Polyester fiber based on polyethylene terephthalate is the most important fiber in the world. In 2013, global polyester fiber production increased by 6%, accounting for 73% of total man-made fiber production, reaching 46.7 million tons, of which 31.3 million tons. For polyester filaments, 15.4 million tons are polyester staple fibers. Annual output of polyester filaments increased by 8%, while staple polyester fibers only increased by 2%. As a result, half of the manmade fibers produced worldwide in 2013 were polyester filaments.

In 2013, China produced approximately 76% of the world's polyester filaments and 62% of polyester staple fibers, and China will continue to dominate the polyester fiber market.