World production of all fibers rose to 111 million metric tons in 2018, a one- year increase of four million tons, and a rise over the past decade of 35 million tons. Of the world total, natural fibers accounted for 32 million tons in 2018, an increase of less than two million tons in 10 years. The share of natural fibers in world fiber production fell from 41 per cent in 2008 to less than 30 per cent in 2018.

World production of synthetic filament is 50 million tons; of this polyester filament alone is about 45 million tons. Synthetic staple production is 22 million tons, and production of cellulosic fibers is seven million tons.

Cotton production in 2017-18 is estimated at 26.72 million tons. World production of jute fell to less than three million tons because of poor weather in India and Bangladesh. Jute markets in Bangladesh and India showed increases in value and decreases in volumes during 2018. A decreased jute production caused by poor weather means that consumption exceeds production, and stocks are being reduced. It is likely that prices could continue to increase during 2019. Production of wool fell in 2018. Wool production figures have been declining since 2000.