Survey of the European Yarn Fairs for Spring/Summer 2013

摘要

The European spinning industry has had a second consecutive year of positive results. Italian yarn sales in particular rose by more than 16% in 2011, despite a slight slowdown in the fourth quarter of the year. The success of the past two years has been possible because of the industry's concentration on high quality yarns for the luxury market as the top end of the market has proved to be the most resilient during the world economic downturn. Geographically, one major market to have emerged during the past two years is China. After being seen solely as a competitor, China has now become an important customer.Spinners are still having to contend with high wool and cotton prices, and with continuing price volatility. However, they are hoping that, based on preliminary indications, the cotton harvest for the 2011/12 season will be a good one and that prices will come down and then stabilise in the months ahead.In order to enter the luxury market, most European spinners who are still producing yarns have raised their standards and are offering top quality innovation and design. Colours for the spring/summer 2013 season are bright, fresh and clean. Yarns are becoming finer, and in blends they are achieving new levels of softness and drape. Swiss spinners, in particular, are producing very fine yarns from long staple cotton, and these are selling well in spite of their high prices. Cheaper luxurious yarns are being achieved in blends with viscose. Even the luxury fibre cashmere is being adapted for summer use by blending it with cotton or silk.