Profile of the Textile and Clothing Industry in Syria

34 pages, published in Issue 122, March-April 2006   Report price: Euro 600.00; US$ 785.00

Hampered by domestic political pressures and a lack of international confidence, Syria?s economy is expected to grow by only 1.5% during 2006-07. With progress so slow, the government has targeted the textile and apparel industry?which accounts for 30% of Syria?s industrial employment?as a vehicle for growth and enterprise. Through the General Organisation for Textile Industry (Goti), the administrative centre of the public textiles sector, the government has invested heavily in new production facilities in recent years, while maintaining a protectionist approach to imported goods. There is a ban on imports of raw cotton, cotton yarns and fabrics made mostly or wholly from cotton?except in special cases. Imports of carpets are restricted by a 75% tariff.

Government investment has fostered some progress. Between 1990 and 2004 cotton yarn output rose from 39,000 tons to 107,610 tons. Also, ready-made garment production increased from 35.1 mn pieces in 2000 to 54.7 mn three years later. However, government intervention has dissuaded overseas investors from entering the marketplace, and, by placing heavy taxes on Syria?s vast private textile sector, the state has slowed technological development. It is estimated that 4,000 of Syria?s 15,000 looms are still powered by shuttles. Furthermore, the government?s protectionist policy has left little incentive for potential internationalisation. Exports of Syrian carpets, yarns and threads, and home textiles to EU25 countries all declined significantly between 2003 and 2004. However, in November 2005 the government agreed to allow garments to be imported from anywhere in the world, albeit with a 47.5% tariff. Although this move could expose the Syrian textile industry to competition from China and elsewhere, it might also encourage foreign investment. With a domestic cotton supply, a strong textile tradition and low labour costs, Syria is well placed to enhance its textile and apparel industry under a freer trade system.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (122) now	Subscribe

• World textile and apparel trade and production trends, March-April 2007, (March-April 2007)
• Profile of the Textile and Clothing Industry in Turkey, ( September-October 2005)
• World capacities and shipments of textile machinery, July-August 2005, (July-August 2005)
• Profile of Manama Textile Mills: Expanding in the Middle East, (March-April 2005)
• Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in Egypt, (September-October 2004)
• Profiles of Companies in Jordan and the Palestinian Territories, (November 1999)

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of expert comment and analysis. A subscription provides an overview of the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. It is essential reading for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries ? and for anyone who is not involved in the industry, but needs to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues.
Reports in Textile Outlook International include:
	country profiles ? providing a comprehensive guide to the textile and clothing industries in a range of countries and regions. The reports include an economic and political profile together with a comprehensive overview of the main issues, plus an outlook for the future.
	company profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others. Companies profiled recently include retailers, manufacturers, innovators and sourcing companies involved in textiles and apparel as well as smaller companies which illustrate the opportunities for firms which are interested in selected sourcing locations.
	trends in world textile and apparel trade and production ? taking into account current issues facing the industry ? such as global fibre prices; competition from China and other low cost countries; the elimination of quotas and imposition of selective new ones; relocation of production operations; the impact of economic factors affecting trade; international trade agreements; trade promotion agreements (TPAs); and much more.
	trends in EU and US imports of textiles and clothing ? providing comprehensive statistical data and analysis of the top ten supplying countries to the EU and US markets. These reports are updated each year and contain value and volume data as well as average prices and analyses of trends for up to 15 product categories.
	innovations, technological developments, business development opportunities, individual sector analysis and political implications which affect players in the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. Some of the topics which have been covered in recent reports include: new innovations in the textile and clothing industry, such as environmentally friendly textiles, plant based fibres, and developments in textile colorants; innovations in textile machinery; and overviews of the European swimwear, hosiery and lingerie markets.
So whether you are involved in fibres, textiles or clothing ? in manufacturing, spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, import/export, retailing ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance, a subscription to Textile Outlook International will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Textile Outlook International is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 6 printed publications a year, containing a total of 30 reports plus editorials written by Robin Anson, our editorial director and in-house industry expert.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility.