BBM eNews

Imports Up, Exports Down For The First Three Months Of 2022, Compared To The First Three Months Of 2021

U.S. government trade figures for March 2022 indicated raw material imports were up in two categories outlined: brush backs and metal handles, compared to March 2021. For the first three months of 2022, raw material imports were up in all four categories outlined: hog bristle, broom and mop handles, brush backs and metal handles, compared to the first three months of 2021.

Import totals for March 2022 were up in five of the finished goods categories outlined: brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents, brooms and brushes of vegetable material, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and shaving brushes, compared to March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, import totals were also up in five categories outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable material, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shaving brushes and upright brooms, compared to the first three months of 2021.

Hog Bristle

The United States imported 11,350 kilograms of hog bristle in March 2022, down 42 percent from 19,671 kilograms imported in March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 53,400 kilograms of hog bristle were imported, up 45 percent from 36,834 kilograms for the first three months of 2021.

China sent all the hog bristle to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per kilogram for March 2022 was $41.75, down 15 percent from $49.09 per kilogram for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per kilogram was $29.78, down 40 percent from $49.78 for the first three months of 2021.

Broom And Mop Handles

The import total of broom and mop handles during March 2022 was 1.5 million, down 6 percent from 1.6 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 4.9 million broom and mop handles were imported, up 23 percent from 4 million for the first three months of 2021.

During the first three months of 2022, the United States received 2.4 million broom and mop handles from Honduras and 1.3 million from Brazil.

The average price per handle for March 2022 was 84 cents, up 50 percent from 56 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per handle was 69 cents, up 11 percent from 62 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Brush Backs

March 2022 imports of brush backs totaled 499,907, up 47 percent from 339,562 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 1.5 million brush backs were imported, up 36 percent from 1.1 million for the first three months of 2021.

Canada exported 438,135 brush backs during the first three months of 2022, while Sri Lanka sent 360,595.

The average price per brush back was 59 cents during March 2022, up 16 percent from 51 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price was 53 cents, up 10 percent from 48 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Metal Handles

The import total of metal handles during March 2022 was 2.6 million, up 13 percent from 2.3 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 5.5 million metal handles were imported, up 2 percent from 5.4 million for the first three months of 2021.

During the first three months of 2022, China sent 3 million metal handles to the United States, while Spain exported 1.4 million and Italy sent 904,937 handles.

The average price per handle for March 2022 was $1.01, up 20 percent from 84 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per handle was $1.09, up 22 percent from 93 cents for the first three months of 2021.

– FINISHED GOODS IMPORTS –

Brooms Of Broom Corn Valued At More Than 96 Cents

The United States imported 394,327 brooms of broom corn valued at more than 96 cents per broom during March 2022, up 4 percent from 379,574 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 972,982 brooms were imported, down 3 percent from 1 million for the first three months of 2021.

Mexico sent all the brooms to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per broom for March 2022 was $2.61, up 17 percent from $2.23 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per broom was $2.52, up 16 percent from $2.18 for the first three months of 2021.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Material

The import total of brooms and brushes of vegetable material during March 2022 was 441,432, up 197 percent from 148,768 brooms and brushes imported during March 2021. For the first three months of 2022, 675,221 brooms and brushes were imported, up 13 percent from 596,178 for the first three months of 2021.

During the first three months of 2022, Sri Lanka exported 267,058 brooms and brushes to the United States, while China sent 192,187.

The average price per unit for March 2022 was 83 cents, down 33 percent from $1.23 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per unit was $1.29, up 25 percent from $1.03 for the first three months of 2021.

Toothbrushes

The United States imported 105.8 million toothbrushes in March 2022, up 45 percent from 73.2 million imported in March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 301.7 million toothbrushes were imported, up 49 percent from 201.9 million for the first three months of 2021.

China sent 239.2 million toothbrushes to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per toothbrush for March 2022 was 27 cents, the same as for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per toothbrush was 25 cents, down 14 percent from 29 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Hairbrushes

March 2022 imports of hairbrushes totaled 7.9 million, up 108 percent from 3.8 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 20 million hairbrushes were imported, up 36 percent from 14.7 million for the first three months of 2021.

China sent 15.4 million hairbrushes to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per hairbrush was 19 cents during March 2022, down 17 percent from 23 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per hairbrush was also 19 cents, down 10 percent from 21 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Shaving Brushes

The United States imported 9.9 million shaving brushes in March 2022, up 13 percent from 8.8 million imported in March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 27.8 million shaving brushes were imported, up 92 percent from 14.5 million for the first three months of 2021.

China sent 25.5 million shaving brushes to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per shaving brush for March 2022 was 8 cents, down 27 percent from 11 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per brush was 9 cents, down 31 percent from 13 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Paint Rollers

The import total of paint rollers during March 2022 was 8.7 million, down 9 percent from 9.6 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 24.2 million paint rollers were imported, down 8 percent from 26.4 million for the first three months of 2021.

