Wiper cutters and sellers in the UK are seeing demand for their cloths, which are typically used by industry for cleaning machines and oil absorption, challenged by increasing levels of import from Eastern Europe.
In the past competition had been feared more from paper products but the ability of Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic and other countries to supply and transport material at low prices is hitting the UK.
The bulk of collected textiles are used for stuffing, wiping cloths and exports as used clothing.
One wiper manufacturer said: “Price is talking in this market and some merchants are choosing to sell imported wipers as they don't have to bother cutting them. The wiper trade is certainly feeling these imports at the moment and I would expect there to be fewer UK cutters at this time next year.”
The industry has had a generally busy year so the traditional quieter winter period is expected. However, there is concern as to the level of trade that will be found in Africa after the New Year.
Prices in Africa have not risen in most cases over the past few years and there is some downward pressure at present. There is also competition from other suppliers to the market, from cheap new clothing from the Far East to lower quality and cheaper used clothing from America and Canada.
One northern merchant said that the UK has seen more employment legislation, the minimum wage and other cost pressures. “Costs are increasing but we cannot put prices up as the Africans have no more money to spend.”
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