To achieve the 10 percent export growth target set for the current year, Philippine handicraft industry is eagerly eyeing expansion to some of the emerging markets like Peru, Brazil, Uruguay and some African countries, where they can meet good demand, Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries (PCHI) President Dennis Orlina said, GMA News reported. According to Mr. Orlina, there is also good scope for expansion in Russia. Italy and Germany, which have largely escaped the effects of the E

Propylene prices were stable to higher on firm naphtha amid thin trade due to year-end holidays in Asian markets. US propylene producers nominated increases of up to 23% for January, seeking to capitalise on a surge in spot prices in the last few weeks of 2012. The increase came on the heels of unplanned cracker outages last month and the unexpected shutdown of an on-purpose propylene facility in Texas. Acrylonitrile markets market softened as offers fluctuated in a narrow range due to subdued

Asian viscose staple fibre markets saw producers lifting their offers, with some even pushing up offers for the second time in the week. They were reluctant to sell at low prices and were positive about the market, keeping prices firm. Downstream players replenished goods successively after the holiday of New Year. Viscose filament yarn price discussions were mixed as news of low prices was widespread in the market. Offers remained unchanged and the discussion range was flexible. Viscose produ

Workers make clothes at a garment factory outside Hanoi in October 2012. An increase in the minimum wage took effect in Vietnam on Tuesday, Jan. 01, 2013. Photograph: Reuters A new decree that increases the minimum wage of workers in Vietnam will not necessarily lead to companies relocating to Cambodia, according to officials. “The Vietnam government has issued [a] decree, which takes effect from January 1, to adjust the minimum wages paid to workers by enterprises... farms, households,

A worker piles up jute yarn rolls at a factory. Manufacturers of jute products have cut export prices to cope with sluggish demand in the global market.Photo: STARSuman Saha Jute product manufacturers have slashed down the export price to counter the sluggish demand in the global market. The average price of jute products fell by 7.92 percent year-on-year to $1.03 per kilogram in the July-October period of 2012. Bangladesh, which exports jute and jute products to 118 countries, has bee

The Dow Chemical Company (NYS: DOW) today announced that the Company's St. Charles Olefins 2 Plant near Hahnville, La. began producing on-spec ethylene on December 25, 2012, meeting previously announced targets to re-start the plant by year-end 2012. "The start-up of our St. Charles ethylene plant represents the first major milestone within our U.S. Gulf Coast investment strategy," said Brian Ames, president, Dow Olefins, Aromatics and Alternatives. "This action further reduces the company's pu

China Textile City Fabric Market (2013-01-09)Unit: yuan/m Collector: Jiang Jianren Item WidthCM Specification/Weight（meter） Wholesale Price：yuan/meter Wool/Viscose Sesame Cloth 150 550 25．80 Wool/Polyester Divine Land cloth 150 720 28．00 Cotton Pad-dyed Line Silk 150 20S×20S 100×55 12．80 T/R Singlet yarn-dyed colorful plaid 150 500 16．00 Wool/Viscose colored fine swal

THE GALLERY presents the latest trends for the 2013/14 autumn/Winter season. The changeover to a modern component already on the horizon over the past few seasons has now consolidated. Emerging here is a new femininity dominated by luxury and clarity. Modern classics re-interpreted paint the picture of strong women where beauty is in the foreground. Here elements from the past are picked up on but not revisited in a retro style but rather serve as sources of inspiration. New innovations based on

Faviana, celebrated evening wear designer, has announced that actress and fashionista, Ashley Benson, has signed on to be the new fashion face of Faviana. Faviana has distinguished themselves over the years as a leader in the industry for being able to create the perfect dress for any special occasion and for being the 'go to' brand for the best designer-inspired looks. Designed with the fashion smart girl in mind, Faviana speaks to a variety of discerning, fashion forward consumers. "I'm