Yarn Expo Autumn in Shanghai sees 6.7% rise in international market in 2024

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 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 Expertise Network, Yarn Expo shares the endeavour to put the eco back into the 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 bio-degradation, 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.