CHINA REVISITED: FACTS AND FIGURES

Because of the importance and impact China has had on the brush, broom and mop industries both in the United States and the European Union, BRUSHWARE has decided to revisit this story. As you know, we explored in great detail the “China Syndrome” in the September/October 2002 issue. We now take another look, this time with emphasis on the statistics. Reviewing the last few years of activity, Bruce Gebhardt reports on the Chinese exports arriving into the United States; Nigel Hall does the same for the European community. We plan to continue this coverage in the future if the situation warrants it.

2003 AMBA REPORT

THE AMERICAN BRUSH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (ABMA) annual convention, March 12-15, lived up to its billing as a celebration of the 86 year old organization’s “New Beginnings.” Held in Tucson, Arizona, the convention was streamlined to allow more networking and socializing betwixt issue-laced meetings. Its new management operated in the background to facilitate member-driven organizational control and received high marks for staging what some called a “flawless” event.

PROFILE: MFC

MFC Ltd., the world’s largest supplier of the Mexican produced vegetable fiber (Tampico), believes it’s a natural way for brush manufacturers to provide superior products that will help them “stand out in an industry that’s becoming more and more generic.” Tampico, is one of the most unique and versatile fibers used in brush manufacturing. Read about the history of this special company.

2002 YEAR-END STATISTICS

Look at both import and export statistics for the year ended 2002 and compare them to 2001. Every category, every country.