's oil demand growth is projected to hit its lowest level since the pandemic due to the Middle East conflict. The surge in energy prices and a weaker currency are pressuring the economy, with state refiners struggling to maintain competitive pricing.
Manufacturing Tractor Demand Surges with 11.6% Rise in Registrations
India's tractor registrations increased by 11.6% in May 2026, reaching 81,776 units. This growth is attributed to strong rural cash flows and replacement demand, with Mahindra & Mahindra, TAFE, and International Tractors leading the market.
Logistics India's Air Traffic Decline Impacts Freight Operations
India's domestic air traffic fell by 4.2% in April due to weak demand and rising costs, affecting freight operations. IndiGo increased its market share, while Air India Group saw a decline.
Manufacturing Tesla Cuts Model Y Price in India to Boost Demand
Tesla has reduced the price of its Model Y in India by up to Rs 9 lakh, aiming to boost demand in a market where high prices have limited its appeal. The move positions the Model Y closer to mass-market premium vehicles, potentially widening Tesla's customer base.