Despite the current global economic woes, textile machinery makers remain confident about the long-term prospects of the textile industry in Asia, especially China. They have given the show owners of ITMA ASIA + CITME 2010 a vote of confidence by signing up for space in the second combined show.

 Although application forms were only issued last month (the deadline for submission is September), show owners CEMATEX and its Chinese partners - the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC) - have already received applications from all the key industry players, as well as strong support from various partners and industry associations.

 Statistics released by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) last month painted a dismal picture of the textile machinery industry, with global textile machinery shipments declining substantially in 2008. However, on the brighter side, the vast majority of the shipments headed for Asia as textile makers in the region continue to invest in upgrading their production facilities to remain competitive.

 The 2008 International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics revealed that:

 •            Global shipments of short-staple spindles amounted to 8.6 million in 2008, and Asia absorbed 96% of these, ie 8.3 million.

 •            Investments in open-end rotors reached 195,650, with Asia being the main recipient, chalking up 73% of the total.

 •            For texturing machinery, shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles (for polyamide filaments) totaled 5,230 in 2008, with 90% going to Asia.

•             Shipments of double heater draw-texturing spindles (for polyester filaments) reached 163,000, with 74% headed for Asia.

 •            For the weaving machinery segment, investments in shuttle-less looms amounted to 44,800 machines, of which 90% went to Asia.

 •            Circular knitting machine shipments reached 21,150, while electronic flat knitting machines totaled 20,300. Around 87% of the investments for each of the segments went to Asia.

 Speaking at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2010 press conference held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, Mr Edward Roberts, President of CEMATEX, stated: “These shipment statistics clearly demonstrate that Asia represents the best market opportunities for machinery makers, and we look forward to the support of major manufacturers in our second combined showcase.

 “The success of the first-ever combined show which took place in Shanghai last year has shown that we have moved in the right direction to meet the needs of the industry by reducing the number of shows for machinery buyers and sellers alike, thus reducing their financial burden.”

 Also speaking at the press conference, Mr Gao Yong, President of the China Textile Machinery Association, said: “We are cautiously optimistic about the combined exhibition although there is a global decline for machinery demand. China’s textile and textile machinery scene is still doing well vis-à-vis other markets.

 “Green shoots of economic recovery are sprouting and we are heartened by encouraging news emerging from the textile sectors. The resurgence of China’s textile industry is expected as early as next year, and textile and garment exports are projected to grow 8 percent annually to US$240 billion by 2011.”

 In addition to support from CTMA and CEMATEX’s European member associations, the show is also supported by other world textile machinery associations –

 Japan Textile Machinery Association (JTMA) - special partner association

• American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA)
• Korea Textile Machinery Association (KOTMA)
• Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI)