Abstract
Consumption of fibres in South American mills fell by 1.7% in 2008, following
a 1.3% increase in 2007. As a result, usage fell below the level seen in 2006
although it was still higher than in previous years. South American textile
and clothing companies have had to struggle in the face of a weakening US
dollar, which has made their goods more expensive in their biggest export
market, the USA. Also, they have faced strong competition from low cost
producing countries in Asia - especially China. Nevertheless, mill consumption
rose in some South American countries in 2008.
Brazil continued to dominate the industry in 2008, having accounted for 65% of
total fibre consumption in the region during the year. However, consumption
fell to 1.71 mn tons, which was lower than in three of the previous four
years. Consumption also declined in Chile, Colombia and Peru, but in Argentina
it increased.
Cotton represented as much as 53%, or 1.40 mn tons, of all fibres consumed in
South America in 2008. Synthetic filament yarn accounted for 31%, synthetic
staple fibre for 14%, wool for 1% and cellulosic staple fibre for 1%. Usage of
cellulosic filament yarn was negligible.
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