Carded or combed synthetic staple fibres market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for carded or combed synthetic staple fibres in Portugal contracted from $12.4 million in 2018 to $4.7 million in 2020. This decline followed the closure of SGL COMPOSITES' acrylic yarn production unit in 2018, which reduced manufacturing capacity. In 2019, the relative importance of the yarn, fibres, and fabrics segment within the textile industry decreased, signalling structural shifts. Environmental legislation on waste management and industrial emissions, enacted in 2020, raised operational costs for producers.

Market volume recovered to $5.7 million in 2021 and reached $6.8 million in 2022. The 2021 growth was driven by rising global production of synthetic fibres, particularly polyester, which boosted demand. In 2022, consumer preference for synthetic fibres due to competitive pricing and technical properties strengthened domestic consumption. Simultaneously, Portuguese firms such as FIOFIBRA and ARTENIUS consolidated their market presence, supporting production growth. European and national regulations targeting microplastic release, along with the Action Plan for the chemical and synthetic fibres industry, provided a regulatory framework affecting sector sustainability.

After peaking in 2022, the market dipped to $5.8 million in 2023 before partially rebounding to $6.5 million in 2024.

Production carded or combed synthetic staple fibres in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's output of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers was valued at 16 061 thousand US dollars, showing a gradual increase of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Portugal produced 4 505 metric tons of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers, representing a significant decline of 18.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 33.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports carded or combed synthetic staple fibres from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's exports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers reached 3 144 metric tons, marking a reduction of 28.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 28.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 400 metric tons, with the largest increase of 15.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Italy, and Canada were the main destinations for Portugal's exports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers in volume terms. The United States accounted for 34.2% of exports, Italy for 22.9%, and Canada for 8.3%, together making up 65.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's exports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers in value terms stood at 11 447 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decline of 4.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 959 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 20.5% also in 2019, while the largest increase of 9.7% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Italy, and Canada were the three principal markets for Portugal's exports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers in value terms, collectively accounting for 67.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports carded or combed synthetic staple fibres to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's imports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers amounted to 289 metric tons, marking a robust decrease of 20.7% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 53.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 22.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 244 metric tons, with the largest decline of 60.9% also in 2019, while the largest increase of 49.1% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, France, and Spain were the top suppliers of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers to Portugal in volume terms. Germany accounted for 32.8% of imports, France for 29.0%, and Spain for 15.9%, with their combined share reaching 77.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's imports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 118 thousand US dollars, constituting a reduction of 10.5% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 79.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 40.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Ireland remained the principal suppliers of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers to Portugal in value terms. France accounted for 54.7% of imports, Germany for 19.3%, and Ireland for 7.8%, jointly making up 81.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021