Embroidery market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian embroidery market began a transformation in 2018 with the launch of an atelier by designer Valentine Avoh, specializing in noble European embroidered fabrics, and the inaugural embroidery salon in Gistel. These events promoted local artisanal production and increased sector visibility. Subsequently, import and export values trended downward through 2021, indicating a growing focus on the domestic market.

Measured market size stood at 4.0 million USD in 2022, supported by 1.3 million USD in local production. A slight contraction followed in 2023, reducing the market to 3.8 million USD. A strong rebound of 24% to 4.8 million USD occurred in 2024, driven by the sustained Brussels Festival du Fil stimulating creativity and demand, the expansion of high-end embroidery services from companies like Wanacom and I Love Printing meeting growing demand for textile personalization, and a notable revival of fashion interest in embroidery, which boosted participation in workshops and training courses.

Production embroidery in Belgium

According to Faostat, there is no production of embroidery in Belgium.

Exports embroidery from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's embroidery exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 106.6 tons, marking a significant 40.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 61.5%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 27.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium's embroidery was exported to numerous markets worldwide. Even the top three destinations—the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for only 46.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's cross-border embroidery shipments declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 7 716 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate 4.5% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.4%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Tunisia, China, and the United States emerged as the core markets for Belgium's embroidery exports in value terms. Tunisia led with 37.7% of exports, followed by China at 13.3%, and the United States at 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented 59.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports embroidery to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's embroidery imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 127.9 tons, showing a sharp year-on-year drop of 56.5%. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 83.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -45.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, China, and the Netherlands were the primary sources for Belgium's embroidery imports in volume terms. India accounted for 29.1% of imports, China for 28.5%, and the Netherlands for 15.3%. Collectively, these three markets made up 72.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Belgium's embroidery imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 9 212 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 14.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 43.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 17.3%. The peak value was in 2018 at 17 941 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 40.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 10.2% rise.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, Spain, and China formed the key group of partners for Belgium's embroidery imports in value terms. France led with 38.6% of imports, followed by Spain at 14.5%, and China at 14.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 67.2% of total import flows.

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

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