Acrylic
Business Issues
There are high levels of production capacity for most types of synthetic fibers in North America and Europe. However, key producers are constantly taking measures to maintain their position in the fast changing market place.The American acrylic fiber producers are operating at 90% of capacity. Despite domestic sales, the gradual increase acrylic fibers requires high exports to survive. Domestic sales account for only 65 to 70% of current installed capacity. A stronger US dollar in the future will pressure acrylic exports. However, a weaker dollar in the future (as predicted by economists) may help maintain the domestic acrylic producers momentum for exports.
The strategy of the North American producers is to produce high quality specialty products (micro deniers, anti-bacterial, solution-dyed, e.t.c.) working very closely with their customers.
The two remaining producers in the US have had a lot of experience in acrylic fiber technology. If this experience and know-how is utilized effectively for the benefit of their customers, the producers will be in a strong position in the future.