Nanjing Wool Market Conference 22nd – 24th September 2023
The 34th Nanjing Wool Market Conference wrapped up in Zhangjiagang on 24th September. Nanjing Wool Market Conference is China’s leading and longest-running wool conference and was very happy to welcome local and international delegates back after a 3 year hiatus. The conference draws people from all sectors of the wool textile industry worldwide, facilitating the sharing of ideas and information, and providing networking opportunities.
All 350 delegates were pleased to have the opportunity to meet up in person once again. Although delegate numbers were slightly lower than in the years prior to the pandemic all those attending remarked on the warm atmosphere and the interesting discussions and presentations that were made.
In his presentation Klaus Steger, current President of IWTO, commented on the importance of ensuring that wool production is at least maintained and ideally increased to ensure that all parts of the industry has sufficient fibre for future production. He also urged industry players to join together in working to ensure the sustainability credentials of wool is well presented and accepted by trade regulators as well as consumers around the world.
John Roberts, CEO AWI and The Woolmark Company outlined the current wool promotion projects they are involved in around the world.
There were a number of presentations from Chinese members including Mr Yang Zhaohua Vice-President China National Textile and Apparel Council, who outlined the challenging conditions the China wool industry is facing at present. It was interesting to note that a number of presentations made by Chinese members talked about retail still struggling to come back to pre-Covid levels, but noting that online sales of wool clothing is still booming.
Delegates had an opportunity to discuss matters in a more informal setting during the final day of the conference. Prominent wool industry people from China, Australia, New Zealand, UK, and South Africa all talked about wool growing conditions and what they expect in the immediate future.
‘China continues to be a major hub for wool processing and a major domestic consumer market for wool products’, says Madam Yang Xiaoxiong Chairwoman. ‘NWM will continue to be the first port of call for advice and assistance to foreign companies when doing business with the wool industry in China.’