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Insights into Trade Market Trends: An Investor’s Guide

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Insights into Trade Market Trends: An Investor’s Guide

In the world of investing, a variety of factors persistently influence trends and impact investment choices. For investors navigating this landscape, understanding market dynamics is crucial. This article offers a thorough guide to understanding trade market trends, providing insights and strategies to assist investors in making well-informed decisions.

Understanding Trade Market Trends

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, it’s easy to be swayed by the allure of investment opportunities. A compelling sales pitch from a trader can entice you to invest significant funds into something you may not have thoroughly studied. This is why conducting due diligence is paramount.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that trade market trends are molded by a blend of macroeconomic and microeconomic forces. These encompass geopolitical events, economic indicators, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior. Through meticulous analysis of these factors, investors can glean valuable insights into trade market trends and identify potentially profitable opportunities.

Geopolitical Events

Geopolitical events have a significant impact on trade markets, often leading to fluctuations in prices and volatility. Factors such as trade disputes, political instability, and military conflicts can disrupt supply chains, affect consumer sentiment, and create uncertainty in the market. 

For example, the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China have had far-reaching implications for global trade, influencing investor confidence and market behavior. Another example is the political unrest in oil-producing regions, which can lead to disruptions in the supply of oil and affect global energy prices. 

Additionally, events such as Brexit or elections in major economies can introduce uncertainty and impact currency exchange rates, affecting the competitiveness of exports and imports. Geopolitical events are unpredictable and can have profound effects on trade markets, highlighting the importance of closely monitoring global developments and incorporating geopolitical risk analysis into investment strategies.

Economic Indicators

Economic indicators provide valuable insights into the health of an economy and its potential impact on trade markets. Key indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, unemployment figures, and consumer spending can help investors gauge the overall direction of the market. 

For instance, strong GDP growth and low unemployment rates are often associated with bullish market sentiment, while rising inflation and sluggish economic growth may signal a bearish outlook.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements play a crucial role in shaping trade market trends, driving innovation, and transforming industries. From the rise of e-commerce and digital payments to advances in automation and artificial intelligence, technology is reshaping the way goods and services are produced, traded, and consumed. Investors who stay abreast of these developments can capitalize on emerging trends and position themselves for long-term growth.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior is constantly evolving, driven by changing demographics, social trends, and cultural preferences. Understanding these shifts is essential for investors seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market. For example, the growing demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products has led to a rise in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, with investors increasingly factoring in environmental and social considerations when making investment decisions.

Strategies for Navigating Trade Market Trends

Navigating trade market trends requires a strategic approach, informed by thorough research and analysis. Here are some strategies to help investors make the most of market opportunities:

Diversification

Diversifying your investment portfolio across different asset classes, industries, and geographical regions can help mitigate risk and maximize returns, especially in volatile market conditions. Several investment opportunities have gained considerable traction in recent years:

Real Estate

The appeal of real estate investment lies in its potential to generate passive income, build wealth through property appreciation, and diversify investment portfolios. However, like any investment, real estate comes with risks and requires careful due diligence, market analysis, and financial planning. Investors must consider risk management strategies, including insurance coverage. Rental property insurance is crucial for safeguarding against potential liabilities, damages, and unforeseen events.

Cryptocurrencies

The emergence of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, has created a new asset class that has attracted significant attention from investors. While cryptocurrencies are known for their volatility and speculative nature, they offer the potential for high returns and diversification benefits in a portfolio.

Venture Capital

Investing in startups and early-stage companies through venture capital funds has become increasingly popular among investors seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Venture capital investments provide exposure to innovative technologies and disruptive business models, with the potential for substantial returns if successful.

Commodities

Investing in commodities such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products provides investors with exposure to physical assets that can serve as hedges against inflation and geopolitical risks. Commodities markets offer opportunities for both short-term speculation and long-term investment strategies.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs have gained popularity as a cost-effective and efficient way to gain exposure to various asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions. ETFs track indices or baskets of assets and trade on stock exchanges, offering investors diversification benefits and liquidity.

Active Monitoring

Stay informed about market developments by actively monitoring news headlines, economic reports, and industry trends. This will enable investors to adapt their investment strategy quickly in response to changing market conditions. Additionally, investors should leverage advanced data analytics and technology tools to gain deeper insights into market dynamics and identify emerging trends. 

Risk Management

Implement risk management strategies, such as setting stop-loss orders and maintaining a balanced portfolio, to protect your investments from potential downside risks. Regularly review and adjust your risk management strategies in response to changing market conditions, economic outlooks, and personal financial goals. Remember that risk management is not about avoiding risk altogether but rather about understanding and managing risk effectively to achieve long-term investment objectives while preserving capital and minimizing potential losses.

Long-Term Perspective

Take a long-term perspective when investing in trade markets, focusing on fundamental factors such as economic growth, industry trends, and company performance rather than short-term market volatility or noise. It’s essential to maintain a disciplined approach and focus on the underlying fundamentals driving investment opportunities. While short-term fluctuations in prices may create temporary uncertainty, successful investors understand that market movements often do not reflect the true value of assets over the long term. 

Conclusion

Understanding trade market trends is essential for investors looking to navigate the complexities of the global economy and identify lucrative investment opportunities. While the investment landscape may be dynamic and unpredictable, disciplined investors who prioritize research, diversification, and patience can position themselves for long-term financial success amidst the ever-changing trade market trends.

Germany Expanded Lactam Imports More Than Tenfold to $6.8B in Past Decade

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Lactams From Heterocyclic Compounds – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

From 2010 to 2020, Germany boosted purchases abroad by thirteen times, from $0.5B to $6.8B, and became the world’s leading lactam importer in value terms. The U.S. ($3.4B) and Italy ($1.4B) followed Germany. Most lactam supplies come to the global market from Belgium ($1.7B), Japan ($303M) and China ($367M), which became the fastest-growing lactam exporter in the past decade.


 

Global Imports of Lactams from Heterocyclic Compounds

Total overseas purchases of lactams from heterocyclic compounds in the world grew from 1.1M tonnes in 2019 to 1.2M tonnes in 2020. In value terms, global lactam imports rose from $19.7 to $20.8B (IndexBox estimates).

The largest lactam importing markets worldwide were Germany ($6.8B), the U.S. ($3.4B) and Italy ($1.4B), together accounting for 56% of global imports in 2020.

Over the past decade, Germany (+30.4% per year) saw the highest growth rates of the import value, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In physical terms, China (280K tonnes), Taiwan (Chinese) (209K tonnes) and Germany (195K tonnes) represented the leading importers of lactams from heterocyclic compounds in the world, committing 58% of total import. They were distantly followed by Italy (105K tonnes) and India (58K tonnes), creating a 14% share of total imports. The following importers – Switzerland (49K tonnes), South Korea (48K tonnes), Slovenia (34K tonnes), Belgium (31K tonnes), Viet Nam (27K tonnes), the U.S. (21K tonnes) and Indonesia (19K tonnes) – together made up 19% of total imports.

In 2020, the average lactam import price amounted to $17,538 per tonne, approximately mirroring the previous year. There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was the U.S. ($162,254 per tonne), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($1,255 per tonne) was amongst the lowest. From 2010 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

World’s Largest Suppliers of Lactams from Heterocyclic Compounds

Belgium ($1.7B) remains the largest lactam supplier worldwide, comprising 10% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($367M), with a 2.2% share of global exports. It was followed by Japan ($303M), with a 1.6% share.

China emerged as the fastest-growing supplier of lactams from heterocyclic compounds over the past decade. From 2010 to 2020, exports from China expanded from $0.1B to $0.4B.

Source: IndexBox Platform

capacitors tariff global trade

Germany Expands Electrical Capacitor Imports 40% to Over $2B

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Germany – Electrical Capacitors – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Germany, the second-largest importer in the global electrical capacitor market, increased purchases last year. In Q1-Q3 2021, its electrical capacitor imports totalled $2B, rising by 40% compared to the same period of 2020.

During Q1-Q3 2021, Germany imported electrical capacitors worth $2B, 40% more than in the same period a year earlier. Japan, China and South Korea remain the major providers of electrical capacitors to Germany. In Q1-Q3 2021, imports from China amounted to $333M, soaring by 55% against the same period in 2020. During that time, Japan expanded capacitor exports to Germany by 41% to $597M, while shipments from Korea surged by 34% to $147M.

Germany Electrical Capacitor Imports by Country

In 2020, the volume of electrical capacitors imported into Germany shrank markedly to 29K tonnes, which is down by -16.9% compared with 2019. In value terms, supplies fell markedly to $2B (IndexBox estimates).

