The International Textile Manufacturer Federation (ITMF) has released its 2024 International Textile Industry Statistics (ITIS), confirming a continued contraction in global spinning capacity. Published on July 24, 2026, the annual report tracks productive capacity and raw materials consumption in the short-staple organized sector across virtually every textile-producing country. The findings reflect an industry navigating difficult market conditions while gradually shifting toward higher-performance technologies.
Global Spinning Capacity: Spindles and Rotors in 2024
The estimated global number of installed short-staple spindles fell to 219 million units in 2024, a slight decline from 2023. Open-end rotors also decreased marginally, reaching 9.6 million installed units globally — signaling ongoing consolidation in conventional spinning capacity.
Air-jet spindle installations continued to rise, with China maintaining its dominant position in this technology segment. ITMF describes this dynamic as a slow but clear global substitution toward technologies with increased performance, driven by manufacturers seeking efficiency gains amid market pressure.
Shuttle-Less Looms Stable; Asia Commands 83% of Capacity
Installed shuttle-less looms held steady at 1.67 million units in 2024, a marginal year-over-year rise of just 0.3%. Asia and Oceania account for 83% of all loom installations worldwide, confirming the region's dominant position in global weaving capacity.
This geographic concentration has major implications for B2B fabric buyers and importers. Supply chain diversification outside Asia remains limited as investment in weaving capacity in other regions stays subdued. Stay current with developments in our textile news section on textilezon.com.
Raw Material Consumption Falls to 42 Million Tons
Total raw material consumption in the short-staple organized sector edged lower to 42 million tons in 2024. Cellulosic and synthetic fibre consumption rose slightly, but these gains were insufficient to offset broader demand softness across the sector.
The modest decline in raw material uptake signals continued caution among textile producers globally. As spinning capacity consolidates and technology transitions accelerate, procurement professionals must track these indicators to make well-informed sourcing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ITMF ITIS report measure?
The International Textile Industry Statistics (ITIS), published annually by ITMF, covers productive capacity and raw materials consumption in the short-staple organized spinning sector across virtually all major textile-producing countries worldwide.
How many short-staple spindles were installed globally in 2024?
ITMF data shows 219 million short-staple spindles installed globally in 2024, a slight decrease from 2023 that reflects consolidation and reduced investment in conventional spinning capacity.
Which region leads in global loom installations?
Asia and Oceania hold 83% of all installed shuttle-less looms worldwide, making the region the undisputed center of global weaving capacity.
