501 Suppliers from 14 Countries Highlight Global Reach
The Yarn Expo Autumn 2018 once again confirmed its status as Asia’s premier yarn and fibre exhibition, drawing 501 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, including first-time participation from France. Nearly 80% of exhibitors were returning participants, a strong testament to the event’s proven business impact and industry reputation.
Held from October 15–17, 2018, concurrently with ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai, the show was organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and demonstrated a successful blend of international diversity and domestic strength.
Diverse Product Range and Rising Market Demand
Although this edition was not held alongside Intertextile Apparel, Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), noted that the show’s popularity remained strong:
“Yarn Expo is increasingly recognised as a top show for yarn. Exhibitors see China as the ideal market to launch their latest innovations. This year we welcomed premium French linen and advanced Italian chemical fibres. Yarn Expo is the platform that gathers all top suppliers under one roof for genuine buyers.”
The demand for fancy and specialty yarns suitable for fashion-forward applications continued to rise, while eco-friendly and natural yarns also saw steady business. Reflecting this, the India Pavilion expanded its area by 40% compared to the previous year, emphasizing growing interest from Indian suppliers.
International Exhibitors Praise Quality Visitors
Exhibitors from around the world shared positive feedback about the show’s results and visitor quality.
Hervé Denoyelle, Business Development Manager of Safilin (France), commented:
“We are using Yarn Expo for brand exposure. There’s high demand for premium products in China, and the visitor quality here is unmatched. We’ve had a very positive experience and will certainly return.”
Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director of Texprocil, added:
“The India Pavilion’s participation has been strong. All leading Indian companies are present, and the fair accurately reflects market demand. We see a lot of potential growth in China.”
Neeraj Gupta from Indo-Rama Synthetics (Indonesia) described Yarn Expo as the “biggest yarn fair in the world”, noting the event’s effectiveness in maintaining long-term business relationships.
Xuan Cuu Do, Trade Director of Hanam Textile Company (Vietnam), said:
“Compared to other fairs, Yarn Expo is more professional with diverse, high-quality buyers. We received many orders from Chinese clients and see great potential in this market.”
Buyers Acknowledge Global Opportunities
Buyers also highlighted the fair’s efficiency and the quality of networking opportunities.
Shashidhar Padmanabh Jha, Manager of Raw Material Development and Sourcing at MAS Intimates (Sri Lanka), remarked:
“This is our first time at Yarn Expo. The VIP buyer programme helped me connect directly with suppliers that fit our needs. It’s one of the top yarn and fibre shows globally.”
Andy Chu from World Knits (Mauritius) shared:
“Yarn Expo is very well-organised, easy to navigate, and offers the chance to meet both existing and new suppliers. It’s the number one yarn fair in the world.”
Felipe Bertani of AKA Shanghai Trading (China) concluded:
“It’s convenient to meet all our partners in one place. Yarn Expo attracts the biggest suppliers and is better than other similar fairs.”
Asia’s Premier Platform for the Yarn and Fibre Industry
The 2018 edition solidified Yarn Expo’s reputation as the leading trade platform for yarns and fibres in Asia, featuring a vast array of products — from natural and blended yarns (cotton, wool, flax) to man-made fibres and specialty yarns including elastic, fancy, and technical varieties.
The previous edition hosted 493 exhibitors from 13 countries and attracted 17,185 trade buyers from 84 nations, but this year’s increased participation and international presence underscored Yarn Expo’s continued growth and importance as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and global trade in the textile supply chain.
