U.S. Textile Industry

The U.S. textile industry, its domestic suppliers and customers are comprised of the following: yarn and fabric manufacturers, suppliers in the cotton, wool, and man-made fiber sectors, dyers, printers, and finishers, the machinery and textile chemical industries, and our customers in the U.S. apparel industry.

The U.S. textile industry, suppliers and our customers are an important component of the U.S. economy and are found in every region of the country. The industry provides much needed jobs in rural areas and has functioned as a springboard for workers out of poverty into good paying jobs for generations.

The industry is also a key contributor to our national defense and supplies over 8,000 products a year to our men and women in uniform.

Finally, the industry is major factor in high-tech innovation. Textile products are now major components in everything from heart valves and stents to aircraft bodies and advanced body armor.

Key Facts About the U.S. Textile Industry

The U.S. textile industry supply chain—from textile fibers to apparel and other sewn products—employed 538,067workers in 2022 . The U.S. government estimates that one textile manufacturing job in this country supports three other jobs.

U.S. textile and apparel shipments totaled $65.8 billion in 2022.

The U.S. industry is the third largest exporter of textile-related products in the world. Fiber, textile, and apparel exports combined were $34.0 billion in 2021.

The U.S. textile industry supplies more than 8,000 different textile products to the U.S. military.

The United States is the world leader in textile research and development, with the U.S. textile complex developing next generation textile materials such as conductive fabric with anti-static properties, electronic textiles that can monitor heart rate and other vital signs, antimicrobial fibers, lifesaving body armor, and new fabrics that adapt to the climate to make the wearer warmer or cooler.

The U.S. textile industry invested $20.9 billion in new plants and equipment from 2012 to 2021. Recently U.S. manufacturers have opened new facilities throughout the textile production chain, including recycling facilities to convert textile and other waste to new textile uses and resins.

In 2022, hourly and nonsupervisory textile mill workers on average earned more than twice as much as apparel store workers ($845 per week vs. $416) and received healthcare and retirement benefits.

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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of the U.S. textile industry, my extensive knowledge is drawn from years of immersion in its intricate web—from the yarn and fabric manufacturing processes to the complexities of the cotton, wool, and man-made fiber sectors, the dyeing and printing techniques, and the critical role of machinery and textile chemicals. I've actively engaged with the industry's dynamic landscape, delving into its economic contributions, workforce dynamics, and its pivotal role in national defense and technological innovation.

The U.S. textile industry is a multifaceted ecosystem, encompassing various stakeholders. It's not just about fabric; it's a network comprising yarn and fabric manufacturers, suppliers in the cotton, wool, and man-made fiber sectors, dyers, printers, finishers, machinery, and textile chemical industries. This intricate tapestry is woven together by the U.S. apparel industry, with each element playing a crucial role in sustaining a vibrant and impactful sector.

The industry's significance resonates across the U.S. economy, providing substantial employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. It has historically served as a catalyst, propelling workers from poverty into gainful employment, thereby contributing to social and economic mobility.