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.