With the outbreak of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus that is commonly known as "swine flu", protective masks, and some one-time protective products have become popular commodities. The demand for European and American customers has surged 10 times compared to ordinary times, with data showing that a variety of industries catering non-woven fabrics will expand.

The "swine flu" outbreak during an economic downturn is a test for the global economy, but it also brings about tremendous business opportunities for medical textiles, especially the non-woven fabrics industry. Recently, the price for medical masks doubles with demand still surging while supply is running short.

One-time non-woven masks usually cost about RMB 0.10-RMB 0.20, but the spreading of "swine flu" has pushed up sales, with prices reaching RMB 1 per piece.

This increase in international demand becomes a test for Chinese manufactures on their production capacity. www.himfr.com has named medical masks a hot product and it has been busy receiving sales order. www.himfr.com also reported a record number of sales volume for non-woven fabrics.

Since the outbreak of the influenza epidemic the order from Mexico and the United States have substantially increased. As the ordinary general filtering layer masks lack a filtering layer which cannot effectively isolate bacteria and dust, consumers have to rely on medical masks that have stronger protection against influenza.

Himfr.com's analyst believes that the outbreak will bring about business opportunities for non-woven fabric enterprises but manufacturer should pay more attention on product functions. Apart from medical masks, enterprises should work to enhance consumer's awareness in using more disposable hygiene products such as disinfecting wet wipes and sterile non-woven wet towels.

Enterprises should gear up for these business opportunities as soon as possible. Himfr.com predicts the demand for textiles, especially industrial textiles, will increase with the recovery of the clothing industry. This is the time for domestic textile enterprises to expand export opportunities.