Changes in fashions, imports from Japan and general economic uncertainty, European manufacturers of synthetic fibers are suffering, like AKZO, laying off more than 6,000 workers.

Hit by a one-two-three punch of changes in fashions, imports from Japan and general economic uncertainty, European manufacturers of synthetic fibers are suffering. Many of their plants are working at only 70% to 80% of capacity. At that level, the profits of older and smaller plants have been wiped…