Nonwoven materials and protective clothing market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Following a period of relative stability, the U.S. market for nonwoven materials and protective clothing experienced a dramatic expansion in 2020, with its value soaring to 11 798 M $ US. This surge was directly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which created an urgent, unprecedented demand for medical nonwoven products like masks, respirators, and protective apparel, leading many manufacturers to repurpose their production lines to meet healthcare needs.

After the 2020 peak, the market value corrected to 9 279 M $ US in 2021 but remained well above pre-pandemic levels. This sustained elevation was supported by continued strong demand for medical disposables, advancements in material technologies improving product performance, and a growing industry focus on developing sustainable, biodegradable products. The market stabilized around 9 310 M $ US in 2022, underpinned by stringent occupational safety regulations, sustainability policies, and the launch of new production facilities focused on eco-friendly materials.

In the following years, innovation from major companies like DuPont and Berry Global, the emergence of smart textiles with integrated sensors, and significant manufacturing capacity expansions continued to shape the market, with a pronounced emphasis on sustainability, recyclability, and compliance with evolving safety and traceability regulations.

Production nonwoven materials and protective clothing in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2019, production of nonwoven materials and protective clothing in the United States reached its lowest point at 982 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, output increased to 1,063 thousand tons, representing a moderate year-over-year growth of 8.2%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 1,155 thousand tons, while the most significant drop was recorded in 2019 with a 14.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the value of nonwoven materials and protective clothing production in the United States was at its minimum of 6,853 million US dollars. By 2020, this figure rose to 6,968 million US dollars, marking a slight increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year. The highest value was achieved in 2018 at 7,155 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports nonwoven materials and protective clothing from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports peaked at 828.9 thousand tons, representing a substantial increase of 140.7%. However, by 2020, exports dropped sharply to 329.0 thousand tons, a 60.3% decrease year-over-year. This created a 2.5-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Canada, and China were the primary destinations for US exports of nonwoven materials and protective clothing in volume terms. Mexico accounted for 33.7% of exports, Canada for 27.7%, and China for 7.0%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of nonwoven materials and protective clothing exports from the United States reached 2,157 million US dollars, showing a slight increase of 2.9% compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019 at 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, Canada, and China consistently led as the top destinations for US exports in value terms. Mexico represented 30.4% of export value, Canada 21.2%, and China 7.8%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 59.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports nonwoven materials and protective clothing to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Import trends displayed considerable instability throughout the period. In 2019, imports declined by 3.0%, but rebounded strongly in 2020 to 868.9 thousand tons, representing an 84.7% surge from the previous year. The overall fluctuation from 2017 to 2020 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of two times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During the 2017-2020 period, China, India, and Mexico were the largest sources of nonwoven materials and protective clothing imports to the United States in volume terms. China dominated with 42.2% of imports, followed by India at 6.3% and Mexico at 5.9%. Together, these three countries supplied 54.4% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of nonwoven materials and protective clothing imports to the United States grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching approximately 6,988 million US dollars. This represented a dramatic 159.0% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 215%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 46.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Mexico, and Germany formed the core group of suppliers for US imports of nonwoven materials and protective clothing in value terms. China accounted for 47.3% of import value, Mexico for 6.8%, and Germany for 5.6%. Together, these three partners represented 59.7% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020