Global yarn and fabric production fell in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the previous quarter despite representing an increase from the first quarter of 2010, according to figures published by the ITMF. Year-on-year global yarn and fabric production continued to grow.

Yarn production fell by 11.3% globally in the first quarter of 2011 in comparison to the previous quarter. The statistics show that in Asia, Europe and South America yarn output fell by 12.2%, 2.6% and 0.1%, respectively, with production rising by 5.1% in North America.

Year-on-year, yarn production rose in North America by 10.2%, in Asia by 6.6% and in Europe 1.3%. Conversely, in South America production decreased by 0.6%, according to the ITMF.

Global yarn stocks increased by 2.0% during the first quarter of 2011 compared to the previous quarter. In North America inventories rose by 11.1% and in Asia by 2%, despite falling 0.3% in Europe.

However, on an annual basis global yarn stocks increased by 7.4%, particularly in South America where they soared by 83%.

The ITMF statistics show global fabric production fell by 11.8% during the first quarter of 2011, when compared with the previous quarter. These statistics have been attributed to a 14.3% and 2% decrease in Asia and Europe respectively, which could not be offset by increased production in North and South America (13.3% and 5.9%, respectively).

In comparison to the first quarter of 2010 fabric production rose in all regions. South America recorded the strongest increase at 15.7%, followed by Europe at 3.8%, Asia at 3.7% and North America at 3.7%.

Global fabric inventories were up worldwide in the first quarter of 2011 due to higher fabric inventories in Asia. However, in South America, North America and Europe inventories were reduced.

The ITMF study found that on an annual basis Asia, North America and Europe recorded higher fabric stocks, whilst supplies fell in South America.

Yarn and fabric order in Europe rose by 0.3% and 2.8%, respectively, during the first quarter of 2011, compared with the previous one. Year-on-year, yarn and fabric orders in Europe rose by 1.1% and 2%, respectively. In Brazil yarn and fabric orders plummeted by ­13.4% and 4.7%, respectively. On an annual basis, orders in Brazil fell by 25.3% and 13.2%