Worldwide Uses of Fibers
 |
Worldwide Production and Sources of Natural Fibers for Textile
and Technical Uses |
| Fiber | Approximate Global Production (98/99) Metric tons/year |
Primary Countries of Origin |
Major Uses |
| Cotton | 19 million | USA, China, India, Pakistan, Usbekistan, Turkey | Apparel and home textiles, non-wovens for hygiene products, pulps for currency, document and high end office paper |
| Wool | 1.4 million | Australia, New Zealand, China, Eastern Europe, UK | Apparel (tweeds, fine fabrics), nonwoven felts, insulation materials |
| Silk | 77,000 | China, Japan, India | Textiles |
| Ramie | 172,000 | China, Brazil, Philippines, India | Apparel textiles, specialty paper |
| Flax (Linen) | 637,000 | France, Belgium, Netherlands, Eastern Europe | Apparel and home textile, specialty pulps for currency and cigarette papers, composites |
| Hemp | 73,000 | EU, Eastern Europe, China | Cordage, specialty paper, composites |
| Jute | 2,6 million | India, Bangladesh | Sacking, cordage, textiles, carpet backing |
| Jute-like fibers (Kenaf) |
563,000 | India, Bangladesh | Sacking, cordage, textiles, carpet backing |
| Sisal | 297,000 | India, Sri Lanka | Specialty papers, cordage |
| Coir | 633,000 | India, Sri Lanka | Cordage, padding, mattresses, sacking, doormats, erosion control mats |
| Abaca | 91,000 | Philippines, Ecuador | Specialty pulps |
Sources:
