ITMA ASIA + CITME Show Owners Extend Cooperation To Launch Combined Exhibition In Singapore

MILAN — June 8, 2023 — The show owners of ITMA ASIA + CITME have extended their collaboration to organise the combined textile machinery exhibition in a second Asian location. The combined exhibition has been held biennially in Shanghai since 2008.

Show owners – CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and its Chinese partners comprising China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex) – have selected Singapore to host the exhibition in 2025.

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 will be held at the Singapore Expo from 28 to 31 October 2025. It will be organised by ITMA Services and co-organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co.

Mr Ernesto Maurer, President of CEMATEX, said: “We have successfully held seven editions of ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai. As part of our strategy to support the aspirations of local manufacturers in South Asia, South East and the Middle East to modernise their operations, we are augmenting the series with a second location in Asia to better reach out to the textile hubs in these regions.”

Mr Gu Ping, President of CTMA, said: “Asia is the world’s biggest textile manufacturer and exporter. We are delighted to extend our cooperation with CEMATEX to bring ITMA ASIA and CITME to other parts of Asia to support our members’ marketing efforts.”
Billed as The Leading Textile Technology Exhibition Driving Regional Growth, ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is expected to gross 60,000 square metres. It aims to attract over 700 exhibitors and a visitorship of 30,000.

Mr Maurer added: “Singapore is no stranger to hosting a huge textile machinery exhibition. ITMA ASIA was held in Singapore in 2001 and 2005 before it combined with CITME. We moved the exhibition to Shanghai to enable our members to take advantage of the buoyant textile sector in China after the country joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001.”

A Vibrant Destination

Due to its world-class facilities and business-friendly environment, Singapore is an attractive destination for exhibitions and conferences.

Mr Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, explained: “Singapore is an attractive MICE destination and well connected to the growing textile hubs in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East. Its extensive airlinks and visa-friendly policies make it an accessible destination for these visitors. The exhibition also requires robust infrastructural and technical facilities to support live machinery demonstrations, which Singapore’s exhibition venue can provide.”

The decision to host the second combined exhibition in the island republic is welcomed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Mr Yap Chin Siang, Deputy Chief Executive of STB, said: “We are pleased to host ITMA Asia + CITME for the first time in Singapore. ITMA Asia + CITME is an important Asian and global platform for growth, connectivity, and trade integration in the textile market. The choice of Singapore as host affirms our position as a global hub for MICE and business, where entrepreneurs and forward-thinking partners meet. We look forward to welcoming ITMA Asia + CITME participants to Singapore in 2025.”

The upcoming ITMA ASIA + CITME exhibition will be held in Shanghai at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre from 19 to 23 November 2023. It was postponed from last year due to the pandemic. Grossing 160,000 square metres, the combined exhibition has, to date, attracted over 1,400 exhibitors.

The ITMA ASIA + CITME series will continue to be held biennially on even years in Shanghai. The 2024 combined exhibition will be held from 14 to 18 October 2024.

Posted: June 8, 2023

Source CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex & CTMA

ITMA 2023 Opens With Mega Showcase Of Innovative Solutions To Transform The Textile And Garment Industry

BRUSSELS — June 8, 2023 — The 19th edition of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition, ITMA 2023, opens in Milan, unveiling a definitive showcase of cutting-edge technologies presented by 1709 exhibitors from 47 countries. This impressive gathering promises to showcase the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Spanning 200,000 square metres of the Fiera Milano Rho venue, ITMA 2023 is the biggest textile machinery exhibition in the post-pandemic era. Highlighted on the show floor are solutions on advanced materials, automation and digital future, innovative technologies, and sustainability and circularity under the show theme, Transforming the World of Textiles.

According to CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) which owns ITMA, the textile machinery exhibition has continued to build on its strong reputation as the global innovation launchpad since its debut in 1951.

Speaking at the ITMA 2023 press conference, Mr Ernesto Maurer, President of CEMATEX said: “ITMA continues to be a sought-after platform for textile machinery manufacturers, with this year’s exhibition receiving a 3% increase in net exhibit space compared to ITMA 2019. Interestingly, we also welcomed new exhibitors from Tunisia, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine, and as far as Panama, Peru, and Honduras.”

“Due to high demand, about 150 applicants were unable to be accommodated as some sectors were sold out after the space application deadline.”

