Statistics: Fibre Consumption in South America, 2009 edition

Consumption of fibres in South American mills fell by 1.7% in 2008, following a 1.3% increase in 2007. As a result, usage fell below the level seen in 2006 although it was still higher than in previous years. South American textile and clothing companies have had to struggle in the face of a weakening US dollar, which has made their goods more expensive in their biggest export market, the USA. Also, they have faced strong competition from low cost producing countries in Asia-especially China.

Nevertheless, mill consumption rose in some South American countries in 2008.

Brazil continued to dominate the industry in 2008, having accounted for 65% of total fibre consumption in the region during the year. However, consumption fell to 1.71 mn tons, which was lower than in three of the previous four years. Consumption also declined in Chile, Colombia and Peru, but in Argentina it increased.

Cotton represented as much as 53%, or 1.40 mn tons, of all fibres consumed in South America in 2008. Synthetic filament yarn accounted for 31%, synthetic staple fibre for 14%, wool for 1% and cellulosic staple fibre for 1%. Usage of cellulosic filament yarn was negligible.