The American textile and apparel industry is planning to present a detailed ‘short supply’ list of hard to source fibres and fabrics at the next round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) East Asia-Americas trade agreement discussions, to be held in Lima, Peru, from May 15-24, 2013. Julie Hughes, president of the United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) told WTiN that the US is still collecting information from the industry about yarns and fabrics that are i

Paul Tjia, the founder of GPI Consultancy, an independent Dutch consultancy firm in the field of sourcing, writes about exploring new business opportunities and garment production in North Korea. In North Korea, there are several sectors that can be considered for trade and investment. They include agribusiness, fishing, shipbuilding, logistics, minerals, information technology, and garments. Garment processing has been one of the most successful export-related activities. Companies in t

South Korean firm Willbes Co, Ltd will be expanding its facility in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince with up to $4 million in loans approved by the Inter-American Development Bank. The facility at the Parc Industriel Metropolitain in Haiti’s capital could lead to jobs and training for 918 new Haitian workers, according to the bank. “The Bank?s loan will enable Willbes to pursue a longer-term expansion creating additional jobs and associated economic benefits for Haiti,” said Alexandre Fernandes de Olive

The sowing of BT cotton in Thatta, Badin and other coastal areas of lower Sindh has started as these areas are best suited for the crop, sources in the Agriculture Department said on Friday. The BT cotton variety is sown on 85 per cent areas of the province for being resistant to virus and higher yield. The Crop Protection Department has convened a meeting of officials and researchers on April 2, to discuss measures for protecting Kharif crop — rice and cotton — from a possible virus attack.

The recent price rally for cotton has been like water to the parched as eroding demand over the last two years combined with rising global inventories continued to sit heavily on prices levels, keeping them down. But having crossed the 90 cents/lb psychological level, prices have once again plateaued out. The last two years have seen major volatilities on the market driving mills to synthetic fibers, consequently bringing down demand for cotton. But grains seems to be pulling one over fiber as

Price movements in Asian ethylene markets were diverged as cargoes continued to move from Northeast to Southeast Asia despite the price gap between them narrowing. In Europe, the April contract price for ethylene was fully settled down Euro 60 a ton on the month while the spot markets tumbled on low demand. In US spot ethylene slipped following the market talk of improving supply, which in turn was attributed to the recent restarts of petrochemical facilities in the US Gulf. Paraxylene prices we

Benzene markets were dull in Asia and prices declined amid bearish market sentiment despite the energy complex gaining strength. US spot benzene dipped significantly attributed to weaker global sentiment as Asian and European prices were also lower. In Europe, benzene markets were in the red, as bearish sentiment continued to penetrate global markets. Asian caprolactum markets softened as demand weakened amid on inventory in downstream and upstream benzene markets showing sign of rapid softeni

Propylene prices headed up on tight supply amid thin liquidity, but gains were limited by weak downstream markets. In Europe, April propylene contract price had fully settled down Euro 50, with several reports saying the agreements reached with their respective counter-parties. In US, spot refinery-grade propylene dropped as demand for RGP continued to remain mute and polymer-grade propylene prices continued to slide. Acrylonitrile demand in Asian markets was limited amid lukewarm trading atmo

Prices of viscose staple fibre in Asia continued their downward trend, with most players focusing on the news of large deals in Fujian. However, until weekend discussions for the 10,000 ton deal were still underway. Due to firm costs, VSF market may see some large transactions as soon as the low end of above deals is confirmed. Prices of VSF in India and Pakistan remained stable at previous week’s level. Asian viscose filament yarn markets saw some better sales, supported by bullish news from

Cotton yarn prices were generally stable in Asian markets with few producers holding salable specs by adjusting offers, particularly combed and compact-spun yarns. More volumes were moved compared with the previous week. Indian producers showed strong willingness to lift prices, but most industry sources were pessimistic about the market outlook. Successive losses in polyester staple fibre values dragged down spun polyester yarn further. Prices were also dipping lower given sluggish trades and