Shanghai - Taking advantage of reduced border restrictions, key industry players from around the globe gathered at Asia’s leading yarn and fibre trade fair last month. The 27,000 square metre stage was set by 451 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions (2021: 387 exhibitors, 6 countries and regions), a 16.5 per cent increase from the previous edition.
New exhibitor countries and regions were Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Turkey. In another testament to this edition’s internationality, suppliers were met at the fairground by over 28,000 buyers from 70 countries and regions (2021: 21,204 visitors, 16 countries and regions), with sustainability proving a popular specification for in-person sourcing.
After a somewhat disrupted trade fair schedule, participants from across the yarn and fibre spectrum were pleased to be part of Yarn Expo Spring 2023, and the linking of the entire textile value chain in Shanghai.
The organisers shared a similar outlook. Speaking at the fairground, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “We have been pleased to welcome so many new and returning global industry players to our concurrent fairs in Shanghai, and judging from their positive feedback it has been a worthwhile exercise for them. Regarding Yarn Expo Spring, it has been gratifying to see the diversity of visitors returning to near pre-pandemic levels.”
Ms Shea continued: “The fair has been China’s first major in-person yarn and fibre sourcing platform since the easing of travel restrictions, and the high participation reflects that. Key decision-makers have been making up for lost time, and I have witnessed a stronger-than-usual appetite to establish and renew business relationships at this edition.”
A wide variety of exhibitors showcased their products over the course of the three-day trade fair, with major yarn and fibre categories including cotton, man-made, and specialty. One common thread shared across product groups was sustainability, a much talked about trend made evident by its widespread presence at the fairground, both within the fringe programme and at multiple booths.
Welcoming the return of the show, Mr Denny Fu, sales manager, Huafon Group Co Ltd, China, said: "Huafon has been participating at Yarn Expo for more than ten years. It is a key platform for us to increase brand awareness in domestic and overseas markets, and our results are good at every spring and autumn edition. As the first industry trade fair after the pandemic, it is packed with visitors and there’s an increase in overseas buyers. We have received many enquiries about our recyclable spandex as sustainability is a major trend.”
“Yarn Expo is an important platform for us to showcase our DTY yarns and connect with buyers from China and overseas," added Ms Peggy Lin, section chief, Textured Yarn Dept., Everest Textile Co Ltd, Taiwan. "There’s a significant increase in overseas visitors compared to during the pandemic. Many buyers are now more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, and are actively seeking out sustainable options. This category of visitors has shown strong interest in our booth this year.”
