World textile and apparel trade and production trends, March-April 2001

Man-made fibre demand rose by 4% in 1999, after rising by 3.4% in 1998. Cellulosics fell by 2.5% to their lowest point since the early 1980s. Cotton demand remained steady, while wool declined for the third year in a row. But cotton and wool prices are expected to firm.

In the US textile industry 2000 was a poor year, despite strong consumer demand. Output fell by 3.5%, and the industry suffered its first loss in 50 years. Apparel output also fell by 3.5% as imports climbed and production moved offshore. In the EU, imports soared and the trade deficit worsened. But import prices rose as the euro weakened, taking pressure off EU firms? margins. The weak euro also led to rising exports, which helped to reverse the fall in textile output.

In Japan output continued to fall. Although exports are picking up as the regional industry revives, import penetration has risen further, in spite of weak spending by Japanese consumers. China enjoyed a major recovery in its exports and a buoyant home market following a year of difficulties. Hong Kong has reversed its decline with output up in both textiles and clothing. Apparel retail sales are buoyant, and exports have recovered in almost all Hong Kong?s main markets. South Korea?s recovery stalled in 2000 as export demand weakened and imports grew. Textile output dropped alarmingly in January 2001.

In Taiwan, adverse exchange rate movements hit domestic producers and curbed export growth. Asean countries continue to emerge from the Asian crisis with exports to the USA up strongly. In Indonesia, buyers returned after a poor 1999. Indian exports were strong, and should reach US$50 bn by 2010 under the New Textile Policy. Pakistan did well in the US market and an investment drive is underway. Sri Lankan exports and output are up significantly, and Bangladesh has become the USA?s third largest apparel supplier.

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