PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916558
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916558
The global rayon fibers market was valued at USD 21 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 22.28 billion in 2026, reaching USD 36.56 billion by 2034. This expansion represents a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period (2026-2034). Market growth is supported by rising demand for sustainable and breathable textiles, increasing consumption in apparel and home textiles, and growing awareness of plant-based and renewable fiber alternatives. In 2025, Asia Pacific dominated the global rayon fibers market with a 66% share, supported by strong textile manufacturing bases in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Rayon fiber is a semi-synthetic, manmade cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp or cellulose. Often referred to as artificial silk, rayon closely mimics silk in texture and appearance while offering superior softness, breathability, absorbency, and drape. Its ability to retain deep and rich colors, combined with excellent moisture absorption, makes it highly suitable for summer clothing, home textiles, and hygiene applications. Rayon can also be blended with cotton, polyester, spandex, and other fibers to achieve application-specific performance, which significantly broadens its commercial usability.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact on the rayon fibers market. Lockdowns and disruptions in textile manufacturing led to a decline in fiber demand, with rayon fiber sales falling by 10-20% in 2020 compared to 2019. The textile industry was among the worst affected, with nearly three-fourths of companies reporting reduced revenues. However, post-lockdown recovery was strong, driven by pent-up demand for apparel, loungewear, and hygiene products, enabling the market to regain growth momentum.
One of the key market trends shaping the rayon fibers industry is the shift toward tree-free and environmentally friendly fibers. Although rayon is plant-based, concerns around deforestation, water usage, and chemical-intensive production have encouraged manufacturers to adopt greener processes. Companies such as Lenzing AG and Grasim Industries have invested heavily in carbon-neutral and low-impact production technologies. In 2021, Lenzing launched carbon-neutral lyocell and modal fibers under the TENCEL and Veocel brands, while newer players such as Nanollose are developing microbial cellulose-based, tree-free rayon alternatives. These innovations are expected to redefine sustainability benchmarks in the market.
The primary growth driver for the rayon fibers market is the expanding global textile industry. Rising demand for apparel, home textiles, and nonwoven products continues to support fiber consumption. Rayon's softness and comfort align well with changing consumer preferences toward breathable, casual, and loungewear clothing. Additionally, its growing use in personal wipes and hygiene products further strengthens demand. The global textile industry's steady growth environment provides a favorable backdrop for rayon fiber expansion.
Despite these advantages, the market faces restraints related to environmental concerns. Rayon production relies heavily on wood pulp, contributing to deforestation, and requires significant water and chemical usage. Emissions such as hydrogen sulfide near production facilities have raised environmental and health concerns. Moreover, rayon faces stiff competition from synthetic fibers like polyester, which are often cheaper and more durable, as well as natural fibers such as cotton and linen.
By product type, viscose rayon dominated the market with a 71.81% share in 2026, owing to its wide use in apparel, home furnishings, and decorative textiles. Lyocell is expected to be the fastest-growing segment due to its closed-loop, environmentally responsible production process. Modal fibers are widely used in blends for lingerie, loungewear, and activewear.
By application, the apparel segment accounted for 32.76% of the market in 2026, driven by demand for soft, lightweight, and comfortable fabrics. Rayon is also increasingly used in home textiles such as bed linens, curtains, and upholstery due to its elegant drape and sheen.
Regionally, Asia Pacific led the market with a value of USD 13.76 billion in 2025, supported by its dominance in global textile production. China's rayon fibers market is projected to reach USD 10.81 billion by 2026, while India is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2026. Europe and North America are witnessing moderate growth due to rising demand for sustainable textiles and fast-fashion trends.
Conclusion
The global rayon fibers market is positioned for sustained growth from 2025 to 2034, expanding from USD 21 billion in 2025 to USD 36.56 billion by 2034, driven by rising textile demand and a strong shift toward sustainable, plant-based fibers. Asia Pacific's dominance highlights the importance of textile manufacturing hubs, while innovations in lyocell and tree-free fiber technologies are reshaping the industry's sustainability landscape. Although environmental challenges and competition from alternative fibers persist, continuous advancements in green production and expanding apparel and hygiene applications are expected to support a stable and positive long-term outlook for the rayon fibers market.
Segmentation By Product Type
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