NAICS 3131

Fiber, Yarn, & Thread Mills

Fiber, yarn and thread mills manufacture spun yarn and thread from natural and synthetic fibers. Explore US industry data, trends, and market analysis.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3131 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
18K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
250
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$804.6M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$43,993
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$6.6B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Fiber, yarn, and thread mills (NAICS 3131) represent a foundational segment of the US textile manufacturing industry, responsible for producing raw and processed fibers, yarns, and threads that serve as inputs for downstream textile and apparel manufacturers. This industry group encompasses establishments engaged in preparing fibers for spinning, manufacturing yarn and thread from natural fibers (such as cotton, wool, and silk), synthetic fibers (including polyester and nylon), and blended fiber combinations. These mills operate capital-intensive production facilities that perform critical processes including fiber opening and cleaning, carding, combing, spinning, twisting, and finishing operations. The industry serves diverse end markets including apparel, home textiles, industrial textiles, automotive applications, and technical textile products. As a critical link in the textile supply chain, fiber and yarn mills require significant investments in machinery, quality control systems, and specialized technical expertise to maintain competitiveness in increasingly globalized markets.

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Industry Trends

01

Increasing adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly fiber production methods, including recycled polyester, regenerated cellulose fibers, and organic cotton sourcing, driven by consumer demand and corporate sustainability commitments.

02

Growing investment in automation and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve product consistency in response to labor availability challenges.

03

Rising demand for performance and technical yarns with specialized properties such as moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, flame-retardant, and high-strength characteristics for athletic wear and industrial applications.

04

Reshoring and nearshoring initiatives by US textile companies seeking to reduce supply chain risks and respond faster to domestic demand, creating opportunities for domestic yarn and fiber producers.

05

Integration of digital supply chain tools and traceability systems to meet transparency requirements from major apparel brands and retailers concerned with supply chain compliance and sustainability.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3131? ▾
NAICS 3131 refers to Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills, a classification for establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing yarn and thread from natural and synthetic fibers. These mills process raw fibers through spinning, twisting, and finishing operations to create products used by textile manufacturers, apparel producers, and industrial applications. The industry includes both commodity fiber processing and specialized technical yarn production.
What raw materials do fiber and yarn mills use? ▾
Mills process diverse fiber inputs including natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, linen, flax) and synthetic polymers (polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene). Many mills also work with blended fiber compositions and regenerated fibers like viscose and lyocell. The selection depends on end-market requirements, cost considerations, and desired yarn performance characteristics.
How has the US fiber and yarn mills industry changed in recent years? ▾
The industry has experienced significant structural changes including reduced domestic production capacity, consolidation among remaining mills, increased automation, and growing specialization in technical and performance yarns. Many commodity yarn producers have closed or relocated, while surviving mills focus on higher-value specialty products, sustainable materials, and serving domestic brands pursuing nearshoring strategies.
What capital investments are required to operate a fiber and yarn mill? ▾
Modern fiber and yarn mills require substantial capital investments in spinning frames, twisting equipment, dyeing facilities, quality testing systems, and environmental control infrastructure. Successful mills typically maintain machinery capable of precision production at tolerances within 0.1%, automated material handling systems, and integrated quality assurance platforms to meet stringent customer specifications.
Who are the primary customers for yarn and thread mills? ▾
Primary customers include fabric mills, apparel manufacturers, home textile producers, industrial textile companies, automotive suppliers, and technical textile manufacturers. Major retail brands and apparel companies also purchase directly from mills for private label production, while some mills supply hosiery, knit goods, and non-woven manufacturers.

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