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6 MIN. READ
The U.S. textile mill products industry is a vital part of the nation's economy, providing jobs to millions of Americans and exporting products around the world. The industry produces fabrics, yarns, threads, and other products that are used in apparel, home furnishings, industrial and medical applications. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key facts and statistics that illustrate the size, scope and impact of this industry on the U.S. and also uncover some sales opportunities for those looking to do business with this robust industry.
US textile mill products include anything made with textiles except apparel. Usually, these industries cut and sew their products. Examples include towels, sheets, and pillowcases.
The industry employs a large and varied workforce, including:
● Supervisors and managers.
● Inspectors.
● Sorters.
● Samplers.
● Weighers.
● Machine operators and tenders.
Textile machines knit, weave, twist, and draw, creating an array of fabric textures.
As with many other industries, the pandemic restricted the growth of textiles. However, forecasts predict solid post-pandemic growth. Nylon, a widely used synthetic fiber, will experience considerable demand. You can expect chemically resistant fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene to also spur US textile industry growth.
According to MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, there are currently 2,111 textile mill companies operating in the U.S. that employ 147,141 workers. Jobs in the sector have increased a half percent over the past year (October 2023-October 2024) The industry reports average yearly sales of $54 billion. More companies in this industry are woman-owned compared to manufacturing as a whole, 3% versus 2%, respectively. At 1%, minority ownership is in line with manufacturing as a whole.
This industry imports a considerable proportion of raw materials, 31%, compared to 11% for total manufacturing. International distribution, however, is where the textile mill products shine. They distribute 47% of their products internationally, compared to 29% for all US manufacturing. Public ownership of textile mill product manufacturers stands at 7%, versus 5% for total US manufacturing.
The largest number, 53%, of textile mill product companies locate their facilities in the South. The Northeast comes in a distant second at 23%. The West and Midwest bring up the rear at 12% each. However, with over 150,000 total companies, textile mill products offer sales opportunities across the country.
Related: Top 10 Textile Mills in the U.S.
Reach 2,100+ companies in the textile products industries and get in direct touch with their 5,700+ executives with the Textile Mill Products Industrial Database, only from MNI. Looking for specific states, industries, regions, or executive roles? Browse all databases here.
Textile mill products form an umbrella for six subindustries, turning out an assortment of different products for different markets.
Broadwoven Fabric Mills
This subindustry weaves fabric that is more than 12 inches wide. It also makes wide felt. Products include bedspreads, draperies, jute bags, tablecloths, towels, and carpet liners, but not carpets. The products serve many disparate consumer and industrial needs. This wide range may lend this subindustry a certain resilience in changing markets, making it a viable target for doing business.
Knitting Mills
Growth in knitting mills peaked in 2020, rose a little in 2022, and then declined again. This downturn is reflected in the slight drop in jobs in the industry in general. Knitting mills need a large number of workers to operate. Males make considerably more than females in comparable positions in these facilities. Overall, earnings tend to be low compared with other industries. This may contribute to labor problems, making this subindustry a good prospect for a staffing company.
Textile Finishing
Textile finishing encompasses the post-dying processes that give fabrics a nicer ‘touch.” Finishers use both chemical and mechanical methods. Chemicals used include bleach and alkali solutions. Finishers also employ mechanical napping and shearing. If you sell the chemicals or equipment for any of these processes, textile finishing could expand your sales base.
Carpets and Rugs
Traditionally, carpet manufacturers aimed for either high-end or low-end use. This strategy is changing. The mills develop products for buyers looking for a midpoint. Sales of these carpets are rising. Some of the new technology involves yarn-dyed artificial fibers like PET. These innovations may open up new markets at carpet mills. Mohawk is a large mill worth checking out.
Yarn and Thread Mills
Yarn mills are riding the wave of demand for synthetic fibers. Increasing competition from overseas is feeding a rush toward innovation. These mills are also looking at changing locations to areas with lower labor costs and less stringent regulations. That movement may affect their viability as prospects.
Miscellaneous Textile Goods
This subindustry includes the production of:
● Coated fabrics.
● Cordage.
● Twine.
● Batts and batting (except for nonwoven fabrics).
● Fishing nets.
● Carpet cutting and binding.
