3. Trends, markets and outlook

The production diagrams listed in Table 1 illustrate the different production paths according to product typologies and their associated markets. According to these diagrams, different machines are needed to ensure all stages of transformation from raw material, i.e. yarn, to finished product, i.e. fabric.

The choice of machine investments depends on the target market for the fabrics produced and their type. For woven products, there are three main markets: apparel, furniture and technical textiles:

• for apparel, different sub-markets can be identified according to the priorities demanded for woven products: ready-to-wear, luxury, sports... ;

• for furnishings, the various sub-markets are broken down according to the products produced (bed and household linen, furniture upholstery, partial...