An Innovation Launchpad

ITMA 2023 will feature a spectacular display of manufacturing technologies and raw materials spread over 118,300 square metres of net exhibit space. Buyers will be able to source newly launched machinery and products across 20 product sectors that will help in the digital and sustainable transformation of their business.

ITMA 2023 features strong participation of European bellwethers in the textile machinery sector.  Like past ITMA editions, exhibitors from CEMATEX countries continue to have a strong presence on the show floor. A total of 867 exhibitors booked 63% of the net exhibit space.

The largest contingent of 422 exhibitors comes from Italy, formed by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers). Italian exhibitors occupy the largest space at 30% of the space.

Mr Alex Zucchi, President of ACIMIT, said: “Despite facing numerous challenges, we are pleased by the resounding enthusiasm exhibited by our companies. Visitors can expect to find a plethora of innovations and digital solutions at our members’ booths.”

The next biggest group of exhibitors come from Germany. A total of 198 German exhibitors booked 15% of the space. The third largest group is from Turkey with 191 exhibitors taking up 12% of the space.

Exhibitors from other non-CEMATEX countries with sizeable participation are China (7% of space by 231 exhibitors) and India (6% of space by 181 exhibitors).

Comprehensive Product Sectors

With the inclusion of a new product sector – textile composites – visitors can source a comprehensive range of technologies and services.

The top 5 sectors in terms of participation are:

  • Finishing – 329 exhibitors (27% of exhibit space)
  • Spinning – 257 exhibitors (13% of exhibit space)
  • Weaving – 161 exhibitors (10% of exhibit space)
  • Printing – 146 exhibitors (12% of exhibit space)
  • Knitting – 128 exhibitors (10% of exhibit space)

Although not in the top sectors, the recycling and software sectors have attracted greater interest. In this edition, both sectors have seen a doubling of exhibit space. The number of exhibitors has also increased to 31 for the recycling sector, and 47 for the software sector.

Mr Charles Beauduin, Chairman, ITMA Services, explained: “Digitalisation and sustainability are twin drivers to build a better future for the industry. Research and development in these areas have resulted in many ground-breaking technologies. Hence, these sectors have gained greater traction and there is a healthy growth in the number of exhibitors.”

He further emphasised, “The global pandemic has significantly impacted businesses across the industry. In response, exhibitors and visitors alike are leveraging the ITMA exhibition as a means to revive and rejuvenate their respective enterprises. Recognising the exhibition as a valuable platform, industry stakeholders are hoping to seek opportunities at the exhibition to propel their businesses forward amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Innovation Spotlight

The spotlight on innovation can be seen from various highlights at ITMA 2023. Among them is a new initiative that showcases young enterprises with game-changing solutions for the textile, garment, and fashion industry. The Start-Up Valley in Hall 3 features 15 companies selected by a panel of industry experts. All start-ups receive a CEMATEX grant to support their participation at ITMA 2023.

Other highlights at the exhibition include:

  • Research & Innovation Lab
  • ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award
  • Innovator Xchange (9 to 13 June)
  • ITMA Textile Colourants and Chemicals Forum (9 June)
  • ITMA Nonwovens Forum (10 June)

Co-located industry events that enhance educational and networking opportunities among textile industrialists from around the world are:

  • ZDHC Impact Day 2023 by ZDHC Foundation (11 June)
  • Planet Textiles, Hosted by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (12 -13 June)

ITMA 2023 is held at Fiera Milano Rho venue, Milan. The exhibition ends on 14 June. The opening hours are from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily, except 14 June when the exhibition ends at 4.00pm. For more information, please visit www.itma.com or download the ITMA app.

The next ITMA will be held in Hanover, Germany from 16 to 22 September 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Center.

Posted: June 8, 2023

Source: CEMATEX and ITMA Services

ITMA 2023: Rieter System Integration With Intelligent Technology For Real-Time Optimization

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — June 8, 2023 — Rieter’s new technology portfolio advances its systems approach by incorporating intelligence and engineering performance. Customers can now capitalize on more market opportunities and produce more economically. Cost savings as well as improvements in quality and efficiency help spinning mills increase their competitiveness.

Innovations in digitization and automation enable greater performance alongside minimal expenditure of resources. Rieter’s After Sales services provide sustainable repair solutions, upgrades, and performance optimizations to help customers reduce their ecological footprint. Key components from Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen and Temco are what make the difference in the economic efficiency of spinning mills.

