Issue 136 of Textile Outlook International
The six reports in Issue 136 of Textile Outlook International, summarised report by report
The reports in Issue 136 of Textile Outlook International span an editorial on the worldwide credit crunch, a company profile, a trade fair survey, import statistics, machinery markets and a country prospect study. The editorial, Crisis Hits China's Clothing Industry, gives Robin Anson's views on the plight of Chinese apparel producers and workers who are losing their jobs — some of the less publicised victims of the worldwide credit crunch. The remaining five reports cover Gildan, the vertically integrated producer of low cost activewear, underwear and socks; the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2009/10; trends in EU textile and clothing imports; world markets for textile machinery, part 1 on yarn manufacture; and prospects for the textile and clothing industry in the Czech Republic. This page lists the issue's contents first, with summaries of each report below.
Textiles Intelligence Reports and Related Guides
Profile of Gildan: Competing on Cost and Volume
Gildan operates in an extremely competitive market where margins tend to be very small. The company relies on cost reduction and large volumes in order to remain profitable. Nevertheless, it has become a leading supplier of activewear to the wholesale imprinted sportswear markets in North America and in Europe. The profile provides details of the company's products and markets; its corporate strategy; its production, sourcing and distribution operations; some recent acquisitions; the company's financial results; and its outlook for the future. As a vertically integrated producer of low cost activewear, underwear and socks, Gildan is the issue's worked example of the volume end of the apparel business.
Survey of the European Yarn Fairs for Autumn/Winter 2009/10
Ethical and ecological considerations represented a major theme at the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2009/10, and there was a strong emphasis on the naturalness of animal and plant fibres. At the same time, Europe's spinning industry, now slimmed down and reorganised, has devoted itself to the production of premium yarns of the highest quality, luxury and performance. The survey picks out highlights and trends from Filo and Pitti Immagine Filati in Italy, and from Expofil in France — the three fairs where the European yarn season is set.
Trends in EU Textile and Clothing Imports
This report examines trends in EU25 imports and import prices, as well as the ten leading suppliers of 12 major product categories: cotton yarn; fabrics woven from synthetic staple fibres; fabrics woven from synthetic filament yarn; T-shirts; pullovers; trousers; women's blouses; men's shirts; women's overcoats; women's dresses; women's skirts; and women's suits. Category by category, the analysis shows which suppliers were gaining the EU market and at what prices — the statistical backbone of the issue.
World Markets for Textile Machinery: Part 1, Yarn Manufacture
2007 was a mixed year for the international textile machinery market. On the positive side, deliveries of open-end rotors soared by 64%, following declines in 2005 and 2006, and shipments of short staple spindles also rose although growth was slower than in 2006. On the negative side, deliveries of long staple spindles declined by 23%, following growth a year earlier, returning to the downward trend apparent for much of the 2000s. The market for draw texturing machinery was positive overall, with deliveries up by 9.9% following declines in the previous two years.
Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in the Czech Republic
In an age of quick response and short fashion cycles, Czech textile and clothing firms benefit within the EU from their proximity to major markets, giving them a distinct competitive advantage over their Asian competitors. They also benefit from a reputation for good quality and relatively low labour costs. The industry is highly export oriented, and around 80% of production is sold abroad; however, the textile sector has fared better than clothing in recent years. The report provides information about the Czech textile and clothing industry, including details of foreign investment, imports and exports, leading manufacturing and retailing companies, strengths and weaknesses, and textiles education.
Common Questions
What are the six reports in Issue 136?
An editorial on the crisis hitting China's clothing industry; a profile of Gildan; a survey of the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2009/10; trends in EU textile and clothing imports; world markets for textile machinery, part 1 on yarn manufacture; and prospects for the textile and clothing industry in the Czech Republic.
What did the machinery report find for 2007?
A mixed year: deliveries of open-end rotors rose by 64% after declines in 2005 and 2006, short staple spindle shipments also rose, long staple spindle deliveries fell by 23%, and draw texturing machinery deliveries grew by 9.9%.
Why does the Czech industry hold an advantage in the report?
Proximity to major EU markets in an age of quick response and short fashion cycles, a reputation for good quality and relatively low labour costs; the industry is highly export oriented, with around 80% of production sold abroad.