#Associations

2020-06-18

4th ITMF-Survey about the Impact of the Corona-Pandemic on the Global Textile Industry

Between May 20th and June 8th, 2020, ITMF has conducted its 4th ITMF Corona-Survey among ITMF members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic had on the global textile value chain. In total around 600 companies from around the world participated.

Graph 1: Worldwide, current orders are down by -42% on average.

Orders impacted by the Corona-pandemic by region (Source: ITMF)

On a global scale, current orders continue to be down on average by more than -40% (Graph 1).When looking at expected turnover in 2020 compared to 2019, the expectations remained unchanged since the 3rd ITMF Corona-Survey. On average, companies are expecting their turnover to plummet by -32%. The range between regions differs with from -22% in South East Asia to -36% in East Asia (Graph 2).

Graph 2: Worldwide, expected turnover 2020 is down by -32% on average (versus 2019).

Turnover 2020 impacted by the Corona-pandemic per region (versus 2019) (Source ITMF)

When looking at the different segments in the textile value chain, all segments – from spinners to garment producers – recorded significant decreases in orders (Graph 2). Also, integrated producers seem to have faredslightly better with -26%, while the other segments expect turnover in 2020 to be falling in the range of -31% to -34% (Graph 3).

Graph 3: In all segments of the global textile value chain orders are down in the range of -37% to -46%. Turnover 2020 is down in the range of -26% to -34% compared to 2019.

Corona-pandemic impact on orders and turnover, per manufacturer type (Source ITMF)

Asked when pre-crisis levels are reached again, the majority (23%) is expecting this to be in the 1st quarter of 2021, followed by 21% that are expecting this to be the case in the 2nd quarter of 2021. Another 14% have the expectations that this will be the case in the 3rd quarter of 2021. Nevertheless, 20% of companies are expecting a faster recovery in the 4th quarter 2020 (Graph 4).

Graph 4: 44% expect that pre crisis levels are reached again in the 1st or 2nd quarter 2021.

When do you expect quarterly turnover to be back to pre-crisis levels? (Source ITMF)

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.