Japan ($667M) constituted the largest supplier of capacitors to Germany, comprising 34% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($319M), with a 16% share of total purchases. It was followed by South Korea, with a 7.7% share.

Overview of Global Electrical Capacitor Imports

Global capacitor imports totalled $31B in 2020. Multilayer ceramic capacitors ($19.1B) constituted the largest type of electrical capacitors imported worldwide, comprising 62% of global supplies. Aluminium electrolytic capacitors ($5B), with a 16% share of global imports, took second position in the ranking. Other types of capacitors comprised 22% of total supplies.

The largest capacitor importing markets were China ($8.8B), Hong Kong SAR ($5.4B) and Germany ($2B), together comprising 52% of global imports. The U.S., South Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Czech Republic, Hungary and India lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 29%.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Orange Prices to Pick Up in 2022 Despite Global Production Growth

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Oranges – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights‘. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Despite an expected global production growth in 2022, orange prices will moderately increase due to the rising cost of fertilizers, pesticides, energy and limited workforce. This year, the world’s orange output is forecast to rise by 3% y/y to 77M tonnes due primarily to expected favourable weather in Mexico, Brazil and Turkey.

This year, orange prices are forecast to grow, despite an expected increase in global production. According to World Bank’s data, the average annual orange price is to pick up 3% y/y, reaching $0.67 per kg in 2022. Last year, that figure totalled $0.65 per kg, increasing by 8% y/y.

Global orange production is set to rise by 3% to 77K tonnes due to expected favourable weather conditions in Mexico, Brazil and Turkey. Orange production in Mexico is to gain 3% y/y, reaching 4.3M tonnes by the end of 2022. In Brazil, the output is forecast to rise by 12% to 17.5M tonnes. Turkey is expected to produce 1.8M tonnes of oranges, 40% more than in 2021.

Argentina is to ramp up production by 6% to 1.1M tonnes. Slight increases in output are expected in China and Morocco. By contrast, Egypt is set to reduce production by -16% to 3.0M tonnes.

U.S. output is set to drop by 11% to 3.6M tonnes due to plant disease citrus greening, which affected most plantations in Florida. EU production is also to fall by 6% to 6.1M tonnes on unfavourable weather and a slight drop in harvested area. The EU is projected to ramp up orange supplies from South Africa and Brazil to offset the production decrease. American imports to keep calm with weak consumer demand.

Global Orange Imports by Country

Global orange imports rose markedly to 7.5M tonnes in 2020 (IndexBox estimates), surging by 8% compared with 2019 figures. In value terms, orange imports soared to $6.4B.

The countries with the highest levels of orange imports in 2020 were the Netherlands (622K tonnes), Germany (499K tonnes), France (477K tonnes), Russia (428K tonnes), Saudi Arabia (405K tonnes), Hong Kong SAR (303K tonnes), China (293K tonnes), the UK (267K tonnes), Bangladesh (229K tonnes), Italy (216K tonnes), Spain (209K tonnes) and the United Arab Emirates (207K tonnes), together accounting for 55% of total volume. Canada (203K tonnes) held a minor share of total imports.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($557M), Germany ($506M) and France ($494M) were the countries with the highest levels of purchases in 2020, together accounting for 24% of global imports. These countries were followed by China, Russia, Hong Kong SAR, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for a further 35%.

The average orange import price stood at $848 per tonne in 2020, with an increase of 18% against the previous year. There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was China ($1,050 per tonne), while Saudi Arabia ($555 per tonne) was amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+68.2% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

bromine

Boosting Investments in Eco Battery Industry to Drive Global Bromine Market

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Iodine, Fluorine And Bromine – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights‘. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Rapidly expanding manufacturing of zinc-bromine batteries, strong eco-friendly competitors for lithium counterparts, is to stimulate the growth of the global bromine market. Compared to lithium analogues, zinc-bromine batteries are more cost-effective and less flammable because they can function at high temperatures. Developers and producers of zinc-bromine battery components are actively fundraising last year thanks to the high market potential. Gelion launched an IPO on the London Stock Exchange, while Neogen Chemicals’ stocks more than doubled in 2021.

Key Trends and Insights

Investors see opportunities in zinc-bromine battery manufacturing, which could drive an expansion in the global bromine market. Accumulators using a zinc-bromine gel have a competitive advantage over their lithium counterparts because of their lower production costs and initial investment to reach industrial capacity. They are less flammable and can be used at temperatures over +50’С, while at those temperatures, lithium batteries have a high risk of catching fire at those temperatures.

In 2021, developers and producers of zinc-bromine components successfully attracted investments thanks to growing interest in this new alternative source of storing energy. Gelion PLC, an Australian zinc-bromine gel developer, launched an IPO on the London Stock Exchange to expand its domestic capacity, create additional production facilities in India and become profitable by 2024. The share price for Neogen Chemicals Ltd, the largest Indian manufacturer of bromine-based and lithium-based compounds, doubled last year. The company’s financial results showed a growth in revenues to Rs. 113.2 crore in Q2 FY22, 38% larger than the same period of the previous year.

Global Imports of Iodine, Fluorine and Bromine

In 2020, approx. 163K tonnes of iodine, fluorine and bromine were imported worldwide, picking up by 6.8% on the previous year. In value terms, iodine, fluorine and bromine imports rose remarkably to $1.5B (IndexBox estimates).

China was the major importer of iodine, fluorine and bromine globally, with the volume of imports amounting to 60K tonnes, which was approx. 37% of global purchases. Belgium (25K tonnes) ranks second with a 15% share, followed by India (8.3%) and France (4.8%). The UK (5.1K tonnes), the U.S. (5.1K tonnes), Norway (3.4K tonnes), Saudi Arabia (2.8K tonnes) and Canada (2.6K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

In value terms, China ($415M), Belgium ($212M) and the U.S. ($147M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of purchases in 2020, together comprising 51% of global imports.

The average iodine, fluorine and bromine import price stood at $9,252 per tonne in 2020, increasing by 4.4% against the previous year. The most notable increase in prices was attained by the U.S., while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth during 2020.

Top Largest Suppliers of Iodine, Fluorine and Bromine

In 2020, Israel (62K tonnes) was the leading exporter of iodine, fluorine and bromine, committing 43% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Jordan (23K tonnes), Chile (20K tonnes), Belgium (14K tonnes), Japan (7.8K tonnes), the U.S. (7.5K tonnes) and India (6.9K tonnes), together comprising a 54% share of global supplies.

In value terms, Chile ($659M) remains the most significant supplier worldwide, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Israel ($222M), with a 15% share of global supplies. It was followed by Belgium, with a 13% share.

Source: IndexBox Platform

soybean

Soybean Oil Prices to Gain 4% in 2022 Due to Boosting Demand for Biofuels

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Soybean Oil – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

In 2022, soybean oil prices are forecast to rise by nearly 4% to $1,425 per tonne, driven by boosting demand for biofuels. In 2021, the average annual soybean oil price skyrocketed, rising 65% y-o-y to $1,385 per tonne. India remains the world’s largest soybean oil importer, while Argentina holds the position of the leading global supplier. 

Soybean Oil Price Forecast 2022

According to the World Bank’s October forecast, the average annual soybean oil price is set to grow by nearly 4% to $1,425 per tonne in 2022. Rising demand for biofuels, especially in Asia, will be the key driver of that increase.

In 2021, the average annual soybean oil price soared by 65% y-o-y, from $838 per tonne to $1,385 per tonne. The most rapid price growth was recorded in Q3, instigated by weather-related production shortfalls in South America, strong demand in China, and high freight rates.

Soybean Oil Imports 

In 2020, overseas soybean oil purchases increased by 7.5% to 13M tonnes, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In value terms, soybean oil imports expanded notably to $10.3B (IndexBox estimates).

India was the major importing country with a purchase volume of around 3.7M tonnes, which resulted in 28% of global supplies. China (963K tonnes) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Algeria (670K tonnes) and Bangladesh (666K tonnes). All these countries together took near 17% share of total imports. Morocco (547K tonnes), Mauritania (537K tonnes), Peru (521K tonnes), South Korea (390K tonnes), Colombia (378K tonnes), Venezuela (373K tonnes), Egypt (243K tonnes), Poland (229K tonnes) and Nepal (215K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

In value terms, India ($3B) constitutes the largest market for imported soybean oil worldwide, comprising 29% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($725M), with a 7% share of the total value. It was followed by Algeria, with a 4.6% share.

