A recent Rupp Report mentioned there could be a light at the end of the tunnel
(See “A Light At The End Of The Tunnel?” www.
TextileWorld.com, May 26, 2009)
. The report mentioned news from the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) that shipping has grown. The focus
of this information was China. The BDI report said that according to the head of maritime operating
giant China Shipping Group, broad industry indicators suggest the ocean container market will
improve in the second half of 2009. Now there are some indicators for an upswing, and the light at
the end of the tunnel is in sight.
ITM Istanbul
The first indicator is the International Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITM) 2009, which took
place June 6-10 in Istanbul, Turkey. In spite of the financial crisis, most of the internationally
focused exhibitors reported better feedback than expected, with even some sales and new projects.
Not all exhibitors had high expectations about the show. However, most of them were positively
surprised. One of the largest agents in Turkey, with a portfolio of first-class European brands,
remarked that spinning and recycling are enjoying an upswing.
New Projects In Sight
Some 80 percent of all visitors came from Turkey, but exhibitors also mentioned a lot of
Iranian, Syrian and Egyptian visitors. Turkey has been in a difficult situation for a long time.
But at the show, new projects — which were postponed due to the financial crisis — were
discussed. Some exhibitors reported that customers already have delivery times of three to four
months. The Turkish market is moving again. Up to the end of 2009, business will be fairly
difficult. However, the next one or two years are considered to be more positive.
Technical Textiles And Nonwovens
Also at ITM, technical textiles and nonwovens were the center of interest and discussions.
Textile World
has reported a lot of interest for this sector of the industry. These products will play an
important role for Turkey in the future, said one local agent.
The second indicator could be the next meeting for nonwovens and technical textiles. This
week, the most important trade fair for nonwovens and technical textiles, Techtextil, has opened
its doors in Frankfurt. According to the organizers, the number of exhibitors at the last event –
1,119 – has already been achieved. The exhibitors are presenting their products and potential uses
in relation to 12 areas of application in Halls 3.0, 3.1 and 4.1 at Messe Frankfurt.
Textile World
,
Textile World Asia
and
Textiles Panamericanos
are also present at this important event. We would be pleased to welcome you at Booth, B40,
in Hall 3, level 1. See you there.
June 17, 2009