Global yarn production increased in the second quarter of the current year compared to the previous quarter thanks to higher output in Asia, South and North America, despite a drop in Europe. Worldwide yarn stocks remained practically unchanged in the second quarter in comparison to the first quarter, with stocks falling in South America and Europe which were offset by higher inventories in Asia.

Year-on-year global yarn stocks jumped due to higher inventories in Europe, and especially in Asia, and in spite of plummeting inventories in South America. Yarn orders were up in Brazil, but down in Europe both in comparison to the previous quarter and year-on-year. On an annual basis, yarn production increased only as a result of higher output in Asia, with South America, North America and Europe recording reductions. Estimates for yarn production for the third quarter of 2014 are positive in Asia, North and South America but negative in Europe. Estimates for fabric production for the quarter are positive in Asia and South America but negative in Europe.

The outlook for yarn production for the fourth quarter is positive in Asia and stable in Europe and for fabric production this quarter the outlook is positive in Asia and stable in Europe.