Top Largest Soybean Oil Exporters

In 2020, Argentina (5.3M tonnes) was the key exporter of soybean oil, constituting 42% of total exports. It was distantly followed by the U.S. (1,238K tonnes), Brazil (1,110K tonnes), Paraguay (631K tonnes), the Netherlands (615K tonnes) and Russia (611K tonnes), together creating a 33% share of global shipments. Spain (387K tonnes), Bolivia (377K tonnes), Ukraine (302K tonnes), Turkey (208K tonnes) and Germany (192K tonnes) held relatively small shares of the total volume.

In value terms, Argentina ($3.7B) remains the largest soybean oil supplier worldwide, comprising 39% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the U.S. ($979M), with a 10% share of total supplies. It was followed by Brazil, with an 8% share.

Source: IndexBox Platform

cotton

Cotton Prices Jump After U.S. Cut Exports Twofold

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Cotton Lint – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Cotton prices jumped by +13% to $2.59 per kg in October 2021, according to World Bank’s data. Global supply shows a sign of reduction, as American cotton exports dropped twofold from September to October. Droughts have wiped out a significant part of cotton crops across the U.S., especially in Texas. The U.S. remains the world’s leading supplier, accounting for 41% of global cotton lint exports. China, Viet Nam, and Pakistan represent key importers of cotton lint from America.

Cotton Price Trend

According to World Bank’s data, the cotton price (middling 1-3/32 inch, traded at the Far East) jumped from $2.29 per kg in September 2021 to $2.59 per kg in October. The reducing yields in the U.S. due to unfavourable weather forced American suppliers to slump exports, decreasing global market supply. The U.S. is the leading supplier, accounting for 41% of global cotton lint exports.

Since the beginning of this year, the global price increased from $1.92 per kg in January to $2.59 per kg in October. In 2020, the average cotton price estimated at $1.59 per kg.

American Cotton Exports by Country

Since the second half of 2021, American cotton exports have started to decline steadily. The most prominent drop was recorded in October when the supplies abroad fell from 209K tonnes to 122K tonnes over a month.

In 2020, the amount of cotton lint exported from the U.S. rose significantly to 3.8M tonnes, picking up by +7.3% compared with 2019 figures. In value terms, cotton lint exports fell slightly from $6.1B in 2019 to $6B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

China (1.2M tonnes), Viet Nam (782K tonnes), and Pakistan (507K tonnes) were the main destinations of cotton lint exports from the U.S., with a combined 65% share of total exports. In 2020, the supplies to China grew threefold, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, China ($1.8B), Viet Nam ($1.2B) and Pakistan ($788M) appeared to be the largest markets for cotton lint exported from the U.S. worldwide, together comprising 63% of total exports.

The average export price for cotton lint from the U.S. stood at $1,56 per kg in 2020, shrinking by -9.5% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2020, the highest prices were recorded for prices to India ($2,12 per kg) and Indonesia ($1,62 per kg), while the average prices for exports to Viet Nam ($1,5 per kg) and China ($1,54 per kg) were amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable growth rate in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India, while the prices for the other significant destinations experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

christmas

Americans Are Paying More for Christmas Decorations This Year. Here’s Why.

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Lighting Sets For Christmas Trees – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

This year, Americans have to pay more for Christmas lights, as the average import price for lighting sets soared by 7% compared to the figures of 2020, reaching $3.08 per unit. The reduction in global production of lighting decorations and skyrocketed freight rates, combined with the increased cost of raw materials and energy resources, led to this spike in prices. Throughout January-October 2021, U.S.Christmas lighting set imports totaled $511M, 10% more than in the same period a year earlier. In physical terms, the volume of supplies remained nearly unchanged against 2020’s figures, while shipment from China reduced significantly.  

U.S. Christmas Lighting Set Imports in 2021

The average import price for Christmas lighting sets in the U.S. soared by 7% y-o-y to $3.08 per unit. Over the ten months of 2021, the average prices of products purchased from major suppliers were the following: Cambodia ($3.10 per unit; increase of +5.0% y-o-y,), Philippines ($3.17 per unit; +25% y-o-y), China ($3.75 per unit; +5.0% y-o-y).

From January to October 2021, the U.S. imported 150M units of lighting sets worth $511M. In value terms, imports rose by +10% compared to the same period last year, while the purchases in physical terms remained nearly unchanged.

China’s supplies fell by -20% to 15.5M units or by -23% to $66.7M in monetary terms. This decrease was offset by rising imports from Cambodia, Viet Nam, Mexico, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. Compared to the same period in 2020, this year’s growths of shipments from major suppliers were the following: Cambodia (+1.4%, to 91.3М units), Philippines (+3.3%, to 24.7M units), Mexico (+2.9% to 12.7M units).

Imports from Viet Nam soared from 930K units to 3.2M units. Moreover, Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands and Hong Kong have also significantly expanded their lighting set exports to the U.S.

U.S. Christmas Lighting Set Imports in 2020

Last year, imports of lighting sets for Christmas trees into the U.S. amounted to 149M units. In value terms, purchases shrank modestly to $479M (IndexBox estimates). The U.S. remained the largest importer, accounting for 22% of global import volume.

Cambodia ($288M) constituted the largest supplier of lighting set for Christmas trees to the U.S., comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($90M), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by the Philippines, with a 14% share.

The growth rate of value from Cambodia amounted to +21.5% y-o-y. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-36.4% y-o-y) and the Philippines (-20.1% y-o-y).

Source: IndexBox Platform

ferroalloy exports

Indonesia Sharply Expands Ferroalloy Exports to China

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Indonesia – FerroAlloys – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Indonesia sharply increased ferroalloy exports due to booming demand from its major trade partner, China. The supplies to China grew nearly twofold, while the total exports from Indonesia spiked from 1.6M tonnes in 2019 to 2.9M tonnes in 2020. In value terms, China’s purchases comprise 96% of total ferroalloy exports from Indonesia. 

Ferroalloy Exports from Indonesia

Ferroalloy exports from Indonesia surged from 1.6M tonnes in 2019 to 2.9M tonnes in 2020. In value terms, ferroalloy exports jumped from $2.6B to $4.7B (IndexBox estimates) last year.

China (2.8M tonnes) was the main destination for ferroalloy exports from Indonesia, with a 97% share of total exports. In 2020, the supplies to China grew by +97.3% y-o-y. India (56K tonnes) followed China, accounting for 1.9% of Indonesian exports.

In value terms, China ($4.5B) remains the key foreign market for ferroalloy exports from Indonesia, comprising 96% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by India ($129M), with a 2.7% share of total exports.

The average ferroalloy export price stood at $1,648 per tonne in 2020, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat for the major external markets. In 2020, the country with the highest price was India ($2,292 per tonne), while the average price for exports to China totaled $1,635 per tonne. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India.

Source: IndexBox Platform

microwave

China Dislodges Malaysia from American Microwave Oven Supply Chains

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Microwave Ovens – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights‘. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Despite global logistical tensions amid the sharp container shortage, the U.S. continues to boosts microwave oven imports. Last year, American purchases spiked by +16.3% to $1.6B, reaching the highest level ever. In the first seven months of 2021, American imports reached 12.9M units, exceeding last year’s 12.1M units over the same period. China dominates American imports, supplying 95% of the total volume. In 2020, Chinese shipments to the U.S. jumped by +29% y-o-y to 22M units, while Malaysia saw a 19%-decline in supplies. Chinese microwave ovens thus drive out Malaysian products from the American market. 

American Microwave Oven Imports

In 2020, microwave oven imports into the U.S. surged to 23M units, increasing by +25% against the previous year’s figure. In value terms, microwave oven imports rose by +16.3% y-o-y to $1.6B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020. In the first seven months of 2021, American purchases reached 12.9M units against 12.1M units imported over the same period of 2020.

In 2020, China (22M units) was the main microwave oven supplier to the U.S., with a 95% share of total imports. Moreover, microwave oven imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Malaysia (1.2M units), more than tenfold.

In physical terms, Chinese supplies rose by +29% y-o-y in 2020. This year, imports from China continue to grow: over the first seven months of 2021, Chinese import volume reached 12.2M units, exceeding by +6.7% the figures of the same period of 2020.

Imports from Malaysia fell by -18% y-o-y last year. In the first half of 2021, Malaysian supplies tended to decline.

In value terms, China ($1.5B) constituted the largest supplier of microwave ovens to the U.S., comprising 89% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Malaysia ($156M), with a 9.5% share of total imports.

In 2020, the average microwave oven import price amounted to $70 per unit, shrinking by -6.9% against the previous year. There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($132 per unit), while the price for China stood at $66 per unit. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia.

Source: IndexBox Platform