Textile industry Overview

Companies in this industry operate mills that produce textiles and textile products from natural and synthetic materials. Major companies include International Textile Group, Mohawk Industries, Unifi, and WL Gore & Associates (all based in the US), along with Hyosung (South Korea), Far Eastern New Century (Taiwan), Toyobo (Japan), and Chinatex (China).

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by the domestic apparel industry and consumer demand for home furnishings like carpets, furniture, and curtains. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations. Large companies have economies of scale in production for high-volume items. Small companies can compete successfully by producing specialized textiles. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 60% of revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products are yarns and threads, fabrics, and carpets. The industry produces yarns and threads out of natural (wool and cotton) and synthetic (plastics) materials. Yarns and thread are used to produce fabrics that are woven or knit, finish fabrics by dyeing or coating them, and make fabrics into simple finished consumer products like rugs, carpets, curtains, linens, and textile bags. Carpets and rugs account for 17% of US industry revenue; nonwoven fabrics, 15%; fiber, yarn, and thread, 15%; and broadwoven fabrics, 8%.