Sales at large retailers reversed course in August, declining 0.5 percent. .Sales had been up by about 1 percent in each of the two previous months. .Prior to this, other than slight declines in April and May, sales have risen steadily in 2005. .In 2004, sales increased rapidly up until the fall, before decelerating in the final few months of the year.In August, five of the eight major commodity groups saw their sales decline compared to July. .Sporting and leisure good sales, as well as clothin

Carpet fiber maker Solutia announced the commercialization of its new nylon 66 impact-modified product line. This new product line, the 50 Series, provides superior performance in the following areas:?xcellent impact resistance, based on the latest technology; ?uperior flow and processing due to limited material-related plate out; and ?utstanding surface appearance as a result of better flow characteristics.This new offering provides manufacturers and designers with better options when developin

In the first five months of 2005, home textile exports from China soared nearly 40% from the previous year, to reach US$2.2 billion. Although the US and EU have initiated safeguards designed to limit exports, most China suppliers are increasing production in anticipation of further dramatic growth. How can you source most effectively in this volatile environment? Which product areas offer the best opportunities? What trends will dominate the market tomorrow? Find out in this new report. Wi

National Statistics of United Kingdom released the Consumer Prices Index for September 2005.CPI annual inflation ?the Government's target measure ?rose to 2.5 percent in September, the highest rate since the start of the official series in January 1997.For the third consecutive month, the largest upward effect on the CPI annual rate came from transport, with petrol pump prices continuing to rise, reflecting movements in crude oil prices. The average price for ultra-low sulphur petrol rose by 4.6

With no deal on the horizon between the US and China, many categories are likely to have quotas imposed or re-imposed. Beginning with categories 338/339, we look at how the embargoes have affected Chinese exports to the US, the alternative suppliers available for US buyers, as well as current trends in prices in this merged category. The first in a series of articles looking at the impact of quotas foreseen for 2006. Although a future deal cannot be written off between China and the US, uncert

The Asian International Exhibition of Textile Machinery (ITMA ASIA), the region's leading textile machinery exhibition, opened here on Monday, drawing nearly 850 companies and 30,000 trade visitors from more than 50 countries and regions. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said that the economic growth in China, India and Southeast Asia has resulted in a positive knock-on effect on Asia's textile industry. Last year, Asia's fabric outpu

Textile companies in Taiwan are accepting new technologies to keep their clothes hot. As per the statistics published by Taiwan Textile Federation, total production of quality yarns rose by 19 percent to touch US $2.3 billion which is 18 percent of the world market. The Federation also stated that value-added fibres registered an 18 percent increase in production value to US $1.22 billion, which was 10 percent of global market.Taiwan's global market share in almost all sections went up during th

As competition becomes more intense, brand identity with a deep impact on the mind of customer means everything for textile companies. And famous Italian yarn producer Nylstar has excelled at that.Speaking about the success of the Meyrl Actisystem brand that the company created for its sportswear yarns at the 2005 Textile International Forum and Exhibition, Umberto Rognoni, Nylstar's Asia Director said, "Meryl Actisystem may be found as a co-brand at various Taiwanese sporting goods retailers. P

The 98th Session of Chinese Export Commodities Fair began on October 13, 2005 at Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Pazhou) Complex (Xingang Dong Road, Haizhu, Guangzhou, China) and at Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Liuhua) Complex (117 Liu Hua Road, Guangzhou, China).The fair is being held in two phases and according to Mr. Xu Bing, Vice Secretary General and Spokesman of the CECF the exhibition scale keeps expanding, and the exhibition pattern remains as in two phases and at two complexes. Thi

China's knitting and tatting garments export gained a rise both in quantity and in unit price during the first eight months this year, said an expert at the on-going 98th Chinese Export Commodities Fair. Cao Xinyu, vice president of China Chamber of Textiles Import & Export, quoted statistics from Ministry of Commerce as saying, unit price of knitting and tatting garments respectively rose by 17.72 percent and 6 percent over the same time last year. Meanwhile, China's textile and clothin