The
American textile industry complex – which includes
the textile industry, our suppliers in the cotton,
wool, and man-made fiber sectors, the American
textile machinery and textile chemical industries,
and our customers in the U.S. apparel industry –
employs nearly one million workers right here in
the United States.
The
textile industry, along with our suppliers and our
customers, are found in every area of the country,
and we are a key component of the
U.S.
economy. In fact,
in 2005, the textile sector alone contributed
some over $23 billion to the
U.S. Gross Domestic Product. The
U.S.
textile industry consumed just over 2 billion
pounds of
U.S.
grown cotton in
2006.
Over
the last ten years, the industry has invested more
than $30 billion in new plants and equipment,
making it one of the most modern and productive
textile sectors in the
world.
U.S.
textile plants are often located in small rural
communities in the Southeast and often represent
the major source of employment and taxes for many
towns and cities. When a
textile mill closes, the entire community feels
the ramifications, with local businesses, churches
and government being hurt. The
industry is a primary employer of women and
minorities.
Textile
mill jobs are highly sought after in their
communities, and pay an average of 13 percent more
than jobs in the service and retail industry. Benefits
are better too and include health care and pension
contributions. The
average weekly salary for a textile worker is
$509, sixty percent more than the average salary
of $314 for a worker in a retail store.
The
U.S.
textile industry is one of the world’s largest
exporter of textile products, primarily yarns and
fabrics. Textile and apparel exports
(including cut pieces of
U.S.
fabric) in 2006 totaled
over 16 billion dollars.
The industry exports to more than 50
countries, including nineteen with export markets in excess of
$100 million.
The
textile industry is also a critical supplier to
the U.S.
military. According to the government’s own
estimates, over 8,000 different textile items are
purchased annually for use by the Armed Forces,
and this figure actually rises to over 30,000 line
items when individual sizes are factored into the
item mix. We supply the American soldier
with everything from uniforms to high tech
protective clothing. We supply defense contractors
with industrial fabrics that are vital to the
operation of key pieces of military
equipment.
