Welcoming nearly 22,000 buyers from 81 countries and regions to its recent edition, Yarn Expo Autumn leveraged its extensive network to build meaningful connections for nearly 540 global exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. Already a vibrant hub for East-West exchange, this edition saw a rise in domestic exhibitors and the inclusion of Germany and Thailand to the lineup, while international buyer numbers increased by 6.7%. As Asia’s leading yarn and fibre trade platform, the fair not only offered an assortment of products and solutions from across the globe, but also committed to shaping a greener, more innovative industry at its various fringe events.

Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “In the global economy sustainability is much more than just a passing trend, and this is especially true for textiles. As a member of Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network, Yarn Expo shares the endeavour to put the eco back in economy. As such, while giving a platform to an array of exhibitors, the fair especially served to promote the concept of the industry’s green transition, with this a strong sourcing requirement for global yarn and fibre buyers. The diverse offerings and increased international participation at the fairground marked another successful edition, attesting to the fair’s capacity to foster upstream industry advancement.”

Yarns and fibres are of course utilised across the textile spectrum, with the show’s visitor flow benefitting from the concurrently held 30th anniversary of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, the CHIC fashion fair, and PH Value for the knitting industry. Seeing an overall rise in visitor numbers, Yarn Expo Autumn also witnessed a nearly 11% increase in visitors attending for two or more days, with a wide range of buyers attracted by the show’s diverse exhibitor composition.

Supplementing a portfolio of natural and man-made products, the fair added a new Silk Yarn Zone this year. Also on show were various quality cotton, recycled and bio-based yarns and fibres with high-functionality, as well as innovative products and solutions which utilised bottle flakes, castor beans, and more.

Simultaneously, the three-day fringe programme gave insights to help guide the industry towards a greener future. At the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Forum, intensive sessions were held on how to reduce environmental impact with new technology and materials, as well as the development of high-performance fibres. Specific topics covered biodegradation, low-carbon traces and more.

Meanwhile, the Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends 2024/2025 Display Zone also kept exhibitors and visitors up to date with the latest fashion trends, allowing industry players to strike a good balance between the pursuit of style and care for nature.

“Yarn Expo emphasises sustainability, featuring many exhibitors dedicated to green initiatives, which is crucial for the future of the fashion industry. It is the right platform to promote such products, observe industry practices, and potentially collaborate with others. Rooted in Shanghai, the fair also attracts many international visitors. We target international and especially Chinese customers and have met new buyers today and secured new connections. Exhibiting in the International Yarn Zone is a good idea, and we may consider expanding our booth next year,” said Mr Karuna Changmai, Vice President and Global Sales Head, Thai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd., Thailand

“Participating in Yarn Expo is our top priority due to its significant influence in the industry. This year, we are showcasing our super soft yarn with counts ranging from 32 to 60, which has received positive market feedback for its softness and skin-friendliness. Our main goals are to connect with existing customers, discuss the current industry landscape, maintain relationships, and gain essential insights into future industry trends. The buyers are professional, and those who came to our booth are our target customers, enhancing efficiency. The concurrent fairs have increased visitor traffic, and provided us with the opportunities to meet our customers at their booths,” added Mr Li Xu, General Manager, Fugou Chang Mao Textile Co., Ltd, China.

“Our company specialises in nylon DTY and DTY network yarn, equipped with advanced chemical fibre technology. We go to Yarn Expo annually, which gathers key manufacturers and enterprises, and serves as a barometer for market trends. We visited Yongrong Jinjiang at the fair and found their nylon fibre products particularly impressive. Yarn Expo allows us to engage directly with products, enhancing efficiency in our sourcing process. We plan to keep in contact with the enterprises we met for subsequent procurement consultation,” said Mr Simon Zheng, General Manager, Shanghai Kingtex Chemical Fiber Tech Co., Ltd, China.

Yarn Expo Autumn was held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. The four fairs brought the fibre and yarn, apparel fabrics and accessories, fashion, and knitted garments industries together under one roof, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.

www.yarn-expo-autumn.com