Mills soft-pedal advance orders as they brace for price hikes

Textile mills reported not seeking orders for 4th qtr, 1994 and 1st qtr, 1995 deliveries in anticipation of fiber price increases. Mill sources indicated that delaying orders may allow them to receive higher prices for gray goods. Textile fiber manufacturers reported operating at full capacity and some were not able to accept additional polyester staple orders. Industry sources expect polyester staple prices to rise up to two cents per yard for print cloth.
NEW YORK -- Mills were increasingly worried last week by fiber cost pressure with some saying they were not pushing for fourth- and first-quarter orders now. The longer they can [...]