Korean exports of polyester fabrics to China continued to fall in the first semester of 2005, reflecting a slowdown in demand for Korean polyester fabrics on Asian markets. Sales to Saudi Arabia continued to surge limiting the decrease in Korea's total shipments in the first half year of 2005. China's demand for Korean polyester fabrics continued to weaken in the first semester of 2005, as indicated by the lastest trade data provided by Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Shipments

Ethiopian textile and garment producer businesses are to hold a meeting of their association tomorrow at the Chamber of Commerce auditorium to secure effective utilization of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) provided by the US government to help 38 African countries to export their products quota and duty free. The association was established a few months ago. Members of the association would discuss at their meeting minutes of the association and steps to be taken to have the assoc

A Leather Technology Centre is being built in the midwestern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is the first in the Midwest of Brazil. The centre will execute not only studies on cattle leather, but also on leather of other animals, like sheep, pigs, alligators, fish, capybaras, ostriches, chinchillas, and even frogs.Brazil is investing in technology to improve the quality of the leather produced in the country. The state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in midwestern Brazil, is already building th

While domestic markets are shrinking due to uninterrupted cheap Chinese imports, Turkey's textile exports and imports face a double whammy with financial crisis plaguing the industry. As a consequence textile makers are fast losing their pride position among country's top 500 industrial establishments, thanks to the banks to the unsupportive banks! The industry insiders say that though their sector earns about $14 billion in foreign exchange, the banks shy from fininacing them and offer only thr

US Committee for the Implementation of Textile accepted the petition of US textile institutions for restriction on five kinds of Chinese export textiles to US on August 1, such as skirt, pajamas, swimwear, lady's shuttle woven blouse and socks. Chong Quan, Spokesman of the Ministry of commerce issued a statement and pointed out that US accepted petition in textiles once again after acceptance of petition for restriction on curtains in July this year, and Chinese government strongly opposes it. C

The textile industry hails the decision of Textile Ministry to eliminate 0.5 percent textile committee tax, which has been sustaining since 1963. The tax was collected to fund actions such as compulsory pre-shipment quality check.South India Mills Association (SIMA) Chairman, Vijay Venkataswamy informed that the Ministry of Textiles had been trying to revoke the tax for many years. The tax collected was used to put in the Consolidated Fund of India and very little part of it was repaid to the co

Thailand's five shoemakers offered to substitute for Vietnam's footwear manufactures, supporting Vietnam stand against dumping accusations by the EU on locally produced leather footwear. The Vietnam Leather & Footwear Association (Lefaso) is likely to send its delegation to Thailand to learn the companies to assess the base market cost of their shoes, and whether their product have quality to match the EU standards or not.However, the footwear association has to search five more Thai compani

China has welcomed the US move for delaying decision over the fate of textiles quotas, and hopes considerable progress before it takes the final decision. The US Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) stated that it would delay the decision on new restrictions on certain categories that include woolen trousers, sweaters made from cotton and man-made fabrics, and brassieres. The committee was to decide earlier, but now, it is likely to be take decision by this month end. Co

China and the United States conducted their first strategic talks in Beijing, focusing to raise transparency and enhancing bilateral relations. The closed-door dialogue, the first of its kind since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 26 years ago, was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, who arrived here on Sunday. During a whole day of discussions starting from 9 a.m. on Monday, both sides exchanged views "in a candid and

According to the monthly data released by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE), Korea? exports stood at USD $23.39 billion in July 2005, an increase of 11.4 percent from a year earlier, while imports climbed 16.9 percent year-on-year to $21.29 billion. In total, the nation recorded a trade surplus of $1.9 billion in July.Exports have remained above the $23 billion mark since March 2005, boosted by steady growth worldwide, especially in the U.S and China. This month? double-digit