According to a new report, ‘Polyester Chain Report 2006 - A Global Statistical Compendium’, published by Dublin-based Research and Markets, growth in polyester production is expected to slow in the coming four to five years. Having increased at a rate of 5% per annum during the last five-year period, ended 2005, the report forecasts that the growth in polyester production will slow to around 4% per annum. 

The polyester industry expanded 9.5% in terms of value to $33 billion and by 2% in terms of volume in 2005. During the year, global production of polyester touched 25 million to tons with staple fibre production increasing 2.6% and filament production increasing 1.5%.

Polyester accounts for over 75% of all man-made fibres produced in the world and global production capacity stands at 36 million tons, comprising 15 million tons of staple fibre and 21 million tons of filament yarns. Nearly 83% of the total staple fibre capacity and 89% of filament capacities are in Asia. China accounts for 53% of the global staple fibre and 57% of filament yarn production, with India, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan also major producers. Outside Asia, the USA and Turkey are the dominant manufacturers.