The real engine of world growth in the end-use consumption of specialty fabrics lies in Asia.

By Jeff Rasmussen

The fastest growth prospects are in China, India, South Korea and Taiwan, and the key markets driving that growth are automotive, infrastructure, agricultural, medical and healthcare, and protective textiles. In 2011, the projected world market for specialty fabrics is expected to be just over $126 billion, up 2.5 percent over 2010, with Asia accounting for 45 percent of it.

The State of the Industry is an annual look at the status of the U.S. specialty fabrics industry based on ATA research. A more comprehensive and updated analysis, with detailed information on four specific markets, will be available for purchase from the ATA bookstore in late April. Contact ATA market research manager Jeff Rasmussen at +1 651 225 6967; jcrasmussen@ifai.com.