Italian producers of knitting yarns are seeking new clients and new markets on the strength of craftsmanship, creativity and innovation. Over the past few years, the high-end market segment has been penalized by Russia’s difficulties and China’s consumption crunch.

In 2016 turnover for Italy’s yarn industry was down largely due to a drop in exports while imports grew. A decrease in exports is predicted for 2017. Fashion trends do not favor knitwear and the US is not doing well in the retail sector. Some customers have been wiped out by recession. Others are having a hard time and have reduced orders.

So luxury companies have repositioned themselves in a slightly lower segment. Fancy yarns are an increasing focus for Cariaggi, which specializes in high-end carded and combed yarn. Lineapiu has presented a yarn mixing paper and polyamide fiber, providing an organdy effect that recalls Japanese washi paper, used in origami. This type of yarn is seen as broadening opportunities for the fashion industry. Lineapiu will launch 3D fashion components to recoup in 2017 the loss suffered in the US last year.

For Pecci Filati exports are 65 per cent of its turnover. The company launched a new brand Filati Naturali two years ago.