Key Facts – Textile Industry
• One of the largest manufacturing employers in the United States, the overall textile sector employed over 421,000 workers in 2009. Textile mills alone employed 126,000 workers.
• The 3rd largest exporter of textile products in the world – more than $10 billion in 2009.
• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. textile exports during 2009 went to developing countries. The
U.S. textile industry exported to more than 50 countries, with 16 countries buying more than $100 million a year.
• Supplies more than 8,000 different textile products a year to the U.S. military.
• U.S. textile shipments totaled $48.7 billion in 2009.
• Invested more than $9 billion in new plants and equipment from 2001 to 2006.
• Has increased productivity by 50 percent over the last 10 years and ranks second among all industrial sectors in productivity increases.
• In 2009, textile workers on average earned 143% more than clothing store workers ($517 a week vs. $213) and received health care and pension benefits.
NCTO (National Council of Textile Organizations)
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