Other Fibres

GENERAL
Prices will remain firm but Chinese garment exporters do not want further increases as export prices have already been fixed for the coming season. However we anticipate fibre shortages, particularly Mongolian, in the new year and expect prices to increase further.

CAMEL
Prices have continued rising all year and have now increased between 40 & 50% due to high domestic demand mainly for winter under-garments. Availability for most qualities is fairly limited.

SILK
Another poor cocoon harvest combined with continued high demand from domestic market means prices of noil, top and yarn continue to rise steadily.

ANGORA
After a brief and small fall in price due to lower demand during the summer months prices are once again rising and we are very concerned about falling quality standards.

OVERALL
All speciality fibre prices are higher than last year mainly due to demand from Chinese manufacturers and in our opinion this year has finally seen the first shift of market control from Europe and the West to China, who can now dictate price movement independent of outside influences. We foresee possible shortages of cashmere fibre in the new year and feel prices will continue to rise even though this will make life difficult for Chinese sweater exporters. Which may not be a bad thing for all of us.