The following innovations will be presented at ITMA 2023 in Milan (Italy):

J 70 – air-jet spinning at low yarn conversion costs

The highlight is the new air-jet spinning machine J 70. It enables spinning mills to achieve an unprecedented low level of production costs per kilogram of yarn, coupled with high flexibility and reliability. In combination with high productivity, the unique yarn characteristics such as low hairiness and low pilling tendency will contribute to strong growth of this spinning segment in the coming years.

ESSENTIALoptimize – optimization across the entire system

The new ESSENTIALoptimize module of the Rieter Digital Spinning Suite brings the digital technologist into the spinning mill. It links data from the individual machines and increases efficiency in the entire spinning system.

For instance, the Ring-Winder-Connect module continuously optimizes the process between the ring spinning machine G 38 and the winding machine Autoconer X6. This module compares and analyzes data from both machines. ESSENTIALoptimize supplies this data in the context of other performance metrics. Ring-Winder-Connect saves valuable raw material and keeps yarn quality within defined parameters.

ROBOspin – now also available for compact-spinning machines

Rieter has expanded its portfolio in terms of automation. ROBOspin, the industry’s first fully automated piecing robot, is now also available for compact-spinning machines.

Sewing thread finish winder Thread King III by SSM – maximum efficiency

SSM is launching the third generation of the renowned sewing thread finish winder Thread King. The perfect combination of efficiency and sustainability offers considerable added value for customers. Contributing factors are the shorter production cycle, easier yarn thread-up, reduced machine footprint and lower power consumption.

Recycling – high proportion of recycled content, good yarn quality

Sustainable yarns made from recycled fibers are in high demand. Com4recycling is the Rieter system that enables customers to produce fine, high-quality ring and compact yarns from challenging raw material. This holds true even with a relatively high proportion of mechanically recycled cotton fibers.

C 81 – outstanding carding quality thanks to intelligent sensors

With both high production rates and excellent sliver quality, the new card C 81 gives spinning mills a strong position in the market. Intelligent sensors make this possible by setting the carding gap to the ideal size and monitoring the contaminant content in real time.

Supergrinder pro from Bräcker – on the path to breaking records

The supergrinder pro, a fully automated single-axis grinding machine, can simultaneously load, check, grind, unload, and sort cots within less than seven seconds. This is made possible thanks to its unique design with an automated tool turret. With a production output of 520 rollers per hour, supergrinder pro is a must for any spinning mill.

New draw frames – maximum efficiency with recycled material

Rieter is launching a completely new generation of draw frames: the single-head autoleveler draw frame RSB-D 55 and the SB-D 55 without autoleveler as well as the doublehead autoleveler draw frame RSB-D 27 and the SB-D 27 without autoleveler. The machines enable spinning mills to achieve the highest quality, productivity, and efficiency, even when processing recycled fibers.

Rieter will be presenting the latest products at ITMA 2023 in Hall 1, Booth C206 in Milan (Italy) from June 8 to 14, 2023. All products will also be on display at the virtual booth at virtualworld.rieter.com. Events led by Rieter experts will also take place at ITMA 2023 every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. CEST. These events will also be part of the live stream of the virtual trade fair.

Posted: June 8, 2023

Source: Rieter

MASTER S.R.L. Introduce The New “Craftyflow” And “Craftyrope” For The Dyeing Of Denim Warps

MACHERIO, Italy — June 7, 2023 — While proudly celebrating 60 years since the starting of MASTER S.R.L., we are thrilled to announce the revolution represented by MASTER’s new machines “Craftyflow” and “Craftyrope” for the dyeing of denim warps, the only ones with the extraordinary possibility to work both according to traditional technique (natural atmosphere) and in nitrogen atmosphere.

These particular machines — thanks to their ingenious and exclusive dual-technology, to classic dyeing in air — can advantageously add to operate, under Nitrogen, the processes of bottoming, topping and sandwich, with final results as never achieved before.

Instead when operated under Nitrogen, more evolved and ecological system, with the use of less than half of dyeing boxes, the machines allow reduction of chemicals consumption:

  • hydrosulphite, by 75%,
  • caustic soda, by 80%
  • water, by 80%

With innovative dyeing results, that are unique and inimitable on traditional machines, achieved with the maximum sustainability.

This new achievement is the result of the continuous research and trials, that have made Master a pioneer in indigo dyeing, having realized, first in the world, in 1972, the machine mod. “slasher”.

