Taiwan´s exports of polyester staple fibers sharply declined in the first half this year in volume terms, while prices were significantly rising over the same period. Relocation to China and heavy anti-dumping duties imposed by the European Union contributed to the fall in shipments. Sales to the U.S. market, Russia and Turkey however soared, as reflected by our series of statistical tables.

Taiwan´s exports of polyester staple fibers continued sharply declining in the first part this year, reflecting a fall in demand from China.

Shipments to foreign countries fell more than 30% in volume terms, following a 7% decrease in the corresponding period of last year.

The decline was more limited in value terms thanks to a rise in prices.

Prices up 15.6%
Exports fell 19.2% in the first six months of 2007 to US$251 million while unit prices gained 15.6% at US$1.38 per kilo.

Prices progressively rose from US$1.36 in January this year up to US$1.43 in June.

Taiwan´s PSF exports had reached a peak in value terms in 2004, at US$714 million before decreasing to US$686 million in 2005 and to US$623 million in 2006.

Such a decline is partly due to relocation of the polyester industry to the mainland.

As a consequence, shipments to China lost 46% in volume terms in the first half this year, down 63% in two years, from the first part of 2005.

A dramatic decline in sales to Hong Kong also reflects the same trend with shipments down 58% in the first half this year.

Sales to Vietnam are also falling more than 51% in volume terms with a 55% decrease in two years.

Surge to U.S., Turkey and Russia
Shipments to the United States are however rocketing, by contrast.

Exports to U.S. market doubled in the first part this year, as shipments are diverted from the European market.

EU´s country members imposed heavy anti-dumping duties on PSF from Taiwan, effective from the end of last year with a fall in Taiwanese shipments as a consequence.

Exports to Italy decreased by 70% from the first part of 2005, in volume terms. Shipments to the U.K. even declined 84% in the meantime.

In addition to a surge in sales to the U.S.A., Taiwanese exporters also benefited from a sharp increase in shipments to Turkey and Russia, respectively up 857% and 334% in the first part of the year.

Sales to both destinations surged more than 5 times in only two years.

Prices were up 10% on average from the first half of 2005, however declining 3% to Turkey.

Prices of PSF shipped to the United States are 4% above global averaged unit value while prices of polyester sold to Turkish market are 5% below global average.

Source: emergingtextiles