Global Yarn Output Down in Q4 2012

Yarn production increased in Europe in Q4 2012, but it was not enough to offset lower output in Asia, North and South America. As a result, global yarn production was down dramatically compared with the prior quarter, according to ITMF.
Year-over-year global yarn production dropped as a consequence of lower production in Asia and North America and despite higher output in Europe and South America.
Global yarn stocks rose in Q4 2012 in comparison to the previous quarter mainly due to higher stocks in Asia and Europe, while inventories in South America fell. On an annual basis global yarn inventories were down due to lower stocks in all regions.
World fabric production also increased in Q4 2012 compared with the previous quarter, despite lower output in South America, thanks to higher production levels in Asia and Europe.
Year-over-year global fabric production was up with contributions from all regions. Global fabric stocks fell slightly in in comparison to the previous quarter as a consequence of lower inventories in South and North America, and despite slightly higher ones in Europe and Asia. Year-on-year fabric stocks decreased due to a reduction of stocks in all regions with the exception of Asia. Fabric orders decreased both in Europe and Brazil in Q4/2012 and also year-on-year.
Compared to Q4 2012, the estimates for global yarn and fabric production in Q1 2013 compared to the Q4 2012 are positive in Asia and South America, while remaining stable in Europe (estimates for China are not available). The outlook for global yarn and fabric production in Q2 2013 is also positive. Asia is expecting higher yarn and fabric production levels, while the outlook in Europe is slightly negative for yarn and fabric production. In South America, the outlook for both yarn and fabric production is stable.
For more information and detailed country results, please visit www.ITMF.org.