Wool News

H. Dawson NZ brokers deal with leading Japanese apparel company

H. Dawson NZ brokers deal with leading Japanese apparel company H. Dawson Wool has launched an initiative to supply ultra-fine merino wool from New Zealand to a Japanese apparel company. As part of the H. Dawson NZ ‘Merino Initiatives’ programme, the company has used its reputation, expertise and its close relationships with suppliers of the finest wool in the world to broker the deal with leading Japanese clothing producer, Konaka Co Ltd. By matching the wool grower to the client, H. Dawson has created an opportunity for 15 micron merino wool to be ...Full Report »

China wool industry feeling the heat from low European demand

Europe's slide back into recession has been blamed for a sluggish return to growth across the manufacturing sectors of Asia's largest economies. The lack of European orders for wool related products such as tops yarn, fabric and garments see Chinese manufactures reducing their purchases of raw materials. Domestically China's wool industry has also suffered the after-effects of rising inflation and high labour costs. Government attempts to cool the economy following a prolonged housing boom have included tighter credit controls, which have helped to avoid a hard landing. Buying just enough to keep ...Full Report »

Rabobank Report puts wool on top

The wool market should expect above average wool prices in the short term. This is according to the latest global financial report released by Rabobank. According to the report's author, Rabobank analyst Airlie Hoskins, this is due to low wool supplies, increased demand, changing dynamics in global wool consumption and improved price competitiveness with other fibres. The report points out that the demand for wool had softened in the 2011-12 season due to the fragile economic environment in many wool-consuming countries. The high Australian dollar has also impacted on farmer income. The report ...Full Report »

Mohair Market Report

The fourth sale of the 2012 summer season took place in Port Elizabeth on 24 April with another large offering of 184 629k g. As was expected this was another good quality offering with all buyers competing for the mohair on offer, resulting in above average prices for quality lots.   The slight depreciation in the South African currency also gave some support to the market. The adult market surprised today with excellent demand signalling a recovery in this sector of the market. Young goats continued its upward trend this season, with improved demand ...Full Report »

South African Wool Market unchanged (26 April 2012)

Port Elizabeth: The wool market was relatively unchanged at this auction and the Cape Wools Merino indicator closed at R99,06/kg (clean), which was a marginal 5c/kg down on the previous week.   Long, well prepared fleece wools were in keen demand and fetched good prices, with some types closing at higher levels than last week. A fairly large percentage of the offering comprised short wool, for which there was limited demand.   The rand, at R7,72, had gained 0,7% against the US dollar compared with the average rate at the previous sale, while it ...Full Report »

Mexico Modifies Requirements for Labels on Textile

The Mexican Ministry of Economy issued a resolution on December 23, 2011, to amend the labeling requirements of the official Mexican Standard NOM-004-SCFI 2006 for textiles and apparel – that sets out the labeling of textile products, garments, accessories and household linen, and was originally published in the Official Journal of the Mexican Federation on June 21, 2006. The new requirements became effective on February 23, 2012.   The amended requirements apply to most textile products where the textile component exceeds 50% by mass. This includes all items of clothing as well as associated accessories and household linens. However, certain ...Full Report »

New Executive Committee & President for Italian Wool Trade Association

Associazione Nazionale Del Commercio Laniero held its annual general meeting in Biella in April and elected a new president and committee. Piercarlo Zedda who held the position of president for four years has been replaced by Mario Ferrarone. The vice president is Micaela Fiorina. The executive committee includes Truscelli Francesco, Nigel Thompson, Claudio Lacchio, Pierluigi Mazzia, Mauro De Lorenzi and Luciano Gandini. Guido De Luca is the new financial controller and Wilma Rosso is secretary and administrative officer. The new executive committee will hold office for two years. Today Associazione Nazionale Del Commercio Laniero ...Full Report »

100% Hungarian merino wool on offer

100% Hungarian merino wool is offered for sale by export company Hungarowool. János Vass, company director at Hungarowool says that the wool this year is of good quality and is off white in colour. The wool on offer is between 23 - 25 microns. All lots come with IWTO Certification.   Wool is grown in Hungary by local farmers running merino flocks, usually small herds of between 600 - 1000 head. There are larger farms that operate with some 6,000 head. These sheep are kept in sheds for some three months each ...Full Report »

A world first from BWHK – new Organically Certified Tops

BWHK (Bremer Wollhandelskontor GmbH) has recently introduced a totally new product - E-TEC Non-chlorinated Anti-Shrink Wool Tops. This product is IMO/GOTS Certified and is exclusive to BWHK. 'It results in a softer touch compared with conventional treatments and is odour free. This treatment also results in a brilliant white, superior colour compared with conventional treatments and superior nepp characteristics. It is also Anti-Shrink to TM31 Standards', says Jens Behrmann of BWHK.   The BWHK Team in Bremen has been involved in the development of Organic wool for nearly two decades. We have ...Full Report »

Wool Presses & additional equipment for sale

France based company, CIL has two AUTEFA Lift-Box 5000 Hydraulic Baling Presses for sale. These baling presses are for loose wool/cotton 500Mt pressing force, 700x700mm pressing surface with twin pressing boxes.   Additional equipment for sale includes a Condenser (type 44); Bale weigher; Bale ejecting device with bale Doffing dolly.   Located in Perth, Western Australia and Goulburn, New South Wales interested parties can contact contact Lindsay Mitchell to arrange a viewing.   Mr Mitchell, CIL Group, PH: +61 8 9208 2020 E lindsaym@abrasiflex.com.au   Full Report »

