The latest edition of Yarn Expo Spring 2016 concluded last month set a new record for the exhibitors number, an increase of 309 from 11 countries and regions, 23 percent high compared to 2015. Many exhibitors reported for strong levels of orders and enquiries from existing and new customers. The exhibition area also was up 40 percent to accommodate this extra demand.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said that they are pleased to see more suppliers using Yarn Expo as their preferred platform to access the global yarn market, which was especially the case this edition with buyers from nearly 80 countries and regions attending the fair. Not only are the figures pleasing, but the optimistic feedback expressed by exhibitors and buyers demonstrates the positive atmosphere about the future prospects of the industry.

Industry-leading companies see Yarn Expo as effective platform to engage with quality and target buyers. As Asia’s most reputable yarn and fibre trade event, Yarn Expo is a key platform for well-known global companies to present their newest products and meet new buyers. This year, Birla Jingwei presented their latest product lines – Birla Modal and Birla Spunshades – with Senior Manager Mr Peter Dong said that they are very satisfied with the result this time. Their main goal is to connect with downstream buyers directly and they have met many of them over these three days. Yarn Expo engages a broad range of buyers, and it’s an ideal stage for them to introduce the company and products to their target buyers as well as to establish solid business relationships with them.

Another big-brand exhibitor PT. Indo-Rama also reported positive accomplishments. Its representative Mr Mahesh Natesan said that they received many enquiries and many serious buyers have visited their booth. This fair has made a significant impact on their business development because the new contacts they got over the last two years have improved their business.

Uzbekistan’s cotton yarns are becoming more popular in the fair, which is reflected in the expanding presence of its exhibitors. After a rewarding experience at last year’s Yarn Expo Autumn, Quva Tekstil Ltd made their first appearance in the spring fair. General Manager of the Export & Import Department Mr Ergashev Oybek was pleased to see more of his compatriots participate in the fair. They are happy to see an increasing number of Uzbekistan mills exhibit here, and find more buyers already know about their products as well. Not only did their current buyers visit their booth, but numerous new buyers also made enquiries. This fair is very useful for promoting their brand better in the high potential Chinese market.

While some exhibitors began the fair concerned about decreasing demand in China for overseas yarns, the experiences of many companies in the India Pavilion and Pakistan Zone allayed this. Mr Ravindranathan Narayanasamy, Joint Director of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), the organiser of the India Pavilion, said that they are very positive about the China market and, for sure, China will continue to be the biggest importer for cotton yarns. Without a doubt, China is the world’s biggest manufacturer, but the supply here is not enough to cater to the massive demand in the country. As a result, the import of overseas yarns will remain stable.”

Mr Narayanasamy said that the majority of Indian exhibitors achieved their main exhibition objectives, which were to strengthen relationships with existing customers, as well as to explore new opportunities from Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the US and different parts of China. One exhibitor with such rewarding results was GTN Enterprise Ltd. Its General Manager of Marketing Department, Mr R Mohan Kumar, commented that the visitor profile is the best feature of Yarn Expo for them because it features buyers not only from China but also other Asian countries like Japan and Korea. They think the contacts made during the fair will develop into serious business afterwards. Mr Narayanasamy further explained emerging business opportunities for Indian exhibitors as they are seeing many new importers from Chinese provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang as well.

Pakistani fancy yarn exhibitor Abtex International Ltd also felt the positive sentiment in the fair. The company’s Director Mr Mohammad Saad said that there were so many buyers asking for their products and getting samples. For certain collections, they have already given away all the samples they brought. Meanwhile, he also expressed his confidence in the China market as there is so much for them to explore in the China market, plus they are very competitive due to the fact that they can produce the same quality products at a much lower price.

Industry players foresee promising market for synthetic fibres and knitting yarns. Mr Lejun Wang, Vice Director, R&D Center of well-known Chinese fibre manufacturer Hi-Tech Fiber Group Corporation said that they find that buyers here have a definite intention to place orders of fibres and polyester acid products. They have already met with several big brand buyers who showed strong interest in their new products. Thai exhibitor Lucky Spinning Co., Ltd experienced the same, with its Chief Marketing Officer Mr Umesh Sharma saying that those that have visited theri booth over the last three days, around 80% were existing customers and 20% were new buyers. As a synthetic yarn manufacturer, they are pleased to see this increasing demand.

Mr Dong from Birla Jingwei also sees bright prospects for the synthetic fibre market. Eco-products, such as recycled polyester, natural-dyed polyester and viscose fibres are going to be even more popular than before.

Furthermore, knitting yarn is also on track to become one of the most popular products at the fair, especially as buyers from PH Value, the concurrent knitting fair, also source in Yarn Expo

Yarn Expo showcases a wide spectrum of natural and blended yarns including cotton, wool, flax / regenerated flax, silk, and man-made fibres and yarns, as well as specialty products including elastic, and fancy and blended yarns.

Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; China Wool Textile Association; China Chemical Fiber Association; China Bast & Leaf Fibres Textiles Association; and China Textile Information Centre organized the fair.

The next Yarn Expo Autumn will take place from Tuesday, 11 to Thursday, 13 October 2016.