Cotton yarn excluding sewing thread market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for cotton yarn excluding sewing thread experienced significant fluctuations in volume between 2018 and 2024. After a moderate increase to over 101 thousand tons in 2019, consumption dropped sharply to 80 thousand tons in 2020. A strong recovery followed in 2021, lifting the market size to a peak of 108 thousand tons. However, from 2022 onwards, the market entered a downward trajectory, with volume declining to 97 thousand tons in 2022, 86 thousand tons in 2023, and 72 thousand tons in 2024.

The market value generally mirrored these volume movements, though with some divergence; for instance, in 2022, the value rose to $475.9 million while volume fell. By 2024, the market value had decreased to $344.7 million. During this latter period, industry sources highlighted a growing consumer preference for sustainable and organic cotton yarns, driven by environmental awareness, particularly among younger generations. Concurrently, technological progress in spinning, such as air-jet and compact spinning, aimed at improving production efficiency and reducing energy use, became more prominent among Italian manufacturers focused on high-quality output.

Production cotton yarn in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a 2.1-fold increase. In 2020, Italy's cotton yarn production (excluding sewing thread) was valued at 263.8 million US dollars, representing a 13.7% decline from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 381.3 million US dollars. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019 with a 19.8% drop, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 with a 110.3% surge.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Italy's cotton yarn production (excluding sewing thread) experienced a decline. In 2020, production totaled 47 611 tons, marking a 20.3% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 41.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 59 774 tons, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 64.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cotton yarn from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's cotton yarn exports (excluding sewing thread) declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 20 469 tons, representing an 18.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 24.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 8.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 27 197 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Germany (21.9% of export volume), Spain (8.4%), and France (7.4%) were among Italy's largest buyers of cotton yarn (excluding sewing thread). However, these three countries combined accounted for just 37.7% of total export volume, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's cotton yarn exports (excluding sewing thread) declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 164.1 million US dollars, down 17.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 25.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 9.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 226.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Germany (14.8% of export value), Czechia (8.9%), and France (7.0%) were among Italy's largest buyers of cotton yarn (excluding sewing thread). Together, these three countries represented just 30.6% of total export value, demonstrating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports cotton yarn to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's cotton yarn imports (excluding sewing thread) declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 52 818 tons, marking a substantial 20.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 31.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, Turkey (41.9% of import volume), India (15.1%), and Pakistan (9.7%) stood out as Italy's main sources of cotton yarn imports (excluding sewing thread). Together, these three countries accounted for 66.6% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy's cotton yarn imports (excluding sewing thread) declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 237.1 million US dollars, representing a 25.0% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 36%, with a compound annual decline rate of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Turkey (33.1% of import value), China (16.1%), and Egypt (15.8%) consistently occupied leading positions as Italy's main sources of cotton yarn imports (excluding sewing thread). Together, these three countries accounted for 65.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020