Abstract
World manufactured fiber production to rise 5.7% annually through 2012
World production of manufactured textile fiber (both synthetic and cellulosic)
is projected to rise 5.7 percent per annum through 2012 to over 62 million
metric tons. Overall growth will be supported by the continued replacement of
natural fibers by cheaper, better performing man-made alternatives in many
market applications. Also boosting growth will be the rising level of personal
income in both developed and developing countries, which will promote demand
for textile fibers used in upholstery, household furnishings, apparel and
floor coverings. Polyester will continue to dominate manufactured fiber
output. However, the fastest gains will be in specialty synthetic fiber
production, such as spandex, aramid and carbon fibers. The Asia/Pacific
region, China and India in particular, will continue to be the biggest
producer of manufactured fibers, and is also forecast to experience the most
rapid growth.
High-end synthetic fibers to grow the most rapidly
Strong growth in specialty fibers will reflect the continuing healthy outlook
for spandex, which is gaining new applications in the apparel sector beyond
its bedrock uses in sportswear and underwear. In particular, spandex is
finding broad applications in blends with cotton and other fibers, and will
continue to benefit from its light weight, softness, stretchability and
resistance to deterioration from perspiration, lotions or detergents. For
their part, aramid fibers will benefit from rising demand for flame-resistant
and other protective clothing, as these fibers offer high strength and
superior heat-resistance. Demand will receive a boost in growing specialty
apparel markets such as bullet-proof vests and fire protective suits.
Polyester fibers will also post rapid gains, and will remain the largest
manufactured fibers segment by far, due to their versatility and favorable
cost-performance characteristics. Polyester fibers will continue to expand
their market share in the fiber industry at the expense of cotton and
cellulosic fibers, as well as other synthetics such as nylon and acrylic.
China to continue leading world production
Continuing established trends seen over the past decade, China will increase
its share of manufactured fiber production. For instance, by 2012, China is
expected to produce over 70 percent of all polyester output. India will also
post strong increases, but total production levels will remain well below that
of China. On the other hand, European, North American and Japanese mills will
continue to face tough challenges, such as market maturity, capacity
rationalization, competition from imports and business shifting to nations
that offer lower production costs.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, World Textile Fibers presents historical
supply and demand data (1997, 2002 and 2007) plus forecasts for 2012 and 2017
by textile fiber type, world region and for 28 countries. The study also
considers market environment factors, evaluates market share data and profiles
leading competitors worldwide.
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