India Launches Next Phase of Housing Project in Sri Lanka's Bandarawela Shri Lanka: India on Sunday launched the second stage of Phase IV of its housing project in Sri Lanka’s central hill town of Bandarawela, reinforcing development cooperation between the two nations. The initiative, part of India’s major assistance programme to construct 65,000 houses across Sri Lanka, aims to rehabilitate internally displaced Indian-origin Tamils. Under Phase IV, India has pledged 10,000

Saudi Arabia Leads GCC Projects Market in Q3 2025 Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia led the Gulf Cooperation Council’s projects market in the third quarter of 2025 with USD 28.1 billion in contract awards, accounting for 51.3 percent of total GCC activity, according to Kamco Invest. Total GCC awards dropped 27 percent year-on-year to USD 54.8 billion, while nine-month figures fell 30.5 percent to USD 154.4 billion. In Saudi Arabia, power projects topped USD 9.8 billion, constructio

Dwarka Expressway and UER-II Drive Housing Demand in Delhi-NCR India: The Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) have become major growth corridors fueling housing demand across Delhi-NCR, according to reports by Anarock Property Consultants and Cushman & Wakefield. Improved connectivity and proximity to Gurugram and Dwarka have spurred property interest, with housing supply in the region rising 23% in the first half of 2025 compared with last year. Property p

Bahrain Launches Second Phase of Residential Project in Madinat Salman Bahrain: Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has launched the second phase of its Advanced Generation Residential Buildings Project in Madinat Salman, which will deliver 432 new apartments for citizens following the successful completion of Phase I comprising 1,382 units, reported BNA. Minister Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi said the initiative aligns with the Government Programme (2023–2026) unde

China’s Exports Surge Despite Escalating Trade War China: Chinese companies exports more goods than expected in September, with shipments rising 8.3% year-on-year, surpassing the 6.6% forecast in a Bloomberg survey, while imports grew 7.4%, resulting in a $90.5 billion trade surplus. The stronger demand from markets beyond the US is helping Chinese firms withstand potential tariff hikes threatened by President Donald Trump and providing support to the domestic economy amid de

Rinnai CANADA: Rinnai America Corporation has expanded its North American logistics footprint with the opening of its first-ever warehouse in Canada, located in Markham, Ontario. The new facility, situated within Canada Cartage Logistics Solutions’ distribution center, offers direct access to Highways 404 and 407, improving delivery efficiency and product availability for partners and professionals across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions. The center will

Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority INDIA: The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has approved 21 new projects valued at US$792.3 million, paving the way for 10,866 housing and commercial units across the state. The clearances were granted during the 184th meeting of the Authority chaired by Sanjay Bhoosreddy. “The approval of 21 projects, adding nearly 11,000 new units, highlights the momentum of real estate growth in Uttar Pradesh. With inve

Franke UK UNITED KINGDOM: Franke UK has assured retailers and trade customers of uninterrupted product supply following the administration of its long-time distributor, Waterline. The company stated that it will continue serving customers through its own distribution networks Sinks & Things across England and Wales, and Forth & Clyde in Scotland while maintaining regular service through partners Bodel in Northern Ireland and Gowan Home in the Republic of Ireland. Waterline ha

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ROMANIA: Bucharest’s UP-site residential project in the Floreasca district has become the first in Romania to integrate large-scale Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) VRF systems with intelligent room-by-room zoning, underfloor heating, smart-home control, and a dedicated fresh air supply. Developed by Atenor, the complex consists of two towers of 12 and 25 floors totaling 256 apartments, and targets BREEAM Excellent and RoGBC Green Homes certificat

Indonesia Cuts Rate as Loan Growth Hits Three-Year Low INDONESIA: Indonesia’s newly appointed Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has announced plans to review his predecessor’s draft 2026 budget, including a potential revision of the fiscal deficit target, as part of his commitment to President Prabowo Subianto’s pro-growth agenda. Barely days into his role following the ouster of veteran Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Purbaya said the finance ministry will revise next year’s sp

