INDA, a global association of nonwovens fabrics industry, has published its annual North American (NA) nonwovens supply report. The report finds that in 2018, NA nonwoven capacity increased to 5.17 million tonnes, a net increase of 3.4 per cent over 2017. The increase was due to addition of new lines, machine productivity increases and line closures.

In the last two years, 43 new lines have come online and 16 lines have been shut-down in North America. The majority of the new lines are making engineered fabrics for the transportation and filtration markets, according to a press release by INDA.

The report also found that North American imports and exports, in tonnage, increased 12.8 per cent and 12.1 per cent respectively year-over-year, after both had declined in 2017. However, the trends continue downward in exports and upward in imports, as over the last five years’ exports have declined 5.4 per cent annually and imports have increased 10.8 per cent annually. Even with the significant shifts in North American trade dynamics, nonwovens tend to stay where they are produced, with the net trade balance (imports less exports) accounting for only 4.6 per cent of the region’s capacity.

“This report is the benchmark for North American nonwovens supply information, including both rolled goods information and also material produced for internal consumption. It also presents the industry operating rate; the essential element for strategic planning and business investment decisions,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president.

“It is INDA’s objective to provide valuable data and actionable industry information to enhance decision making. As always, the increasing participation of nonwoven producers – both members and nonmembers – providing their insights and results makes our success possible,” said Brad Kalil, director of market research and statistics, INDA.

The annual report was created based on extensive research, producer surveys and interviews with industry leaders, the report provides an overall view of NA supply, including key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates, and regional trade. (PC)