According to a report issued by Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos & Company (ABTV), companies in the US textile industry can still survive and thrive, but only if they adopt smart, new strategies that make them a global player. Those that rely on quotas and protectionist legislation are set for failure.

"New performance-enhanced products represent the future of US textiles," said Peter Tourtellot, managing director of ABTV. "Traditional textile products can still succeed with aggressive branding and better management of the supply chain."

The report recommends that companies should: outsource production to cut costs and keep prices competitive; tighten supply chain logistics; practise strong branding; take advantage of "smart textiles" developed from nanotechnology;  explore the technology for non woven products; and concentrate on core strengths rather than developing non-textile lines.

"Traditional textile manufacturing has all but disappeared, but textile companies and brands don't have to disappear with them. A strong commitment to technology and a willingness to change will keep them competitive," Tourtellot added.