• Home
• News
• Industry news

Industry news

• 

  2012 State of the Industry

  February 1, 2012

  A recessionary mindset in the global economy stalled the U.S. and global economic recovery in 2011, but the U.S. economy is projected to improve in 2012.

• Asia dominates Q2 global yarn production

  February 1, 2012

  Global yarn production rose 12.1 percent in second quarter of 2011 due to output by Asia.

• 

  Berry Amendment updated

  February 1, 2012

  Industry push in Washington D.C. ends in success for U.S. military tent suppliers.

• CTR launches clothing recycling initiative

  February 1, 2012

  CTR recently launched a website to educate the public on recycling all clothes and textiles.

• Fall in global cotton production predicted

  February 1, 2012

  Global cotton planting to contract by 8 percent, production to decrease by 6 percent.

• PIA recognizes best workplaces

  February 1, 2012

  PIA recognizes graphic arts companies for outstanding human relations efforts that contribute to successful workplaces with the Best Workplace in The Americas awards.

• Somfy Systems’ TaHomA™ system wins 2011 Excite Award

  February 1, 2012

  Somfy Systems Inc. was recently awarded a 2011 EXC!TE Award from Custom Retailer Magazine for its Total Home Automation System, TaHomA™.

• Textile mill profits down, but not under

  February 1, 2012

  In 2011, “all of the anticipated textile and apparel profit numbers look to remain solidly in the black,” according to Robert S. Reichard.

• Brazil's economy has positive effect on textile, clothing

  January 31, 2012

  Brazil’s growing economy and consumer spending increase textile, clothing consumption.

• Dispute resolution webinar

  January 27, 2012

  Learn how to minimize disputes in international transactions.

• Needed: presenters, educators for IFAI Expo Americas 2012

  January 19, 2012

  Dynamic presenters, panelists needed for IFAI Expo Americas; proposals due Feb. 1, 2012.

• Export Control Seminar

  January 11, 2012

  U.S. Export Assistance, Entrepreneur Center, others team up to explore export control.

• Lawmakers approve legislation to protect troops

  January 10, 2012

  U.S. National Defense Authorization Act extends importing flame-resistant rayon.

• NASA selects firms for inflatable technology development

  January 5, 2012

  NASA chooses companies to research and develop inflatable aerodynamic decelerator.

• Council for Textile Recycling launches education initiative for clothing recycling

  January 4, 2012

  Retailers, consumers, municipalities, academics, organizations promote recycling.

• U.S. suppliers stay competitive

  Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

  In an IFAI business climate survey, three factors constraining growth in the U.S. specialty fabrics market were mentioned: high raw material costs, overseas competition, and high oil/energy prices. From September –December 2008, high raw material and petroleum-related prices were exacerbated by tighter credit markets and record unemployment.
  
  Survey respondents reported some positive factors: increasing market share due to increased consolidation, greater export opportunities, and development of new technology and growth in eco-friendly green markets. Growth markets include medical textiles, military applications, safety and protective products, and the domestic and international use of geosynthetics.
  
  Increases in raw material and energy costs, increased labor costs and medical insurance premiums and the possible long-term shrinkage of the military market were mentioned as threats to growth. The poor economy means a weak U.S. dollar, tighter credit and reduced consumer buying. Overcapacity could be a problem, due to increased costs, decreased customer demand and global competition, especially from China and India.
  
  In response, suppliers will focus on high value products, profitable niche markets and product diversification, improving manufacturing processes, R&D and information technology. Advertising, marketing and sales promotion will be key.

  From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.

  Learn more...