Ferguson UNITED STATES: Ferguson, America’s leading plumbing distributor, reported robust demand from infrastructure and municipal projects even as a sluggish housing market and margin pressures weighed on overall returns. For the year ending October 9, 2025, Ferguson’s net sales reached US$30.8 billion, up 3.8% from the previous year, with organic growth of 3.2% and acquisitions contributing 1%. Q4 saw Waterworks sales rise 12% and HVAC sales 5%, reflecting strong non-reside

China’s R32 Refrigerant Prices Set to Increase by Nearly 20% China: The long-term contract price of R32 refrigerant from China is expected to increase by almost 20 per cent, according to Chinese commodity analysts. The increase is attributed to growing global demand for the lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, which is widely used in domestic air conditioning systems.  The new long-term contract price has reportedly reached CNY 60,200 per tonne (USD 8,460 / EUR 7

New York Launches USD 10 Million Window Heat Pump Demonstration Programme USA: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a USD 10 million (EUR 9.2 million) state-wide initiative to promote advanced clean heating and cooling systems through the new Clean Heat for All: Window Heat Pump Demonstration programme. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the initiative aims to support the installation and performance testing of pack

EPEE Warns of Major Barriers to Heat Pump Deployment in Europe Belgium/EU: The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) has warned that the large-scale adoption of heat pumps in Europe is being constrained by high electricity-to-gas price ratios, limited grid investment, and inconsistencies in legislative frameworks. Responding to the European Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming Heating and Cooling Strategy, EPEE said the policy revision present

Announces Closure of Its Acrylic Factory Belgian: Ceramics producer Villeroy & Boch has announced plans to close its acrylic factory in Roeselare, Belgium, impacting approximately 60 employees. The closure will take place in several phases during 2026, with production expected to cease by mid-January and all current orders completed by mid-March, before the plant is fully shut down by the end of the year. The company stated that the decision aims to optimise operations, strea

Eastern India’s Largest Tile and Bathware India: Ceramic World has inaugurated its new flagship outlet in Eastern India, now recognized as the region’s largest tile and bathware experience center. Spread across 25,000 sq.ft, the showroom has been designed to provide an immersive and inspirational environment for homeowners, architects, and interior designers. It features an exclusive and extensive range of premium tiles, sanitary ware, faucets, and wellness products from lead

New Zealand Sees 1.3% Rise in Annual Home Consents Driven by Multi-Unit Developments New Zealand: New Zealand recorded 34,078 new homes consented in the year ended August 2025, marking a 1.3 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The rise was supported by growth in both stand-alone homes, which increased by 1 per cent to 15,775 units, and multi-unit dwellings, up 1.6 per cent to 18,323 units. The increase was largely driven by apartment and townhouse developments

Growth Seen at Just 0.3% Thailand: Thailand’s economy is expected to grow at 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025 if no further government stimulus is introduced, as global trade tensions and a slow tourism recovery continue to weigh on growth. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) highlighted weakening domestic demand and declining production capacity in several industries, urging the government to boost local consumption through schemes such as the “Khon La Khrueng” co-paym

Opens New Factory Outlet Bangladesh: Star Ceramics Ltd has officially opened its new Factory Outlet on Agrabad Access Road in Chhotopool, Halishahar, Chattogram, offering premium, international-standard tiles and sanitaryware at affordable prices. The inauguration was attended by company officials, employees, and invited guests including distinguished dealers, retailers, and franchise representatives. To celebrate the launch, the Factory Outlet is providing special discounts

Rising Demand for Brushed Gold Bathroom US: ANZZI, has reported a significant rise in demand for brushed gold finishes across its bathroom glass shower doors collection. While matte black continues to dominate modern and minimalist interiors, brushed gold is increasingly favoured by homeowners and professionals seeking warmer, spa-inspired spaces and cohesive mixed-metal design schemes. This trend reflects broader 2025-bathroom design preferences that highlight natural materi