NZ Cavalier earnings down on weaker market conditions

Shares in listed New Zealand carpet maker Cavalier fell almost 11 per cent last week after the company slashed its earnings guidance, citing weak market conditions in Australia and New Zealand as well as high wool prices. The company says it expects underlying earnings for the 12 months to June 30 to come in at between $3 million and $5 million. The measure only looks at income derived from normal operations and strips out income and expenses from non-ordinary activities. "Market conditions for our carpet businesses remain very soft, with both volumes ...Full Report »

China economic growth dips to 8.1% in the first quarter

China's economy, the world's second-largest, has expanded at its slowest pace in almost three years. Gross domestic product increased by an annual rate of 8.1% in the first quarter, down from 8.9% in the previous three months. That is less than many analysts had forecast with most of them expecting a figure closer to 8.3%. China has been hit by a drop in demand in key markets including the US and Europe. At the same time domestic demand has proved tough to stimulate. "We are slightly disappointed. The main downside was with ...Full Report »

Retail demand is set to grow at double digit

Retail demand in several emerging markets will grow at double digit annual average rates in the five years to 2016. This is one of the findings of a report in the latest issue of Global Apparel Markets, which is published quarterly by the business information company Textiles Intelligence. The fastest growth will be in China and India, where demand is set rise by an average of 16.9% per annum in each country. Double digit growth is also forecast for Indonesia (13.3% per annum), Russia (12.0% per annum), Saudi Arabia (11.7% per ...Full Report »

New Regulations for Textile Imports into Egypt

From April 1, 2012, shipments of textiles and leather products imported into Egypt require an inspection certificate issued by an accredited inspection company. Failing such a certificate, products will be forbidden to enter the Egyptian market.   The Egyptian apparel industry is attractive for two reasons. Firstly, its proximity to European markets, whose rapidly changing fashions require quick replenishment. Egypt’s geographical proximity to style-conscious Europe is a logistical advantage. Secondly, the production of garments is a low-capital and high-labor intensive industry, and the local population of 66 million provides a ready workforce ...Full Report »

Wool Publications to go to Print in September

The next issues of WOOL EXPORTER (CHINA) and WOOL TRADE INTERNATIONAL will be published in August 2012. These industry trade directories are circulated to over 10,000 wool and textile companies in more than 48 countries worldwide including India, Asia, USA, Eastern & Western Europe, Australasia and South America.   These publications are used by wool and textile companies around the world to promote their products and services to potential buyers.   According to Victor Chesky, Editor, these publications are utilised by companies that wish to reinforce their position as a preferred supplier to their ...Full Report »

Scientists clone rare cashmere goat

SCIENTISTS say they have cloned a rare Himalayan goat in Indian-controlled Kashmir, hoping to help increase the number of animals famed for their silky soft undercoats used to make pashmina wool. The March 9 birth of female kid "Noori", which means "light" in Arabic, could spark breeding programs across the region and mass production of the high-priced cashmere wool, said lead project scientist Riaz Ahmad Shah, a veterinarian in the animal biotechnology centre of Sher-i-Kashmir University. Cashmere wool, particularly made into shawls, is a major source of income for Kashmir, generating about ...Full Report »

Canada and US Tighten Chemical Safety Legislation for Apparel

As consumer product health and safety concerns are increasingly reflected in the practices of global brands, the United States, Canada and Mexico are making a concerted effort to eliminate the use of toxic materials in the footwear and apparel industries.   The three countries have thus reached an understanding on actions needed to strengthen their trilateral cooperation for the safety of consumers.   The California law, Proposition 65, has been around since 1986. Known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, it lists more than 850 chemicals that are believed to have the potential for ...Full Report »

Campaign for Wool exhibition kicks off in Sydney

A wool exhibition featuring some of the world's top woollen fashion has opened in Sydney. The Wool Modern exhibition features some of the top creations of both local and international designers. Sydney is the third stop for the exhibition which started with a royal opening in London in September 2011, attended by 350 people on the first night and then seen by over 6000 visitors throughout its run. It has since travelled to Berlin in October, where it was featured in the windows of Galeria Kaufhof, Alexander Platz. Some of the more ...Full Report »

Polyester Cost Expected to Rise

Higher oil prices will push up prices of polyester according to the report released by AWI. Polyester is a man-made fibre, often seen in the wool industry as a blend in the production of woven wear, mainly suits and coats. To be precise, polyester is produced primarily using purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG), which is generally derived from crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Statistically identified, there is a strong correlation (85%) between the price of oil and price of polyester, and there is a lagged effect of ...Full Report »

Ramatex & Huntsman form partnership

Ramatex has formed a strategic partnership with Huntsman to lead the textile industry in addressing concerns about hazardous chemicals. Ramatex, a leader in the textiles industry and a world-class manufacturer for textiles and garments, is taking the lead in its industry to begin the process to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals in their manufacturing processes.   Since the release of the ‘Dirty Laundry’ reports by international environmental campaign group Greenpeace, six of the world’s leading brands have publicly committed to the goal of eliminating hazardous chemicals through the joint roadmap ‘Towards Zero ...Full Report »