World fiber production in 2018 rose by four million tons over previous year. The share of natural fibers in world fiber production fell from 41 per cent in 2008 to less than 30 per cent in 2018.

Jute markets in Bangladesh and India increased in value and decreased in volumes terms in 2018. Lower jute production caused by poor weather means consumption exceeds production, and stocks are being reduced. It is likely that prices could continue to increase during 2019.

Prices for sisal have shown a downward trend since the last quarter of 2017 with lowest price level from July onwards. Production of wool fell in 2018 because of drought in sheep-raising areas of the southern hemisphere. Wool production has been on the decline since 2000, with global warming and lower rainfall patterns causing the lowest wool sheep numbers since 1920. Global wool production is expected to remain stable or contract slightly during 2019. The fine wool price has been on a constant upward trend during the past five years. The opposite remains true of the strong wool sector, with prices still well below average and stocks remaining high.

World production of synthetic filament is 50 million tons; of this polyester filament alone is about 45 million tons.