As of 1998, the global consumption of nonwovens reached 2.4 million tons. Consumption in 1970 was just 400,000 tons, but is expected to reach 4 million tons in 2007. Non-woven fabric production countries are mainly concentrated in the United States (41% of the world), Western Europe 30%, Japan 8%, China production only 3.5% of the world production, but its consumption is 17.5% of the world. In 2018, China's nonwoven fabric output was 5,932,200 tons, accounting for 37.91% of the world's total, and has the largest production capacity in the world.

Man-made fibers still dominate the production of nonwovens, a situation that will not change significantly until 2007. 63% of the fibers used in nonwoven manufacturing worldwide are polypropylene, 23% polyester, 8% viscose, 2% acrylic, 1.5% polyamide and the remaining 3% other fibers.

The use of non-woven fabrics in sanitary absorbents, medical, transportation, and shoe-making textile materials has increased significantly.