Afterwards, continuing our evolution, in 2004, we have set another milestone with the realization of the innovative Genius modules, introducing the dyeing technique in nitrogen atmosphere.

Our nitrogen dyeing technology for denim warps has been adopted by some of the most important denim producers and it has been applied also to our groundbreaking “BINGO”, the unique flexible and advanced machine for fabric dyeing, suitable for indigo and sulphur colors.

In practice, these particular machines having the possibility to operate both in air and under Nitrogen, represent the state of the art, in terms of adding to tradition, innovation of processes and products, higher versatility, ease of use and most of all quality of results and sustainability.

MASTER is ready for the future and to support denim industry.

MASTER will not be present at ITMA, but we will be available to meet you at our offices and/or send you more details.

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: MASTER S.R.L.

Results Of The 20th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — June 7, 2023 — The global business situation in the textile value chain deteriorated further in May 2023 and hit a new low at -36 percentage points (pp). Across the board companies are currently struggling with a poor order intake on the one hand and rising production costs on the other.

The industry is faced with the ingredients of a “perfect storm”. The majority of global textile value chain is expecting this current scenario to last until the end of 2023. Since the beginning of the year business expectations have been back to positive territory.

While in November 2022 they were still at -10 pp, they reached +22 pp in March. In May they fell slightly back to +18 pp. At the same time, companies’ expectation for the business climate in 6 months- time have been improving since November 2022. It is unclear if this growing optimism about the mid-term future is due to a believe that the situation cannot get much worse or anticipation for a well-founded economic normalization.

Order intake dropped further in May 2023 to a new low. Most regions and segments saw a fall in order intake, especially North & Central America and in the segment of fibers. “Weakening demand” remained the major concern for the global textile industry since July 2022. “Inflation” remains the second major concern worldwide and gained importance. Worries about “Geopolitics” have increased and now feature among the main concerns.

The survey also shows that the level of order cancellations remains low, albeit slightly higher than four months ago. 51% of respondents to the 20th GTIS recorded no order cancelations during the last 4 months (down from 53% in March and 58% in January). South America is the region with the highest level of order cancelations, segment-wise fiber producers were impacted the most.

Inventory levels fell slightly in May compared to March. South America recorded the highest inventory level. As segments, home textile producers as well as dyers/finishers/printers reported the highest inventory levels.

For more information, please see www.itmf.org or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

ANDRITZ Strengthens Nonwovens Business By Acquiring Dan-Web

GRAZ, Austria — June 7, 2023 — International technology group ANDRITZ has signed an agreement with Dan-Web Machinery A/S based in Galten, Denmark, to take over 100% of its shares. Dan-Web is a leading supplier of a wide range of technologies for the production of airlaid nonwovens. This acquisition further extends and strengthens ANDRITZ’s product and service portfolio in the field of nonwovens.

Dan-Web engineers, designs and builds customized machines and turnkey plants to produce airlaid nonwovens for baby diapers, fem care, incontinence products, wipes, and other applications. With 50 employees at the facility in Galten, the company has been a successful provider of equipment and services to the airlaid industry for almost 50 years.

With this acquisition, ANDRITZ Nonwoven is adding competence in airlaid technology to its comprehensive product portfolio, which already includes air-through bonding, needlepunch, spunlace, spunbond, wetlaid/WetlaceTM, as well as converting of nonwovens, also textile finishing, textile recycling, and natural fiber processing technologies. ANDRITZ has been cooperating with Dan-Web for the supply of airlaid systems when providing complete production lines for many years.

Dan-Web’s product range also enables ANDRITZ to participate in the drylaid cellulose process for the production of environmentally friendly packaging and single-use products. Dan-Web is a leading supplier of hammer mills and forming head technologies for these pulp-based applications, which fits well with ANDRITZ’s expertise in pulp technologies.

Kurt Soerensen, President of Dan-Web, says: “I am delighted about joining forces with ANDRITZ. As part of the ANDRITZ GROUP, our product portfolio will be integrated into first-class process applications. Our common approach is to put a focus on further developing the range of environmentally friendly production technologies for the nonwovens industry.”

Andreas Lukas, Head of ANDRITZ Nonwoven adds: “After more than two decades of successful collaboration, we now have decided to move closer together, which allows both of us to further develop certain processes much faster. I would like to personally thank Kurt Soerensen for his trust in ANDRITZ and look very much forward to having the Dan-Web team on board.”