● Sleeping bags.
● Cloth diapers.
● Fire hoses.
● Dust clothes.
● Weatherstripping.
This is another case of a subindustry diverse enough to muddle through specific drops in demand. Some products, such as hoses, dust clothes, and weather stripping, use purchased stock. If you sell the raw materials, you may find their manufacturers worth pitching.
The U.S. textile mill products industry is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations in materials, sustainability practices, and technological advancements. These trends are creating fresh opportunities for businesses involved in textiles, raw materials, and related services.
Cotton-based products remain a significant driver of growth in the textile industry, particularly for international distribution. Wool is also gaining momentum, especially for its odor absorption and noise abatement properties. As consumers and industries seek high-performance materials, these traditional fibers are finding new applications in areas such as home furnishings, industrial use, and even technical textiles.
The demand for technical-use textiles is growing at an annual rate of 7.7%, driven by their usage in industries like construction, transportation, medical, and protective applications. These textiles are specially engineered to meet specific functional requirements such as strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. In particular, synthetic and cellulose fibers are becoming integral in filtration systems and other industrial applications.
A key innovation reshaping the textile landscape is the rise of smart textiles. These advanced materials incorporate optical fibers and metals to interact with their environment, detecting stimuli such as heat, chemicals, and electrical sources. The potential for smart textiles is vast, ranging from wearable health monitors to protective gear for hazardous environments. As demand for wearable technology and connected products increases, smart textiles will play a vital role in sectors like healthcare, defense, and sports.
Sustainability is a central trend across many industries, and textiles are no exception. Eco-friendly materials, such as recycled polyester and biodegradable fibers, are seeing rising demand as both consumers and regulatory bodies push for more sustainable products. The textile recycling market is expected to grow from $4.8 billion in 2023 to $6.6 billion by 2033, driven by improved fiber-separation technologies and an increasing demand for recycled yarn. Textile mills are investing in processes that enable them to go from recycled fibers to finished fabrics, supporting the industry's shift toward circular economies.
The surge in demand for synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and spandex has been bolstered by innovations in bio-based synthetics. These fibers are not only durable and versatile but also come from renewable sources like corn and sugarcane, making them more sustainable than conventional synthetics. In addition to apparel, these fibers are finding applications in aerospace, automotive components, and high-performance sports gear.
The home furnishings and industrial textiles sectors are also experiencing growth, largely due to the increased demand for durable, functional, and aesthetic materials. Filtration applications are a key area where synthetic and cellulose fibers are being used to create products that meet rigorous industry standards. As consumers invest more in home décor and companies prioritize industrial efficiency, these sub-sectors offer significant opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers.
The push for sustainability extends beyond materials into manufacturing processes. Textile mills are adopting energy-efficient technologies, reducing water consumption, and lowering emissions. In response to consumer demand for greener products, mills are focusing on creating textiles that meet environmental standards without sacrificing quality or durability. This shift presents opportunities for suppliers of sustainable raw materials and eco-friendly machinery.
The textile recycling market is growing in line with the push toward sustainability. It is projected to be worth $4.8 billion in 2023 and $6.6 billion by 2033. Better technologies are developing to separate fibers, and textile manufacturers are beginning to demand recycled yarn. Startups in textile recycling may have a customer base adjacent to textile milling. The mills also aim for technology that will allow them to go straight from recycled fibers to create new fabrics.
In summary, the U.S. textile mill products industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by advancements in smart textiles, sustainability, and innovative materials like recycled fibers and bio-based synthetics. As these trends continue to shape the industry, businesses that can provide solutions aligned with these developments will find ample opportunities to grow within this robust market.
As the textile industry diversifies, understanding these trends and their applications is crucial for finding sales opportunities. From smart textiles to sustainable practices, businesses have the chance to cater to an industry that’s embracing new technologies and environmental responsibility.
Reach out to the decision-makers in the U.S. textile industry or across all of the U.S. industrial sector with IndustrySelect, the industry’s most-trusted industrial sales platform, providing comprehensive profiles of textile companies, including the names, positions, and contact details of key personnel. Set up your free, no-obligation demo account today, loaded with 500 real company profiles so you can test all the features of this powerful software!
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