End use consumption of all textile fibers in 2013 is projected to be 5 times the level of 1960, meaning that total fiber consumption increased on average by 1.2 million tons each year. However, not all fibers benefited proportionally from the increased demand. Consumption of synthetic fibers1 grew 5 times faster than consumption of cotton and about 10 times faster than consumption of cellulosic man-made fibers. In 2013, consumption of synthetic fibers is projected at 49.8 million tons, almost doublethe projected volume of cotton consumption at 25.3 million tons. Wool consumption in 2013 is projected to be 400 tons lower than in 1960. Despite growing in volume, cotton consumption has lost market share to other fibers, mainly polyester. The loss accelerated during the 1990s, was more subtle during the first half of the 2000s, and it accelerated again after 2008. In 2013, cotton's market share is projected at 31.7%.
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