China sent 16.9 million paint rollers to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per paint roller for March 2022 was 46 cents, the same as for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per paint roller was 43 cents, down 7 percent from 46 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Paintbrushes

U.S. companies imported 27.7 million paintbrushes during March 2022, down 23 percent from 36.2 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 81.7 million paintbrushes were imported, down 9 percent from 89.8 million for the first three months of 2021.

China shipped 76.6 million paintbrushes to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per paintbrush for March 2022 was 37 cents, up 12 percent from 33 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per paintbrush was 33 cents, the same as the first three months of 2021.

Upright Brooms

The total import of upright brooms for March 2022 was 1.7 million, down 26 percent from 2.3 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 5.5 million upright brooms were imported, up 2 percent from 5.4 million for the first three months of 2021.

China sent 4.5 million upright brooms to the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per broom for March 2022 was $1.49, up 37 cent from $1.09 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per broom was $1.47, up 18 percent from $1.25 for the first three months of 2021.

– EXPORTS –
Export totals for March 2022 were down in three categories outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable materials, toothbrushes and artist brushes, compared to March 2021. For the first three months of 2022, export totals were also down in three categories outlined: brooms and brushes of vegetable materials, toothbrushes and shaving brushes, compared to the first three months of 2021.

Brooms & Brushes Of Vegetable Materials

The United States exported 7,136 dozen brooms and brushes of vegetable materials during March 2022, down 62 percent from 18,629 dozen for March 2021. For the first three months of 2022, 18,684 dozen brooms and brushes were exported, down 30 percent from 26,582 dozen for the first three months of 2021.

The United States sent 9,467 dozen brooms and brushes to Canada during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $31.36 in March 2022, down less than 1 percent from $31.48 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per dozen brooms and brushes was $42.91, up 12 percent from $38.33 per dozen for the first three months of 2021.

Toothbrushes

During March 2022, the United States exported 7.9 million toothbrushes, down 11 percent from 8.9 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 20.4 million toothbrushes were exported, down 9 percent from 22.4 million for the first three months of 2021.

The United States exported 6.2 million toothbrushes to Canada and 4.9 million to Poland.

The average price per toothbrush for March 2022 was 89 cents, up 20 percent from 71 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per brush was 88 cents, up 17 percent from 75 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Shaving Brushes

The United States exported 2.2 million shaving brushes during March 2022, up 57 percent from 1.4 million for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 4.1 million shaving brushes were exported, down 2 percent from 4.2. million for the first three months of 2021.

During the first three months of 2022, the United States exported 2.1 million shaving brushes to Mexico.

The average price per shaving brush for March 2022 was 63 cents, down 22 percent from 81 cents for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per shaving brush was 97 cents, up 17 percent from 83 cents for the first three months of 2021.

Artist Brushes

March 2022 exports of artist brushes totaled 484,257, down 20 percent from 603,347 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 1.5 million artist brushes were exported, up 7 percent from 1.4 million for the first three months of 2021.

Canada received 956,105 artist brushes from the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per artist brush was $4.26 during March 2022, up 31
percent from $3.25 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022,
the average price per artist brush was $3.56, up 4 percent from $3.43 for the
first three months of 2021.

Paintbrushes

The export total of paintbrushes during March 2022 was 226,894, up 35 percent from 168,607 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, 720,502 paintbrushes were exported, up 62 percent from 445,269 for the first three months of 2021.

Canada imported 392,348 paintbrushes from the United States during the first three months of 2022.

The average price per paintbrush for March 2022 was $7.70, down 18 percent from $9.36 for March 2021. During the first three months of 2022, the average price per paintbrush was $6.03, down 32 percent from $8.92 for the first three months of 2021.

March 2022

Click here for the entire March 2022
Import/Export Statistics.

West Coast Brush Manufacturers Association
Meeting Set For September 11-15 In Hawaii

The upcoming West Coast Brush Manufacturers Association (WCBMA)
meeting is scheduled for September 11-15, 2022, at The Grand Hyatt Kauai
Resort & Spa, in Koloa, HI.

All suppliers are invited, along with brush manufacturers who are located
west of the Mississippi River.

Reservation deadline is August 5, 2022, using the link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/KAUAI/G-WCBA,
or by calling 808-240-6450 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hawaii time. Reference the “West Coast Brush Manufacturers Association” when making a reservation. The association has negotiated a room rate discount for this event, according to Ken Rakusin, president/CEO of Gordon Brush.

“The arrival day is Sunday, September 11, and departure is Thursday,
September 15. The hotel will honor our favorable price three days
pre- and post-convention,” Rakusin said.

Also included is a 10 percent discount at ‘Ilima Terrace for breakfast,

and a 15 percent discount at Anara Spa, excluding retail purchases.

