REPORTS IN THIS ISSUE
The reports in issue 136 of Textile Outlook International include the following:

* Editorial: Crisis hits China's Clothing Industry
* Profile of Gildan: A Vertically Integrated producer of Low Cost Activewear, Underwear and Socks
* Survey of the European yarn Fairs for Autumn/winter 2009/10
* Trends in EU Textile and Clothing Imports
* World Markets for Textile Machinery: Part 1 -- yarn Manufacture
* Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in the Czech Republic

IN MORE DETAIL
Please click on the links below to read summaries of these reports.

----------
Editorial: Crisis hits China's Clothing Industry
----------
Robin Anson's views on the plight of Chinese apparel producers and workers who are losing their jobs - some of the less publicised victims of the worldwide "credit crunch".

----------
Profile of Gildan: A Vertically Integrated Producer of Low Cost Activewear, Underwear and Socks
----------
Gildan operates in an extremely competitive market where margins tend to be very small. The company relies on cost reduction and large volumes in order to remain profitable. Nevertheless, it has become a leading supplier of activewear to the wholesale imprinted sportswear markets in North America and in Europe. The report provides details of the company's products and markets; its corporate strategy; its production, sourcing and distribution operations; some recent acquisitions;
the company's financial results; and its outlook for the future.

----------
Survey of the European yarn Fairs for Autumn/winter 2009/10
----------
Ethical and ecological considerations represented a major theme at the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2009/10, and there was a strong emphasis on the naturalness of animal and plant fibres. At the same time, Europe's spinning industry, now slimmed down and reorganised, has devoted itself to the production of premium yarns of the highest quality, luxury and performance. The report picks out highlights and trends from Filo and Pitti Immagine Filati in Italy, and from Expofil in France.

----------
Trends in EU Textile and Clothing Imports
----------
This report examines trends in EU25 imports and import prices, as well as the ten leading suppliers of 12 major product categories: cotton yarn; fabrics woven from synthetic staple fibres; fabrics woven from synthetic filament yarn; T-shirts; pullovers; trousers; women's blouses; men's shirts; women's overcoats; women's dresses; women's skirts; and women's suits.

----------
World Markets for Textile Machinery: Part 1 -- yarn Manufacture
----------
2007 was a mixed year for the international textile machinery market. On the positive side, deliveries of open-end rotors soared by 64%, following declines in 2005 and 2006. Shipments of short staple spindles also rose although growth was slower than in 2006. On the negative side, deliveries of long staple spindles declined by 23%, following growth a year earlier. In doing so, they returned to the downward trend which has been apparent for much of the 2000s. The market for draw texturing machinery was positive overall with deliveries up by 9.9% following declines in the previous two years.

----------
Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industry in the Czech Republic
----------
In an age of quick response and short fashion cycles, Czech textile and clothing firms benefit within the EU from their proximity to major markets, giving them a distinct competitive advantage over their Asian competitors. They also benefit from a reputation for good quality and relatively low labour costs. The industry is highly export oriented, and around 80% of production is sold abroad. However, the textile sector has fared better than clothing in recent years. The report
provides information about the Czech textile and clothing industry - including details of foreign investment, imports and exports, leading manufacturing and retailing companies, strengths andweaknesses, and textiles education.

Contact Belinda Carp for details for what is in the current issue.

The Textile Industry and Apparel Industry Reports in this section have been developed and maintained by Textile Intelligence.