Test faster, test more

Image source: Hohenstein Institute The textile and apparel industry has put immense emphasis upon quality. And running tests seems to be the best possible way to ensure products' quality in terms of the pledged functionalities, performance level and absence of harmful substances. Nowadays, when it comes to testing instruments, testing labs are increasingly looking for faster tests and higher sample rates through automation as well as new standards for new materials and articles. Also they are on the lookout for the testing instruments more convenient and easier to use which require less training for operators and have built-in knowledge on how to interpret test results, testing instrument manufacturers told ATA Journal.

Global cotton consumption estimate decreases, says Cotton Incorporated

(Image source: Cotton Incorporated) The US-based Cotton Incorporated states in its latest Monthly Economic Letter that cotton prices trended lower or sideways last month, with the values for the most actively traded May New York futures contract declining from a general range between 95 and 99 US cents/lb to levels between 88 and 92 US cents/lb. Over the same time period, A Index prices generally held to values near 100 US cents/lb. According to the research and promotional organization for cotton, following India's announcement to halt exports on March 5, New York futures prices rose by 4 US cents/lb. The reaction in A Index prices was delayed a day, with values increasing by 4 US cents/lb on March 6. In later trading, both New York and A Index prices retreated. Uncertainty related to both the volume permitted and the regulatory process of exporting cotton from India has been widely cited as a factor contributing to price volatility during the 2010/11 crop year.

Bangladeshi apparel makers concerned about India's ban on cotton exports

Bangladesh's apparel manufacturers have expressed concerns over India's export ban on cotton, saying that it would cause an adverse impact on both production and export of local textiles and readymade garments. They expressed the fear that as a result, the prices of imported cotton and yarn will increase significantly, thus affecting the competitiveness of locally made apparel items. The Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) imposed ban on cotton exports with immediate effect to conserve supplies for local mills.

Cotton prices remain range-bound while supply rises, says Cotton Incorporated

(Image source: Cotton Incorporated) According to the February issue of Cotton Incorporated's Monthly Economic Letter, cotton prices remained range-bound over the last month. The US-based organization reports that in January, prices for the March futures contract on the New York exchange traded between 93 and 100 US cents/lb. Over the same time period, values for the A Index ranged between 99 and 104 US cents/lb. After the release of this month's USDA (US Department of Agriculture) report, March futures moved lower, closing near 90 cents/lb. It is also said that the USDA report features revisions to historical figures for several Asian countries. The most significant updates were for India, but a series of minor revisions were also made for central Asian nations.