Survey of the European Yarn Fairs for Autumn/Winter 2004/05

This season?s fairs were held at a time when the West European spinning industry was struggling, and it continues to struggle, against difficult trading conditions. Production by the West European textile industry fell by 5% in 2002. In addition, spinners are facing intense price competition from imported yarns?particularly from the Asia Pacific region. The strength of the European industry lies in high quality yarns. But even in this sector trade has been hit by extraneous factors, such as the Iraq war and the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic.

The difficult environment has helped to bring about a major rethink among the organisers of the European yarn fairs. Expofil, held in Paris, is giving up its separate date on the fairs calendar and will henceforth be held at the same time as Première Vision, the Paris fabrics fair. On the positive side, this means that yarn manufacturers will be in close proximity to many of their principal fabric manufacturing customers. But others see the later timing of the yarn fair as a disadvantage.

Spinners themselves are weathering the downturn by sticking to classic, well known looks that have been tried and tested in past seasons. Some Italian spinners are now offering cheaper, second ranges, which incorporate the same fashion trends as those incorporated in their main ranges but in more economical versions. Lightness and softness continue to be the key ingredients. In colours, there appears to be a drift back to dark, sombre tones, including?to the regret of some?black.

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