The Synthetic Fibre Industry

Production statistics for the synthetic fibre industry, in thousand tonnes, are shown in the following table.

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                                      1992-93     1993-94   1994-95
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  Polyester Staple fibre                161.5       200.1     220.6
  Polyester Filament yarn               246.3       288.4     297.3
  Nylon Filament yarn                    32.7        38.3      40.5
  Nylon Tyre yarn                        41.8        42.4      44.2
  DMT                                   124.9       113.7     183.6

  PTA                                   232.4       255.5     257.1
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Growth of the synthetic fibres industry was spurred by the liberalised policy framework initiated in the mid eighties. Large capacities have come up in response to this policy initiative and the country has not only become self sufficient, but is also an exporter of polyester staple fibre and polyester filament yarn.

Demand for intermediates such as DMT, PTA and MEG have increased in tandem with the growth of the synthetic fibres industry.

On 17th February 1995, the Government shifted Polyester Staple Fibre from the negative list of imports to OGL, in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothings.

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Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, Bombay
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Last updated: August 1995.