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: ANDRITZ AG

First Citizens Bank Announces Promotions In CIT Commercial Services Top Leadership Roles

NEW YORK, NY — June 7, 2023 — First Citizens Bank today announced that Marc Heller has been promoted to the position of vice chairman of CIT Commercial Services, a subsidiary of First Citizens Bank, and that Michael Hudgens has been promoted to the role of CIT Commercial Services president with full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the business. The new appointments are effective July 1.

Heller has been a leader in commercial financing for more than half a century. Since joining CIT in 2004, Heller has been an integral part of CIT Commercial Services’ growth and development, first as Northeast regional manager and subsequently as its president since 2016. Under his supervision, CIT Commercial Services emerged as a nationwide leader in factoring, credit protection, accounts receivable management and lending services to consumer product companies, manufacturers, dealers, importers and resellers.

In his new role as vice chairman, Heller will continue to actively support the business, maintaining and expanding client relations while ensuring a smooth transition of management responsibilities. Heller will also continue to provide strategic advice and guidance on business activities and new initiatives.

Since March 2022, Hudgens has served as managing director for all of CIT Commercial Services, supervising regional managers in the Northeast, Southeast and West. As president, his role will expand to include oversight of all CIT Commercial Services leaders and executives with primary responsibility for business growth. Hudgens has deep experience in factoring and other financial services. He is a veteran of 35 years with CIT Commercial Services, including more than a decade as Southeast regional manager.

“I want to congratulate Marc Heller and Mike Hudgens on their new roles, as we look to accelerate growth in CIT Commercial Services and continue positioning the business for long-term success,” said Peter Bristow, president of First Citizens Bank. “We are extremely fortunate to have two extraordinary individuals with unparalleled expertise in this field leading our business and supporting our clients.”

“CIT Commercial Services is a unique lender with outstanding experience and expertise,” Heller said. “I am pleased to continue supporting the business and its existing clients while continuing to collaborate with Mike Hudgens to introduce new consumer products companies to the many ways we can help them better finance their operations and growth.”

“I am proud to assume the position of president of CIT Commercial Services, widely known as one of the best and most experienced lenders in the field,” Hudgens said. “After all we’ve accomplished, our business still has tremendous room for growth and I look forward to helping us realize that potential in the months and years ahead.”

These latest announcements come on the heels of other recent changes in CIT Commercial Services as the business continues to align itself for success. Last month, First Citizens announced that Thomas Fingleton had been named chief strategy officer for CIT Commercial Services, with Amna Mahmood being promoted to Northeast regional manager and Daniel Goll being named national underwriting manager.

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: First Citizens Bank / CIT Commercial Services

Avient Showcases New Sustainable Solutions And Recent Compliance Certifications At ITMA 2023

MILAN, Italy — June 7, 2023 — Avient Corporation is debuting a new, sustainable solution for textile dyes and highlighting recently achieved compliance certifications for color & additives for synthetic fibers at the start of ITMA 2023, the world’s largest annual international textile and garment technology exhibition June 8-14 in Milan, Italy.

This includes an expansion of the MagnaColours® ITO range of dyes from Avient Specialty Inks. This also includes Avient’s Taoyuan production site in Taiwan achieving accreditation to Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0 and recognition as a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER for spin-dyeing (dope-dyeing) solutions.

ITOFIX EVO

ITOFIX EVO reactive dyes are a new sustainable addition to Avient Specialty Inks’ MagnaColours® ITO range of textile dyes and finishes.

Available in 10 different shades, ITOFIX EVO reactive dyes offer an innovative and eco-conscious alternative for the coloration of cellulosic fibers. Compared to conventional reactive dyes, ITOFIX EVO dyes can deliver shorter process cycles and lower dyeing temperatures due to faster fixation and more accurate, first-time results. The range also allows for effective washing off at lower temperatures with shorter washing cycles. This can save textile dyers time, reduce energy consumption, and conserve water.

In addition to facilitating a more sustainable cellulosic dyeing process for textile processors, ITOFIX EVO dyes are formulated to contribute to the reduction of hazardous substances from the textile supply chain without compromising on high levels of color fastness performance.

ITOFIX EVO reactive dyes join a wide selection of specialist ITO range textile dyeing and finishing products Avient will highlight at ITMA 2023, including ITOGUARD AQUASHIELD+ non-PFC water repellent treatment and ITOLUX COT light fastness improving agent for reactive dyes.

