Embroidery market in Latvia

Earlier Report Observations

The embroidery market in Latvia, measured in value terms, grew from 1.7 million US dollars in 2018 to 2.0 million in 2019, with production increasing from 2.0 million to 2.4 million over the same period. This expansion coincided with broader economic developments, including amendments to the Education Law that shifted instruction toward the Latvian language, potentially affecting cultural goods demand, and increased output in the food processing sector, reflecting general industrial activity. However, in 2020, the market contracted sharply to 1.5 million, while production fell to 1.8 million.

From 2021 onward, trade data show a decline in imports of embroidery, from 377 thousand US dollars in 2021 to 135 thousand by 2025, while exports remained relatively stable, averaging around 600 thousand per year. The period saw regulatory changes such as adjustments to company car taxes and excise duties in 2021, which may have influenced consumer spending patterns. In 2022, the retail landscape evolved with the entry of LIDL and the expansion of small-format stores by RIMI and MAXIMA, altering distribution channels for consumer goods. Concurrently, amendments to the Labor Law affected employment conditions, potentially impacting production costs for local manufacturers.

Production embroidery in Latvia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2020, the output of embroidery in Latvia was valued at 1,829 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 25.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,449 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.2%.

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

Exports embroidery from Latvia

Exports in kind, kg

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Embroidery deliveries from Latvia peaked in 2019 at 32,689 kg, then fell to their lowest point in 2021 at 11,968 kg, representing a 2.7-fold difference. In 2021, deliveries dropped by 4.9% compared to the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 61.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 140.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latvia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany were the main destinations for embroidery exports from Latvia in terms of volume. Finland accounted for 42.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 16.6%, and Germany for 9.8%, together making up 68.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, embroidery exports from Latvia increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 759.9 thousand US dollars, up by 13.3% year-on-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 671.0 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Belarus, and Finland were the primary markets for embroidery exports from Latvia in value terms. Estonia contributed 28.7% of exports, Belarus 24.1%, and Finland 16.0%, together accounting for 68.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports embroidery to Latvia

Imports in kind, kg

Cross-border shipments of embroidery to Latvia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Latvia imported approximately 4,173 kg of embroidery, which is 1.3% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latvia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, China, and Austria were the largest contributors to embroidery imports to Latvia in terms of volume. Turkey accounted for 27.0% of imports, China for 18.5%, and Austria for 10.5%, jointly making up 56.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, foreign embroidery supplies to Latvia increased in 2021. Imports totalled 377.2 thousand US dollars, which is 27.9% more compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 37.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 294.8 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 37.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, China, and Turkey were the main sources of embroidery imports to Latvia in value terms. Austria accounted for 38.2% of imports, China for 10.4%, and Turkey for 8.6%, together representing 57.3% of total imports.

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

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