Seeds of industry growth to be sown at Yarn Expo Spring 2024

While proving to be a platform that fostered sustainable growth and innovation, the 2023 autumn fair saw a significant rise in attendance, welcoming 510 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, and 20,297 visitors from 106 countries and regions. 

Following this success, the organisers are optimistic about the upcoming show’s potential. Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, was on hand to comment: “We were pleased with the overall results of the 2023 autumn edition, one of China’s first major yarn and fibre trade fairs since pandemic restrictions eased. Sustainability proved to be more than just a buzzword, with a range of eco-friendly exhibitors connecting with multitudes of buyers, and Yarn Expo guiding the industry towards a greener future. With the market itself in good health and a strong lineup of exhibitors expected, that trend will only gain momentum at next year’s spring fair, which will mark over a year since China reopened its borders.”

Despite global headwinds, the outlook for the cotton yarn sector is positive, expected to reach USD 120.4 billion by 2032 following a CAGR of 7.5%[1]. This demand has been felt by international suppliers. Speaking earlier this year, Ms Yen Mai, CEO & Sale Department at Long Van Yarn, said: “This is one of the busiest fairs we have joined. On day one, we have already run out of catalogues and name cards. We have met many buyers from China, one of our main targets, who are mostly sourcing open-end yarns. Sustainability is important, and our cotton is sourced mainly from BCI or CmiA partners.”

Around the world, yarns produced from organic material, or made from recycled waste and regenerated materials, have been subject to growing demand. This is demonstrated by a sustainable fabrics market that is steadily gaining strength, expected to realise a 12.5% CAGR from 2023 – 2032[2]. Many key exhibitors have noted the change and adapted accordingly this year. “Huafon has been participating at Yarn Expo for more than 10 years, and our results are good at every spring and autumn edition,” said Mr Denny Fu, Sales Manager at Huafon Group. “This edition is packed with visitors and there’s an increase in overseas buyers. We have received many enquiries about our recyclable spandex as sustainability is a major trend.”

Innovation again a running theme at next year’s extensive spring show?With threads of sustainability evident throughout, a series of informative fringe events will be held to supplement fairgoers’ experience. Set to be held across the three days, events include China Fibre Fashion Trends; China Knitted Yarn Fashion Trends; a range of Product Presentations; and the Textile Materials Innovation Forum, a showcase of diverse fibres and their many applications.  

Discussing the previous edition’s comprehensive nature, Ms Andrea Matthews, G.M. International Trade at Sugar & Spice Textiles, said: “I visit these fairs nearly every year. Yarn Expo Spring  looks bigger than in previous years, the booths all look good, and the scale of some of these factories is huge. We are here to see if there’s something new for inspiration. From what we have seen, there is quite a diverse range of exhibitors here.”

Yarn Expo Spring is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. The fair will be held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.