Abstract
Global production and consumption of polyester fibers in 2007 was approximately 29 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 84% in 2007; this was an increase from 2006 due to a larger increase in consumption than capacity. Global polyester fibers consumption is estimated to have increased by 3.4% in 2007, and is expected to increase on average by 3.9% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 3.2% per year from 2012 to 2017. Average global utilization rates are expected to remain in the mid to high-80s range throughout the forecast period.
Textile filament yarn accounted for 54% of global polyester fibers consumption in 2007, followed by staple fiber with 42% of total consumption. Other applications for polyester fibers include continuous filament and industrial yarn.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of polyester fibers by end use:
