Santa suits get cost-driven makeover

Manufacturers using fabrics to replace cotton due to price rises

SHANGHAI - Santa Claus may be restricted to wearing non-woven fabrics this Christmas because the price of cotton, which has often been used in festive costumes in the past, has risen sharply.

According to the website cottonchina.org, the cost of a ton of cotton has climbed from 18,000 yuan ($2,700) on Sept 1 to its current price of more than 28,500 yuan.