Survey of the European Yarn Fairs for Autumn/Winter 2012/13

摘要

Buoyant trading for European spinners throughout the first half of 2011 helped to create a positive and even optimistic mood at the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2012/13—even though world economic conditions looked increasingly grim throughout the second half of the year. Several factors contributed to the mood. For example, knitwear remains a strong fashion item and demand for delivery in 2012 is holding up. Also, many knitwear yarn buyers, particularly those in Germany, are sourcing more of their yarn from European mills rather than from China and taking advantage of shorter delivery times and lower freight costs. As a result, numbers of buyers at the European fairs have risen to the levels which prevailed before the onset of the global economic crisis. Spinners are, however, still facing higher costs and shortages of some raw materials. Those offering luxury yarns have responded by turning to blends with moderately priced alpaca. Some spinners are offering special ranges at economy prices alongside their normal offers. Wool remains the essential main winter fibre—particularly modern, non-pilling wool mercerised for smoothness and softness. Buyers of yarns for fashionable knitwear are said to have accepted its higher price.