GRS 4.0 Accreditation

Avient’s Taoyuan production site in Taiwan recently achieved full compliance with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0. The GRS standard is an international, voluntary, full-product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. The Taoyuan site produces colorants and additives for polyester fibers used in casual wear and sportswear applications that are expected to include recycled content.

The GRS-certified color and additive solutions contain a required percentage of pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled polyester primarily from recycled PET flakes. They are intended for use in the spin-dyeing, also called dope-dyeing, process which incorporates color and/or functional additives during yarn extrusion, saving on energy and water use.

bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER for Dope-Dyeing (Spin-Dyeing) Fibers
In addition to the GRS accreditation, Avient’s Taoyuan site in Taiwan is also among the first provider of colorants and additives for spin-dyeing to be recognized as a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER. The bluesign® label is a well-known label for textiles that certifies increased sustainable chemistry and high product safety in the textile industry. Brand owners, yarn manufacturers, and chemical suppliers can apply for certification.

The bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER accreditation automatically provides the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substance Lists) Conformance level 3 to the Taoyuan site for its fiber color and additive solutions. ZDHC’s goal is to effectively phase out hazardous substances from the textile supply chains. The site in Taiwan is in the process of including its color and additive solutions in the bluesign® FINDER.

Avient’s team of experts will be on-site at ITMA 2023, June 8-14, exhibiting their dyes, chemicals, finishes, and color & additives for spin-dyeing portfolios throughout the show at Fiera Milano Rho, Hall 5, booth B302, in Milan, Italy.

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: Avient Corporation

Rieter: Changes In The Group Executive Committee

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — June 7, 2023 — Kurt Ledermann, CFO at the Rieter Group since 2019, is to leave the Group Executive Committee in August 2023 for personal reasons to pursue a career opportunity outside the Rieter Group. The Board of Directors wishes to express its gratitude to Kurt Ledermann in advance for his valuable service and his contribution to the further development of Rieter. Details about succession arrangements shall be provided in due course.

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.

National Retail Federation: Imports For First Half Of 2023 Expected To Be 22% Below Same Time Last Year

WASHINGTON — June 7, 2023 — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to be 22% lower during the first half of 2023 than the same time last year despite increased consumer spending, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The report comes amid disruptions at West Coast ports but the incidents have not yet been widespread enough to be reflected in nationwide data.

“Cargo volume is lower than last year but retailers are entering the busiest shipping season of the year bringing in holiday merchandise. The last thing retailers and other shippers need is ongoing disruption at the ports,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “If labor and management can’t reach agreement and operate smoothly and efficiently, retailers will have no choice but to continue to take their cargo to East Coast and Gulf Coast gateways. We continue to urge the administration to step in and help the parties reach an agreement and end the disruptions so operations can return to normal. We’ve had enough unavoidable supply chain issues the past two years. This is not the time for one that can be avoided.”

NRF earlier this week issued a statement calling on the Biden administration to intervene following reports of disruptions at terminals at the Ports of Oakland and Long Beach. The disruptions have come as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association have failed to reach a new labor agreement after more than a year of negotiations.

“Economists and shipping lines increasingly wonder why the decline in container import demand is so much at odds with continuous growth in consumer demand,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said, noting that spending has been bolstered by strong employment numbers and increases in personal income. “Import container shipments have returned the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019 and appear likely to stay there for a while.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 1.78 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in April, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 9.6% from March but down 21.3% year over year.

Ports have not yet reported May numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.84 million TEU, down 23% year over year. June is forecast at 1.91 million TEU, down 15.3% from the same month last year. That would bring the first half of 2023 to 10.5 million TEU, down 22.3% from the first half of 2022.

July is forecast at 1.99 million TEU, down 8.8% year over year; August at 2.02 million TEU, down 10.5%; September at 1.95 million TEU, down 4%, and October also at 1.95 million TEU, down 2.7%.

Global Port Tracker has not yet forecast the full year, but the third quarter is expected to total 5.97 million TEU, down 7.9% from the same time last year, and the first nine months of the year should total 16.48 million TEU, down 17.6% year over year. Imports for all of 2022 totaled 25.5 million TEU, down 1.2% from the annual record of 25.8 million TEU set in 2021.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: June 7, 2023

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

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