World's leading modern fashion performance brand Pony International LLC announced a partnership with Sports Biomechanics Inc [SBI] one of the shoe industry's premier experts in footwear technology. All testing with SBI will be done at Michigan State University, utilizing the university's award winning staff, unique testing equipment, and ground breaking research knowledge. Pony will consult with an assigned team of biomechanic engineers who will test and evaluate Pony performance product against

The "Review and Outlook for Mid-Micron Wool 2005" report has been released and is available to Australian woolgrowers. A summary of key points follows. On the face of it, 2004 had the makings of a very good year for raw mid-micron wool demand and prices, but this was not realised. Competition from other fibres was a major driver of the result. This competition, particularly from cotton, was intense and was compounded by some wool processors continuing to substitute fine wool (19.5 and finer)

The major raw materials (PTA, MEG and acrylonitrile) for the synthetic fibres that compete with wool (polyester staple and acrylic) edged higher during April on the back of a higher propylene prices. While synthetic fibre raw material prices continued their upward swing, polyester and acrylic manufacturers are reportedly struggling to pass on the price rises to yarn manufacturers particularly in China, largely due to competition from a record global cotton crop. While Western European polyest

Research & development board Cotton Incorporated, in conjunction with three land grant universities (Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas and University of Georgia) have released five new cotton germplasm lines to help improve fiber quality and yield potential. The germplasm lines are products of Cotton Incorporated? Breeding and Genetics Initiative. Funded by the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, and introduced by Cotton Incorporated's Vice President of Agricultural Resea

Bush administration trade officials have decided to seek new quotas on four textile and apparel product categories imported from China based on a threat of market disruption. The action was taken on four of 12 petitions filed by US textile manufacturers claiming that a surge of Chinese imports is threatening to disrupt US markets. Products covered are men? and boys?cotton and man-made fiber shirts (non knit), man-made fiber trousers, man-made fiber knit shirts and blouses, and combed cotton yarn

Supporters and opponents of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) are digging in their heels as the Bush administration presses for ratification of the agreement before the August congressional recess. And a badly divided textile and apparel industry is caught right smack in the middle as are its supporters in Congress.Reps. Howard Coble, R-N.C. and John Spratt, D-S.C., who serve as co-chairmen of the Congressional Textile Caucus, called a special meeting of the

The growing importance of Russia and the Middle East as major markets for UK fashion and accessories was highlighted at last week's presentation in London of the 2004 UK Fashion Export Awards, with Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood and Janet Reger among the winners."Russia looks set to become the third largest non-EU market for EU apparel, after the USA and Japan and UK companies in particular are really making their mark," says the Awards' guest speaker, Charles Hecker, associate director and general

In order to promote textiles industry, the Government has been recommended to offer more incentives in the forth coming budget, Textile Minister Mustaq Ali Cheema said.He announced this at the meeting of the Federal Board of Textiles saying that a comprehensive proposal has been submitted to the Prime Minister for approval from the cabinet.The meeting was attended by Federal secretary for textile ministry, Syed Masood Alam Rizvi besides representatives of concerned ministries and industry captai

Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile today encouraged Australian exporters of all sizes to enter the 2005 Australian Export Awards at the official launch in Sydney."The Australian Export Awards recognizes excellence in exporting and promote the sector's highest achievers as role models for our business community. The diversity of last year's winners is a testament to the strength and broad-based nature of the Australian exporting sector," Mr Vaile said. "These winners inspire and energies other

Wool prices were in sharp decline in Australia this week, reflecting weakness in demand. Due to quality concerns, fine wool prices more significantly fell while a rise in the Australian dollar was far from boosting sales. Wool prices sharply declined this week in Australia with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) down 13 Australian cents or 1.8% to 727 cents. Prices were unchanged in Fremantle, on average. The low level of wool on offer (53,792 bales) in only two trading days did not support