Knitted or crocheted fabrics market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for knitted or crocheted fabrics in Portugal contracted from 71 490 t in 2018 to 53 582 t in 2023, with a significant downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The pandemic caused breaks in production and demand across the textile industry, leading to a sharp drop in imports which fell to 10 524 t in 2020 from 14 581 t the previous year.

In response, the industry focused on technological innovation, sustainability, and digitalization to adapt. Investments in automation, artificial intelligence, and circular economy projects, such as the 'Projeto Lusitano' for reusing recycled fibers, helped manufacturers shift towards higher-value products. This is reflected in the export value which reached 205.3 million $ in 2023 despite lower physical volumes, and the growth in production of certified technical textiles for sectors like automotive and sportswear.

Regulatory changes from the European Union, including the implementation of Directive (EU) 2025/1892 on textile waste collection and uniform labeling rules, further shaped the operating environment. Portuguese firms increasingly adopted rigorous environmental certifications like GRS and Öeko-Tex, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable and high-quality fabrics.

Production knitted or crocheted fabrics in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, Portugal's output of knitted or crocheted fabrics was valued at 439.5 million US dollars, marking a 9.2% decrease from the previous year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2019, Portugal produced 75 383 tonnes of knitted or crocheted fabrics, showing a moderate year-on-year decline of 5.9%.

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

Exports knitted or crocheted fabrics from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by volume increased in 2021, reaching 25 339 tonnes. This represents a 9.4% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 3.8%, averaging an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 23 166 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 4.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United States, and France were the core markets for Portugal's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by volume. Spain accounted for 19.2% of exports, the United States for 17.3%, and France for 16.2%. Together, these three countries represented 52.6% 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, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Portugal's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by value increased in 2021, amounting to 166.3 million US dollars. This was 23.0% higher than the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 135.2 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.2% decrease.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, France, and Germany were the main destinations for Portugal's exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by value. Spain held a 25.0% share, France 14.3%, and Germany 11.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 50.5% of total export 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 knitted or crocheted fabrics to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Portugal's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by volume rose in 2021, reaching 13 133 tonnes. This was a 24.8% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 17%, averaging an annualized decline of 6.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 10 524 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 27.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, China, and Italy were the primary sources for Portugal's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by volume. Spain contributed 28.4% of imports, China 25.4%, and Italy 15.5%. Together, these three countries made up 69.3% of total import 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, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of knitted or crocheted fabrics by value increased in 2021, totaling 134.9 million US dollars. This represented a dramatic 41.0% advance compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 10.3%, averaging an annualized rate of decline of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 95.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 32.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Italy, Spain, and China were the largest suppliers of knitted or crocheted fabrics to Portugal by value. Italy accounted for 28.6% of imports, Spain for 24.6%, and China for 11.3%. Collectively, these three countries formed 64.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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