Embroidery market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Portuguese embroidery market maintained its artisanal foundation, with traditional techniques like Bordado de Viana do Castelo adapting to contemporary tastes by using subtler colors. Companies such as Bordal continued rigorous quality control processes, supporting production for both domestic and export markets.

The market size declined to 24 296 thousand US dollars in 2020, primarily due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic on the textile and craft sectors. However, the crisis also boosted interest in embroidery as a hobby and accelerated the adoption of computerized embroidery for broader accessibility. By 2021, the market recovered to 26 799 thousand US dollars, driven by the growth of professional computerized embroidery machines that enabled multi-color and 3D designs, facilitating large-scale personalization and attracting new service providers for corporate, sports, and event wear.

From 2022 onward, the market experienced a renewed appreciation for national craftsmanship, with brands like Behén integrating traditional Portuguese embroidery into modern fashion collections. Sustained interest from younger generations in learning and commissioning traditional techniques, alongside the continued expansion of computerized embroidery services, highlighted the blend of heritage and innovation shaping the industry.

Production embroidery in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's embroidery output was valued at 25 691 K $ US, marking a 16.3% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 22 094 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 14.5%.

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

Exports embroidery from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's embroidery exports reached 32.7 t, a significant 59.2% rise from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 79.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 21.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 12.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, France, Spain, and Germany were the primary destinations for Portugal's embroidery exports in kind. France accounted for 57.2% of exports, Spain for 21.8%, and Germany for 5.8%, together representing 84.8% of total 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

The market exhibited volatility during this period, with a peak in 2021 and a trough in 2019, resulting in a 2.2-fold fluctuation. In 2021, Portugal exported 1 749 K $ US worth of embroidery, a sharp 75.0% increase from 2020. The lowest value was in 2019 at 802 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 14.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Spain were the key partners for Portugal's embroidery exports in value terms. France held 27.4% of exports, Germany 14.8%, and Spain 13.3%, collectively making up 55.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports embroidery to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's embroidery imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 65.9 t, a moderate 9.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 60.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Spain, and Italy were the main sources for Portugal's embroidery imports in kind. China accounted for 43.7% of imports, Spain for 24.5%, and Italy for 8.7%, together comprising 76.9% of total flows.

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 embroidery imports continued to decline for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 857 K $ US, a solid 10.8% drop compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 61.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.4%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, China, Italy, and Spain consistently led Portugal's embroidery imports in value terms. China represented 25.8% of imports, Italy 20.8%, and Spain 18.2%, jointly accounting for 64.8% of total flows.

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

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