Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Kure might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Kure does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Kure over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Kure when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Kure used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Kure. Without Kure, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Kure. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for lithographic business card printing across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for lithographic business card printing. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in Japan). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for lithographic business card printing in Japan. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of Japan. For each prefecture, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Shimonoseki might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Shimonoseki does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Shimonoseki over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Shimonoseki when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Shimonoseki used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Shimonoseki. Without Shimonoseki, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Shimonoseki. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Kochi might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Kochi does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Kochi over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Kochi when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Kochi used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Kochi. Without Kochi, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Kochi. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Funabashi might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Funabashi does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Funabashi over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Funabashi when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Funabashi used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Funabashi. Without Funabashi, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Funabashi. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Takamatsu might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Takamatsu does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Takamatsu over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Takamatsu when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Takamatsu used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Takamatsu. Without Takamatsu, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Takamatsu. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Sasebo might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Sasebo does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Sasebo over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Sasebo when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Sasebo used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Sasebo. Without Sasebo, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Sasebo. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Koriyama might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Koriyama does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Koriyama over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Koriyama when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Koriyama used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Koriyama. Without Koriyama, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Koriyama. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Fuchu might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Fuchu does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Fuchu over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Fuchu when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Fuchu used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Fuchu. Without Fuchu, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Fuchu. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Higashiosaka might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Higashiosaka does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Higashiosaka over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Higashiosaka when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Higashiosaka used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Higashiosaka. Without Higashiosaka, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Higashiosaka. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Nagasaki might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Nagasaki does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Nagasaki over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Nagasaki when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Nagasaki used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Nagasaki. Without Nagasaki, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Nagasaki. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Fuji might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Fuji does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Fuji over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Fuji when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Fuji used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Fuji. Without Fuji, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Fuji. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Kasukabe might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Kasukabe does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Kasukabe over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Kasukabe when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Kasukabe used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Kasukabe. Without Kasukabe, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Kasukabe. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Kasugai might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Kasugai does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Kasugai over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Kasugai when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Kasugai used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Kasugai. Without Kasugai, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Kasugai. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Fujisawa might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Fujisawa does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Fujisawa over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Fujisawa when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Fujisawa used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Fujisawa. Without Fujisawa, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Fujisawa. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for snap servers for small and midsize businesses (SMB) across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for snap servers for small and midsize businesses (SMB). This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in Japan). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for snap servers for small and midsize businesses (SMB) in Japan. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of Japan. For each prefecture, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Iwaki might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Iwaki does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Iwaki over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Iwaki when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Iwaki used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Iwaki. Without Iwaki, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Iwaki. ... Read more

Product Description
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for molded and semi-molded business cases, attaches, briefcases, and portfolios across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it's prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-a-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for molded and semi-molded business cases, attaches, briefcases, and portfolios. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in Japan). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for molded and semi-molded business cases, attaches, briefcases, and portfolios in Japan. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of Japan. For each prefecture, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time. In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on strategic planning at graduate schools of business. ... Read more

Product Description
In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have occasionally been asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services in Japan. The purpose of this study is to understand the density of demand within Japan and the extent to which Aomori might be used as a point of distribution within Asia. From an economic perspective, however, Aomori does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries, rather, it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.

In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for Aomori over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories and products. The goal of this report is to report the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by Aomori when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in Aomori used by the space industry to launch satellites. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by the area served by Aomori. Without Aomori, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the population in Japan, Asia, or the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both Asia and Aomori. ... Read more

Product Description
Man-made fibre output in Japan fell in 2009 for the ninth consecutive year. Furthermore, the decline,at 22.0%, was more than twice as fast as any previous fall during the nine-year period. Output offilament yarn plunged by 29.9% while that of staple fibres decreased by a substantial 15.1%. The fallin filament yarn output reflected double digit declines in all the main fibre types. In the case of staplefibres, output of all the main synthetic fibre types fell at double digit rates but the drop in cellulosicstaple fibres was confined to 4.3%.

Japan’s man-made fibre plants are being poorly utilised. In synthetics, capacity utilisation plungedto less than 50% in 2009 as output declined by as much as 24.3%. In cellulosics, capacity utilisationwas a more sustainable 75.6%. Nonetheless, this was its lowest rate since 2000—due to a 10.1% dropin output.

Mill consumption levels have also been deteriorating in recent years. Although usage rose slightly in2006/07 and 2007/08, it declined by 14.3% to a new low in 2008/09. Fibre consumption for industrialuses fell by 12.4% to its lowest level since 2001/02 although 84.2% of the amount consumed was stillproduced domestically. Fibre usage for tyre reinforcement, meanwhile, fell by a sharp 25.0% in 2009to its lowest level in over 15 years. Furthermore, although a large proportion of the drop consistedof steel fibres, there were also declines in polyamide, polyester and rayon.

In technical textiles, nonwoven fabric production dropped in 2009 to its lowest level in over ten years,despite reaching a peak in 2007. There was also a decline in output of industrial textile goods—to alevel which was barely half of that witnessed ten years earlier. Meanwhile, spunbonded fabric outputdeteriorated for the third time in four years to reach its lowest level since 1999.

Technical textile production is unlikely to increase significantly in the near future as the industry facesgrowing competition from low cost producers in Asian countries—notably China. Moreover, theseproblems are expected to become increasingly acute as vehicle and automotive component productionincreases in China. However, the declines in 2009 are likely to have been exacerbated by the globalrecession and production may stabilise in 2010. ... Read more