In the first quarter of 2014, global yarn production increased by 10 per cent. Worldwide yarn stocks decreased slightly in comparison with the previous quarter as a result of lower stock inventories in South America and Europe. Year-on-year global stocks jumped with higher stock levels in Asia and Europe. Yarn orders in Europe and Brazil were up in the first quarter of 2014. Compared to the last quarter, yarn orders were lower in Europe and Brazil.

Fabric orders rose in the first quarter of 2014 in Europe and Brazil. Global fabric production was down in the first quarter of 2014, due to lower fabric production in Asia, with South America and Europe recording higher output levels. Year-on-year basis fabric production decreased slightly, with Asia’s output shrinking and Europe’s  and South America’s output growing. Worldwide fabric stocks were lower in the first quarter, with South America and North America recording lower stock levels, despite higher ones in Asia and Europe.

Estimates for yarn production in the second quarter of 2014 looks positive in Asia and North America, unchanged in South America and negative in Europe. The outlook for yarn production in the third quarter of 2014 is promising in Asia and unchanged in Europe.