Along with other events, this year’s WCBMA meeting will include two golf outings.

On Monday, September 12, attendees are welcomed to play at the
Ocean Course (www.hokualakauai.com/golf), at Hokuala, HI, a
35-minute drive from the Hyatt.

The second outing, a scramble tournament next to the Hyatt at the Poipu
Bay Golf Course (www.poipubaygolf.com), is scheduled for Wednesday morning, September 14. The course features many holes along the ocean. Attendees will receive a special rate.

“This will be our group’s fifth visit (to the resort) as it remains a favorite. Based on feedback, we expect this year’s meeting to be well attended. Please call me with any questions,” Rakusin said.

He can be reached at 323-450-2740.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (kauai.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html) is located at 1571 Poipu Rd., Koloa, HI 96756. Its phone number is 1-808-742-1234.

Sponsored By Monahan Partners
National Craft Broom Competition
Scheduled For 2022 Broom Corn Festival

2021 National Craft Broom Competition Entries

“In the mid-1940s, The Thomas Monahan Company sponsored a National
Big Broom Contest for the hundreds of U.S. manufacturers of broom corn
brooms in existence at the time. The Monahan Company awarded cash prizes
and publicity to the manufacturer who could make the largest broom. The
contest was a big success and a lot of fun,” according to a press release.

“Monahan Partners, a spin-off of The Thomas Monahan Company,
continues to sponsor an annual craft broom contest for the nation’s broom
artisans. There are more than 100 craft broom makers in the USA, and
Monahan Partners hopes that all will submit a broom.”

A total of $1,200 in prize money will be awarded to the top three finishers —
$600 for first place, $400 for second place, and $200 for third place. Broom,
Brush & Mop Magazine will provide additional publicity to the winners.

Brooms will be judged for craftsmanship and aesthetics, must be made
with 100 percent broom corn, must be functional and must be the size of a
parlor broom or smaller (cobweb, hearth, whisk, etc.). The type of handle
can be decided by the maker.

Two local artists and a broom maker will make the selections. All entries must be clearly identified with the maker’s name and contact information.

Submissions are due at Monahan Partners, 202 N. Oak, Arcola, IL 61910,
by Sept. 2, 2022. All brooms will be displayed in the broom tent at the 2022
Arcola Broom Corn Festival, scheduled for September 9-11. Many will be on
sale and the winners will be announced at the festival.

For more information, contact Pat Monahan at pat@monahanpartners.com
or call 217-268-5754.

FEIBP President Shares
Information On 2022 Meeting
In Prague September 21-23

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 62nd FEIBP Congress has had to be postponed twice. After three years, with the Corona measures and travel restrictions lifted, the European brushware industry is ready for a physical congress, to be held, for the first time, in the Czech Republic.

There are brush makers in the Czech Republic, but other countries in Central Europe as well, who will be invited to join us at the congress to get acquainted with the FEIBP and its activities.

All arrangements have been completed, and a great program is established. Look at the congress part of the renewed website www.eurobrush.com, with all relevant information.

Keynote speakers on “Succession Management” and “Sustainability” are confirmed; interesting working groups are, as always, part of the program, and we will have another Innovation Award competition.

For the social part of the congress, Prague is a fantastic city with a variety of opportunities, and no worries about a good meal.

What really counts is to have you coming to Prague in September for a
challenging and convivial FEIBP congress.

We will keep you informed.

Andrew McIlroy, president
Fons Ceelaert, general manager
www.eurobrush.com | info@feibp.eu

ABCO Cleaning Products Launches Green2Sustainble Dashboard  

ABCO Cleaning Products, a leader in sustainable cleaning tools, has launched its Green2Sustainable dashboard. Live on the company’s website, the third-party dashboard highlights the impact of ABCO’s sustainable business practices at its production plants and headquarters.

“Our Green2Sustainable dashboard provides transparency into our commitment to sustainability,” said Carlos Albir, president, ABCO. “Third-party verification and reporting are highly important when it comes to sustainability claims, and we’re excited to work with Green2Sustainable to show how our ongoing efforts support the environment.”

The Green2Sustainable dashboard demonstrates ABCO’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts at the ABCO Manufacturing Plant in Honduras:

• In one year, ABCO’s avoided carbon pollution is equivalent to planting 21,595 trees due to its recycling efforts;

• Compared to 2020, ABCO saved enough water to equate to filling 10 inground pools in 2021; and,

• 92 percent of ABCO’s waste due to production and other measures was diverted from landfills.

“ABCO is truly dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, and we’re pleased that our platform helps ABCO quantify and share its performance in a meaningful way,” said Katrina Saucier, program manager at Green2Sustainable.

For more information about ABCO’s Green2Sustainable dashboard and to learn more about its sustainable cleaning products, visit www.abcoproducts.com. To learn more about Green2Sustainable, visit www.green2sustainable.com.